Roots & Shoots Canada Youth Leadership Council

Welcome to the 2010 Youth Leadership Council!

This year's YLC is comprised of 11 enthusiastic and accomplished youth, who are passionate about people, animals and the environment. They come from a diversity of backgrounds, with distinct interests and experiences, and are already leaders in their communities. After a successful inaugural year in Ontario, the Council has broadened its geographical range this year, comprising members who live in British Columbia, Ontario and Nova Scotia. This will bring a truly national perspective to Roots & Shoots, and allow the YLC to better support and mentor local Roots & Shoots groups across the country, providing them with resources and ideas to get active!

The primary role of Council members will be to:

• Advise staff and contribute to the development of Roots & Shoots campaigns, resources and communications
• Support and mentor local Roots & Shoots groups with information, ideas and inspiration
• Deliver presentations to schools and community groups to raise awareness about conservation
• Volunteer at and organize events, and support volunteers in your area
• Become a Roots & Shoots ambassador to increase membership in the program
• Build friendships and leadership skills at annual retreat

Check out the member profiles to find out more about each member of the new YLC.

Visit this page to read about the 2008-2009 YLC members.

Canada-US YLC Collaboration

We are excited to annouce that the US and Canada YLCs have joined forces to share their experiences and collaborate on cross-border initiatives.

Both national councils share the vision that regardless of geographic location and borders, they can work together to fulfill the objectives of Jane Goodall's Roots & Shoots program. The Roots & Shoots motto “The Power of Youth is Global”, is central to this collaboration and the great potential that this partnership has in creating a better world. Each YLC will elect a representative to sit in on the other`s Council. This representative will play a crucial role in strengthening the relationship between Roots & Shoots Canada and Roots & Shoots USA. By creating a stronger connection between our two countries, the YLCs hope to work together in taking on larger challenges and realizing even more significant goals.

The US National Youth Leadership Council (NYLC) has elected Lauren Gibson to represent the US NYLC on the Canadian YLC. Lauren is a member of the Great Lakes Regional YLC and also a part of the NYLC. Read her profile here. Lauren joined in on the Canadian YLC`s second monthly meeting in February 2010, and will continue to be a part of the YLC`s future meetings. Lauren also joined the YLC for their leadership retreat this March, and has already been a big part in contributing to what the Canadian YLC has planned for the year.

The Canadian YLC has elected Shailyn Drukis as the Canadian representative to the US NYLC. Check out Shailyn`s profile.   We look forward to working with the US NYLC to make impactful positive changes for people, animlas and the environment.