Frequently Asked Questions
The Roots & Shoots Program
Activities and Requirements
Joining Roots & Shoots
Student and Educator Benefits
Member Benefits
Roots & Shoots Members
The Roots & Shoots Program
What is Roots & Shoots?
Roots & Shoots is the Jane Goodall Institute's international environmental and humanitarian program for youth of all ages. It is a fun and exciting way for young people to learn about problems and issues in their local communities and then discover ways to make the world a better place. All projects are focused on improving the lives of people, animals and the environment. Kids who belong to Roots & Shoots groups have the opportunity to network with R&S members from around the world to learn about other cultures and gain a deeper understanding of the global impact of their actions. Learn more.
What is the Roots & Shoots mission?
- To foster respect and compassion for all living things
- To promote understanding of all cultures and beliefs
- To inspire each individual to take action to make the world a better place for people, animals and the environment.
What makes Roots & Shoots different from other service organizations?
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. Learn more about our history.
- 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, neighborhoods, community centers, zoos and nature centers, museums, 4-H clubs, scout troops, even prisons.
- International network: Roots & Shoots members on every continent, and in almost 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 regional and national strategic planning and foster leadership skills through opportunities such as the Roots & Shoots Youth Leadership Councils.
Member and Group Activities and Requirements
What types of projects do Roots & Shoots members do?
All Roots & Shoots members undertake service projects in their communities to make a positive difference for people, animals and the environment. 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." View our Project Database.
What are examples of typical projects?
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. How about holding a food or clothing drive or helping at an animal shelter? Many Roots & Shoots groups help out at local senior centers, plant butterfly gardens, build bird houses, educate others about endangered species or promote practices to reduce household energy use. Any project that helps the human community, preserves the lives of animals or improves the environment, fits within the Roots & Shoots goals. Our website includes project ideas and resources to help jump-start your ideas. View our Project Database and Resource Center.
What is a Certificate of Recognition?
This certificate, signed by Dr. Jane, recognizes outstanding Roots & Shoots groups for achievement in their projects. Your group can earn a Certificate of Recognition by doing each of the following by May 15, 2009:
1. Complete service projects (at least three total) covering each of the following three areas:
- Care and Concern for the Environment
- Care and Concern for Animals
- Care and Concern for the Human Community
At least one of these projects must be long-term, lasting more than one or two days.
2. Submit a Project Report to the Roots & Shoots Project Database for each project (at least three total).
3. Submit at least two recent photos of your group members in action during a project, accompanied by a model release form and a media release form for each photo. Email photo submissions and completed release forms to roots-shoots@janegoodall.org with "Certificate of Recognition" in the subject line.
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I need project ideas!
There are several places on our website to get ideas for activities and projects:
- The Project Database is an online tool full of ideas and descriptions of projects that groups have done.
- We offer a number of educational activity packets at our online store.
- Other project ideas and resources are available in our online Resource Center.
My group is looking for a project that is global in scope.
There are several places on our website to learn about global initiatives:
- Campaigns: Check out our website frequently, as we always have different campaigns geared to help you learn about and take action on a global issue.
- Discussion Boards, Find a Group and Project Database: connect with groups around the world with our online networking tools.
- Global Connections Resources: available in our Resource Center.
- Partnerships in Understanding: This program partners Roots & Shoots groups worldwide to allow youth to create global connections and enhance cultural awareness. This program is run by JGI Canada and pairs groups from North America with groups from around the world. The partners share emails, letters, pictures, videos and more from their community and culture. Partnerships in Understanding breaks down distance barriers to bring young people around the world closer together.
How can I get my group into the Newsletter or eNewsletter?
We select groups and projects based on the project reports that are submitted. The Roots & Shoots staff publishes stories and images of group projects. There is no process for applying to have your group featured, but the best way to increase your chance of appearing is to submit reports for every project you complete, accompanied by high-quality photos. Please read through our media submission policy and be sure to submit media release and model release forms for all photos.
Joining Roots & Shoots
How do I start a group?
If you're under 13 years old, find an adult mentor/advisor for your group. It could be your parent or teacher or anyone who wants to help you make the world a better place for all living things. If you're 13 years old or older, you can start a group, and/or become a group leader. The first step is to register with us online to get access to all the resources you need. Get Involved.
How do I join an existing group?
If you want to become part of an existing Roots & Shoots group, visit our Find a Group feature on our website. Locate a group in your area that is accepting new members, and send a message to that group asking to join.
