Jane Goodall’s Roots & Shoots Youth Council USA

The Compassionate Leaders Our World Needs

Jane Goodall’s Roots & Shoots Youth Council USA is an example of what is possible when the imagination and passion of young people to make positive change is unleashed.

Since 1991, Dr. Jane and the Roots & Shoots program have inspired generations of young people like you to take action to help animals, people and the environment we all share. Today, in the face of challenging times, you are a beacon of hope and we want your spark to light up the whole world.

Meet the Roots & Shoots Youth Council USA!

These dynamic R&S changemakers organize and lead service projects in their communities addressing a range of issues from gun violence to stray animals to food insecurity to climate change.

Jane Goodall’s Roots & Shoots Youth Council USA is a group of passionate young leaders from across the United States learning, growing, and collaborating for impact. What’s more, members of the Roots & Shoots Youth Council (RSYC) create friendships, networks and memories that last a lifetime.

Being on the R&S Youth Council

During their time on the Council, these Roots & Shoots youth leaders gain new skills and support to expand their community service projects and collaborations. Council members participate in fun and comprehensive trainings including public speaking, community-mapping, service learning, and more. RSYC members have the opportunity to network with and mentor other Roots & Shoots members and to represent Roots & Shoots as ambassadors at events and conferences nationally (and even globally!).

Interested in joining the RSYC?

When you join Jane Goodall’s Roots & Shoots Youth Council USA, you:

• Gain essential, resume-building skills in creating impactful community projects;
• Grow your compassionate traits as you support other young people as changemakers;
• Are mentored by influential leaders and experts across fields;
• Participate in training and learn how to use digital tools to inspire action;
• Learn how to tell your story, to present on issues you care about, and to connect people to your passions;
• Represent Roots & Shoots across the country (and in some instances, globally!) for events and media and;
• Inspire this and the next generation to take action on behalf of people, other animals and the environment we share.

Who we’re looking for:

• Young people ages 14-21, who are current residents of the United States.
• Inspired Roots & Shoots members, who are implementing a project to solve a problem, and/or part of a local Roots & Shoots group or other service organizations.
• Youth who are passionate about the work of Roots & Shoots and the Jane Goodall Institute (JGI), as well as excited about being mentors to the Roots & Shoots network and the youth voice of JGI.

P.S. Review and print out this handy 📎 tip sheet for applying to the Roots & Shoots Youth Council!