Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is Roots & Shoots?
2. How is Roots & Shoots different from other programs?
3. Who is Roots & Shoots for?
4. How many Roots & Shoots groups are there in Canada?
5. What do Roots & Shoots groups do?
6. How many people do I need to start a group?
7. When will I receive my welcome package?
8. How do I start?
9. How much time to I need to commit as a member/a leader?
10. What types of projects do Roots & Shoots members do?
11. I am part of a Roots & Shoots group already. How can I be more involved?
12. How do I find groups in my area?
13. How can I support Roots & Shoots without starting a group?
14. What resources and services can Roots & Shoots offer me/my group?
15. Can Dr. Goodall visit my group?
16. I’m interested in learning more about Dr. Jane and wild chimpanzees. What resources do you have to help my studies?
What is Roots & Shoots?
Roots & Shoots is the Jane Goodall Institute's global network of youth taking action to make the world a better place for people, animals and the environment. The program is guided by the founding principles and extraordinary vision of Dr. Jane Goodall, renowned primatologist, environmentalist and humanitarian.
Roots & Shoots provides training, resources and support to young people who want to lead. Individuals and groups can register online at www.rootsandshoots.ca to become members. They then belong to a network of 100,000 youth, in over 100 countries globally, who take on action projects to address issues that are important to them.
Roots & Shoots goes beyond motivating youth to learn about the issues facing our local and global communities—it helps them design, lead and implement their own projects to address the issues.
Anyone can start or join a group in any setting: friends, classrooms, nature centres, zoos, scout troops, existing club or a mix of family and neighbours, etc... Groups can range in size from 2 to 200 people!
With Roots & Shoots, the possibilities are as varied as young people's imaginations! Our flexible model lets members customize projects to meet their individual and group needs. Our simple yet holistic approach maximizes youth engagement because projects are driven by the interests and abilities of the participants. Kids are encouraged to develop projects that matter to them. The type of projects vary, based on age, interests and community needs, but the common thread across Roots & Shoots service projects is our methodology: knowledge, compassion, action.
How is Roots & Shoots different from other programs?
Our history, flexibility, international network and youth-driven programs.
- History: Our roots are unique and special. We were founded by 16 Tanzanian students and Dr. Jane Goodall in 1991. We continue to be inspired by the leadership and legacy of Dr. Jane. Her pioneering idea that each individual can make a difference is the foundation of Roots & Shoots.
- Flexibility: Our learning model of knowledge, compassion, action provides a flexible structure for group activities, with room for seemingly endless creativity in application. Our members have formed Roots & Shoots groups in almost any context: classrooms, home school groups, families, neighbourhoods, community centers, zoos and nature centers, museums, 4-H clubs, scout troops, even prisons.
- International network: Roots & Shoots members on every continent, and in more than 100 countries, make connections far beyond their home communities, fostering a better understanding of cultures and ecosystems.
- Youth-driven projects: We believe young people have the power to make a difference, and we offer our groups the tools and inspiration they need to plan and implement projects that are truly youth-led. We incorporate our young members' perspective into our strategic planning and foster leadership skills through opportunities such as the Youth Leadership Council
Who is Roots & Shoots for?
Roots & Shoots is an all-ages community of youth. You are never too young to make a difference! Roots & Shoots groups range in age from pre-schoolers to university students. But knowledge, compassion and action know no age limit, so we also have a growing number of adult members as well! Most groups below the college level involve an adult mentor or sponsor.
Our groups are:
- Friends
- University clubs
- Classrooms
- After-school/Lunch time clubs
- Home schoolers
- Families and neighbours
- Scout/Guide troops/4H clubs, etc.
- Zoo/museum/science centre drop-in programs
- Community centre camps/drop-in programs
- Faith groups
How many Roots & Shoots groups are there in Canada?
We are growing everyday! There are over 400 groups and 200 individual members, spanning almost every Canadian province.
Groups take action on issues that are relevant and important to their communities. Groups can be as structured or unstructured as their members decide, and they can address whichever issues members are passionate about.
Individual Roots & Shoots members use our website and e-communications to stay up to date on events, campaigns and contests, and get involved however best suits their needs. If you are an individual member seeking to become part of an existing Roots & Shoots group, just visit the global website to locate a group in your area that is accepting new members, and send a message to that group asking to join. You can also contact us to get information about groups in your vicinity.
What do Roots & Shoots groups do?
