Activities and Requirements

What types of projects do Roots & Shoots members do?

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 30:

1. Be currently registered as a Roots & Shoots group.

2. 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.

 

3. Submit a Project Report to the Roots & Shoots Project Database for each project (at least three total).

4. Submit the Recognition Application Form.

5. 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.


 

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.
  • 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 featured in Project of the Week or Group of the Month?

Each week we select a recent project to feature as a Project of the Week. Projects that are chosen typically:

  • Have a measurable community benefit or impact.
  • Include enough detail so that another Roots & Shoots group can repeat it.
  • Are creative! 

Each month, from these featured projects, we choose one group to honor with Group of the Month. Groups who receive this feature often:

  • Plan at least one project for people, one for animals and one for the environment.
  • Report multiple projects in the Project Database.
  • Have a current Group Membership.

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.