Joining the Network

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.

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.

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.

To learn about our membership options and find one that best suits your needs, visit the Membership Benefit Comparison chart.

You can receive the Branch Out eNewsletter even if you aren't a member. Sign up today.

Basic Online Membership is free! You can register your group and be eligible to receive the free resources we provide.

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! 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. 

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. 

Learn about volunteer opportunities in regional and national Roots & Shoots offices in our Volunteer Opportunities listing. 

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!

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.

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.