Roots & Shoots is about taking action! Groups complete service projects that work to make a positive difference for people, animals and the environment in their own communities and beyond. Projects focus on one or all of these areas and can be large or small. Groups can take part in a variety of campaigns, or they can design their own projects. You can refer to our website and the Project Database on the global website for examples of projects.
Members participate as individuals, in local groups and as part of a global network. Projects should be based on an authentic community need and involve young people in every step of the planning and implementation. Roots & Shoots is guided by Dr. Jane's philosophy that "every individual matters, every individual has a role to play, every individual makes a difference."
How many people do I need to start a group?
There is no group too large or too small. We have groups as small as two people and some with more than 800 members. Individual members are welcome too!
When will I receive my welcome package?
After registering at www.rootsandshoots.ca, you will be emailed a welcome package within 24 hours (Monday to Friday). You will receive an additional email within two weeks, notifying you that your account has been set up on the global website.
How do I start?
Whether you are one person, a small or large group, or one person looking to start your own group, you can register for free and easily on our website.
If you are looking to join an existing group in your area, visit the global Roots & Shoots website to search for a group near you. Locate a group in your area that is accepting new members, and send a message to that group asking to join. You can also contact us to get information about groups in your vicinity.
How much time to I need to commit as a member/a leader?
Our flexible program means you can devote as much or as little time as you'd like. How much time you commit to Roots & Shoots projects is up to you and can be based on the needs of your community and the availability of your group members. A lot depends on the size of your group, the ages involved and the types of projects you want to do. Many Roots & Shoots groups meet weekly. Others meet once or twice a month. Some groups appoint a leadership committee that meets more often to plan activities for meetings with the larger group. Be creative!
What types of projects do Roots & Shoots members do?
Projects can be simple - individual efforts such as recycling your family's trash, or larger group efforts requiring a lot of people-power - like organizing to clean up a major urban park. Any project that helps the human community, preserves the lives of animals or improves the environment, fits within the Roots & Shoots goals.
Here are some examples of action that our groups have taken:
- Food or clothing drive
- Helping at an animal shelter
- Help out at local senior centers
- Plant butterfly gardens, build bird houses, etc.
- Educate others about endangered species
- Promote practices to reduce household energy use.
Projects can also be global in scope (e.g. the Leading Light Initiative, raising money for chimpanzees in our sanctuaries).
Our website includes project ideas and resources to help jump-start your ideas. Check out our resources page for ideas.
I am part of a Roots & Shoots group already. How can I be more involved?
If you are a youth between 16 and 25 years old, consider applying to sit on the Roots & Shoots Youth Leadership Council, which brings together exemplary youth to make Roots & Shoots stronger. Council members are Roots & Shoots ambassadors who provide support and mentorship to Roots & Shoots groups in their regions, contribute to the development of Roots & Shoots campaigns, resources and communications, and build friendships and leadership skills.
Also, consider getting involved with Roots & Shoots on the national and international levels by participating in our campaigns, or link with other groups in your area to increase your impact!
How do I find groups in my area?
Roots & Shoots groups thrive in more than 120 countries around the world, so chances are there is a Roots & Shoots group near you. Visit the global Roots & Shoots website to find a group in your area.
You can also send us an email to connect to groups across Canada.
As a YLC member, it is also your responsibility to provide support for groups in your area. That is, you can help get projects off the ground by sharing project ideas and providing leadership for new groups. We will provide you with a list of members in your area, that will be updated regularly, to connect and keep in touch with.
How can I support Roots & Shoots without starting a group?
There are several ways you can contribute to Roots & Shoots:
- Join an existing group: If you want to become part of an existing Roots & Shoots group, visit the global website to locate a group in your area that is accepting new members, and send a message to that group asking to join. You can also contact us to get information about groups in your vicinity.
- Volunteer: Learn about our current volunteer opportunities or contact us to discuss options. You can also volunteer for events that happen throughout the year.
- Share Your Knowledge: Do you have a specific skill or expertise that you'd like to share? Connect with a Roots & Shoots group near you to conduct a how-to presentation, host a field trip or provide technical advice and guidance on a Roots & Shoots project.
- Donate: Roots & Shoots is a program of the Jane Goodall Institute, a non-profit, registered charity. Your donation will allow Roots & Shoots to reach more youth across Canada, and expand its member programming and support for community youth action projects. Donate on our website.
What resources and services can Roots & Shoots offer me/my group?
Why become a member?
Roots & Shoots in Action 
Members' Corner 