I want to email a group in the Find a Group directory, but I don't see an email address. How do I contact them?
Some of our groups are in a school classroom or are a family and thus do not accept outside members. However, there may be groups that simply have not updated their profiles to allow potential members to email them. If you would like the Roots & Shoots National Office to contact a group on your behalf, please contact us.
Which type of Roots & Shoots membership is best for me?
To learn about our membership options and find one that best suits your needs, visit the Membership Benefit Comparison chart.
Do I have to be a Roots & Shoots member to receive the Branch Out eNewsletter?
You can receive the Branch Out eNewsletter even if you aren't a member. Sign up today.
How much does it cost to join Roots & Shoots?
Basic Online Membership is free! You can register your group and be eligible to receive the free resources we provide.
Premium Online Membership costs $25 annually and entitles you to the features of Basic Online Membership plus additional tools. This is the membership choice for individual members.
Group Online Membership: Groups of up to 50 members pay a fee of $50 annually to obtain our network services on the web. The fee is for the group as a whole; there is no fee for individual members of your group. Group online membership enables your group members to participate in all of our web features!
Join today!
How young, or how old, must I be to become a member of Roots & Shoots?
Youth of all ages can join Roots & Shoots. You are never too young to make a difference! Roots & Shoots members traditionally range from pre-K students to university students. But knowledge, compassion and action know no age limit, so we also have a growing number of adult groups! If you are 13 or older, you can use our online Discussion Boards. Most groups below the college level involve an adult mentor or sponsor. Regardless of age, all Roots & Shoots leaders and members care about the future of our planet and know that kids have an incredible energy and power that can change the world.
How much time do 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! Get Involved.
How can I become a Roots & Shoots volunteer?
Learn about volunteer opportunities in regional and national Roots & Shoots offices in our Volunteer Opportunities listing.
I am a teacher who already participates in service-learning projects in my classroom. Why should I join Roots & Shoots?
Roots & Shoots has a flexible, affordable learning model that energizes your students, empowers them to make real, positive changes in your community and adapts to your curriculum. Consider the ways Roots & Shoots enhances your students' learning experience, not just this year, but into the future. Students will:
- Make community service more meaningful and have a lasting impact
- Understand their power to make a difference
- Connect with their communities and the larger world
- Share ideas and information with young people in other countries
- Enhance their cultural awareness
- Learn about global environmental and humanitarian issues
- Gain leadership and organizational skills
Visit our Educators Section for more information, and see what current Roots & Shoots educators have to say!
I am part of a Roots & Shoots group already. How can I be more involved?
Consider applying to sit on one of the Roots & Shoots Youth Leadership Councils, which bring together exemplary youth to make Roots & Shoots stronger. The councils meet monthly to coordinate Roots & Shoots groups in their regions. 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 through our Find a Group function and Discussion Boards.
What are the Roots & Shoots Youth Leadership Councils?
The Roots Shoots Youth Leadership Councils are for Roots & Shoots members who want to develop their leadership skills on a broader level. On these councils, dynamic 14- to 20-year-olds with a knack for leading and inspiring others to contribute to Roots & Shoots groups as dedicated youth ambassadors. Members meet regularly to provide support for other Roots & Shoots groups and strengthen the global Roots & Shoots network.
Student and Educator Benefits
What are the benefits of the Roots & Shoots learning model?
The Roots & Shoots learning model is flexible, affordable and customizable to fit individual and group needs.
What tools and resources are available to students and teachers?
We offer resources for sharing ideas and inspiration, planning projects and networking together. Visit our Educators Section to learn more.
I'm interested in learning more about Dr. Jane and wild chimpanzees. What resources do you have to help my studies?
Check out Dr. Jane's Study Corner on the Jane Goodall Institute's website for information specially geared toward students. For more information on chimpanzees, visit Chimpanzee Central on JGI's website. If you're working on a term paper or study project, you will want to reference Dr. Jane's published books. Here are some suggestions for further reading:
- My Friends the Wild Chimpanzees. 1967. Washington, DC: The National Geographic Society
- My Life with the Chimpanzees. 1988. New York: Simon and Schuster
- The Chimpanzees I Love. 2001. New York: Scholastic Press
- Reason for Hope. 1999. New York: Warner Books
Can I get Dr. Jane to visit my group/school?
