Inspired by environmental superhero Dr. Jane Goodall, the Roots & Shoots Alliance is empowering young people to take action. Future conservationists in grades 4 and up are invited, individually or in groups, to share, envision, and inspire a bright future for Tampa Bay and its surrounding cities.
Spend a whole day hearing from your peers who are already doing amazing things, learn how you can make a difference, then stay and seize the rare opportunity to hear from Jane Goodall live and in person.
You will leave feeling your power! Head back to home, school, or clubs with fresh ideas and the knowledge to bring them to life. You might even make some new friends who really get you. We will focus on three areas with great potential to improve Tampa Bay’s future: our water, our shorelines, and our cities. Explore the full schedule of events below.
Parents and teachers are encouraged to register their students or contact Roots & Shoots for more information.
Dr. Jane Goodall, DBE, founder of the Jane Goodall Institute and UN Messenger of Peace, is a world-renowned ethologist and activist inspiring greater understanding and action on behalf of the natural world. She is a global icon spreading hope and turning it into meaningful positive impact to create a better world for people, other animals, and the planet we share. As part of her 90th birthday tour, Dr. Goodall will share her message of hope live, in a unique talk tailored for the Youth Environment Summit. And as you enter Tropicana Field, visit with over 50 local organizations dedicated to improving Tampa Bay’s environment. People of ALL ages are invited to this unforgettable experience.
Let’s keep the momentum going into Sunday by taking action to protect and improve our natural environment. Students, families, and members of the community have the chance to sign up for one of numerous service projects hosted by mission-driven organizations who are part of the Roots & Shoots Alliance. Bring your family, your friends, or your co-workers and show your love for Tampa Bay by volunteering for a service project.
Get started before the event:Help reduce plastic pollution by logging your plastic uses and refusals with Remora. Make it a habit every day!
Join the Remora community on the app developed locally by students and faculty at Eckerd College.
Download the app and watch the tutorial at getremora.org
Students (grades 4 & up) and their families are invited to learn about Tampa Bay’s unique ecosystem and plan a project to make a positive impact!
10:00 a.m. – 10:10 a.m. Welcoming Remarks
10:15 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. Youth Changemakers Panel
Join Caulin Donaldson (aka @TrashCaulin) and a panel of young changemakers from across Florida who are making a difference for our environment. Learn how they got started, what inspired them, challenges they’ve faced, and how they stay positive.
11:30 – 1:10 Inspiration Stations
What’s happening with our local environment and how can you make a difference? Hear from local environmental experts who will take you on a journey of discovery through our local ecosystems. Learn what it takes to have living shorelines, sustainable cities, and clean water, including examples of projects you can undertake to make a positive impact.
1:15 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. Lunch/Expo Hall Open
Grab something to eat and visit with local organizations to learn about opportunities to get involved and make a difference. Meet animals up close, make some art, or just chill out!
2:30 p.m. – 2:45 p.m. Say YES!
Students from Indi-ED in St. Petersburg will share their experiences with Roots & Shoots and how they said YES! to taking action for our local environment.
3:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. What’s My Plan?
Join fellow Summit participants and expert mentors to develop a conservation project. This engaging session will walk you through the process of identifying an issue to address, coming up with a solution, and outlining your project goals and action steps.
3:45 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. What Else Do I Need to Know?
Now that you have a project in mind, what other skills will be helpful in accomplishing your goal? Possible session topics include: climate change policy & advocacy, presentation skills, communicating about the environment, making content for digital communications, environmental justice, college majors/careers in environmental science, using technology in environmental conservation, and more.
4:30 p.m. Youth Environment Summit adjourns. Stick around to see Dr. Goodall speak at 7:00 p.m.!
