Get Involved

The Roots & Shoots National Youth Leadership Council accepts new members in the beginning of each calendar year. Applications for new members are open during the Fall. Read on below to learn more about what's involved when you become a member of the Council and how the application process works. 

If you're interested in joining the Council, the Roots & Shoots team also has some tips to help you prepare.

 Applicants to the 2013 National Youth Leadership Council must be:

  • United States citizens.
  • high school students (9th-12th grades) in 2013.
  • committed members of their local Roots & Shoots group or other community organizations.
  • passionate about the missions of Roots & Shoots and the Jane Goodall Institute.
  • interested in developing their leadership skills and their national and international youth leader network.
  • excited about being mentors to the greater Roots & Shoots network, and about acting as the youth voice of the Jane Goodall Institute.


Membership on the National Youth Leadership Council is a serious commitment of time and energy. If selected by the membership committee, you must agree to:

  • Serve a one-year term on the Council, January-December 2013 (renewable up to 12th grade).
  • Receive and respond to Council emails a minimum of twice per week.
  • Attend and participate in at least 22 out of 24 term meetings/conference calls and/or professional development seminars. Meetings are twice a month and approximately one hour in duration, some may go longer.
  • With support and guidance from Roots & Shoots staff and fellow NYLC members, complete a minimum of one community project annually.
  • Commit a minimum of 10 hours per month on projects, campaigns, committee work, and events.
  • Adhere to monthly project and service hour reporting requirements.
  • Participate in regional outreach, events, conferences, and campaigns, including presentations to the general public, schools and partners.
  • Participate in national events and campaigns including:

- National Youth Leadership Retreat, a week-long out-of-state trip*
- the Jane Goodall Institute’s Help a Habitat Campaign

  • Set and achieve personal measurable goals.
  • Assist with Roots & Shoots fundraising efforts.


* Invitation to attend the retreat is dependent upon successful completion of NYLC program requirements. Attending the retreat may require fundraising and out-of-state travel (Roots & Shoots staff can assist with fundraising ideas and support).

Application Process

  1. Submit completed application, including supporting materials, one letter of recommendation, and parent/guardian acknowledgement and signature by November 12, 2012.

  2. Phone/Skype interviews with two current National Youth Leadership Council members, November 19-December 12, 2012.

  3. References and Parent/Guardians may be contacted, November 19-December 12, 2012.

  4. Applicants will be notified by December 21, 2012.

  5. First Council meeting January 7, 2013.