Jane Goodall welcomes the opportunity to speak to groups in both public and private settings. She travels and speaks more than 300 days per year and receives far more speaking invitations than she is able to accept. Dr. Jane and her team seriously consider each request and weigh them against her limited time and increasing demands. Dr. Jane prefers venues that can accommodate multiple Roots & Shoots groups. To submit your request for consideration, please fill out the lecture tour request form. Dr. Jane's tour coordinators will respond to each request as promptly as possible; please allow 2-3 weeks for processing.
Member Benefits
Why become a member?
Members have access to exclusive Roots & Shoots tools that are not available to non-members, like our Project Database and Discussion Boards. And as a member, you become part of a vibrant network of concerned, motivated people working around the world to make a positive difference for people, animals and the environment.
What are the membership options?
Memberships are tiered so that participants can join at a financial and activity level that is comfortable for them. You can sign up for a Group or Individual membership. See our Membership Signup page for details.
What is the Roots & Shoots Handbook?
The Roots & Shoots Handbook, formerly, the Coordinator's Manual, is a great resource for new groups, filled with ideas to help you get your group up and running. Premium individual members and group leaders can access it in our Resource Center.
Help! I need funding.
We encourage our groups to use their creativity to plan low-cost projects, but we recognize that sometimes funds are required. Check our Resource Center for fundraising tips and ideas.
I am a registered Roots & Shoots member, but I do not know my password. How do I log in to the website?If you are an existing registered member, you can create a
login here.
How do I update my information?To update your member information, click "my profile" in the upper right-hand corner. You can change your password, email, address and phone numbers and allow other website users to contact you through private message. Make sure to keep your information current to receive the eNewsletter, print newsletter and invitations to special events.
How do I update my group's profile?To update your group's profile you must be listed as the group leader. Click "my profile" and in the bottom left-hand corner of the screen you will see a link to your group's profile. Be sure to indicate whether or not your group is accepting new members.
How do I get website logins for my group members?If you are a group leader, you can assign individual website logins for up to 50 of your members. Login, go to "my profile" and click the "Group Members" tab. Complete the member information under "Invite Additional Members" and click Enter. After you are done entering all of the group members you wish to invite, click "Send Email To Members." Your members will then be sent an email inviting them to join your group.
How do I submit a Project Report? After logging in to the website, you will see a box that reads "Submit A Project Report." Click this box, and you will be taken through the steps of posting your project to the Project Database. Submitting your projects is helpful to other members as well as to the Roots & Shoots National and Regional Offices.
I've submitted my Project Report to the Project Database but I also have photos. How do I submit them?To submit photos from your group's projects you can either
email them or mail hard copy versions to the
USA National Office. In the future, members will be able to directly upload their photos to the website.
Is it possible to have two group leaders for our group? How do we both get website logins?It is not currently possible for two group leaders to have access to the group profile. However, two leaders can either choose to share login information or list one leader as a member.
When will I receive my New Membership Kit?Roots & Shoots no longer sends New Membership Kits in the mail. You now have instant access to all the Roots & Shoots resources once you become a member. Downloadable PDF resources, including the Roots & Shoots Handbook (formerly, the Coordinator's Manual), are at your fingertips in the
Resource Center.
Why am I no longer receiving the weekly Roots & Shoots listserv?The weekly listserv has been replaced with "The DIRT," which is distributed in the monthly eNewsletter and updated weekly. You can view "The DIRT" on the
News/Events page to find the most updated information on grants and awards, online resources and events.
Why did the annual Roots & Shoots group membership fee increase?There are now more membership options, ranging from $0-50. The Group Leader gives the group leader and up to 50 group members access to all the online tools. View the
Benefit Comparison chart to see which option is best for you.
What's the difference between the Roots & Shoots Handbook and the Coordinator's Manual?The Roots & Shoots Handbook is the updated version of the Coordinator's Manual. It includes information about the Roots & Shoots website and the latest membership changes. The Roots & Shoots Handbook is available to
Premium Members as a PDF in the Resource Center.
It doesn't look like my state is covered by a regional office. Whom should I contact for support?
Roots & Shoots is continually working to expand. Eventually we hope to have regional offices serving all 50 U.S.states. Regional offices are established in areas where there is financial support and a large amount of Roots & Shoots activity. If you do not live in a state covered by a regional office, you can contact the National Office for support. We gladly accept donations to help expand the Roots & Shoots network.
