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Roots & Shoots is a program of The Jane Goodall Institute. In 1991, 16 local teenagers met with Dr. Jane Goodall on her back porch in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. They were eager to discuss a range of problems they knew about from first-hand experience that caused them deep concern.

Their discussion covered many topics that weren’t in their school curriculum including pollution in the city, deforestation in the mountains, the welfare of domestic animals and the future of wild animals including Dr. Jane’s threatened chimpanzees .

These motivated young people wanted to learn more, they were willing to take action and they hoped that their peers would join with them to help make a difference. Dr. Jane was impressed by their compassion, their energy and their desire to develop a grassroots style solution to problems. Although Dr. Jane was involved in their meetings, the project was carried out totally by the teens. This first–ever Roots & Shoots project was local: educating villagers about more humane treatment of chickens at home and in the region’s markets. It was a small program, but encompassed all the hallmarks of what makes Roots & Shoots so special even today: youth-driven projects fueled by knowledge, compassion and action.

Today, the Roots & Shoots network has blossomed into tens of thousands of members in close to 100 countries, all working on local and global community service projects. Many of our original members are still involved, continually finding new projects and new ways to make our world a better place. Dr. Goodall’s unique, flexible model for youth engagement, aided by resources and guidance provided by Roots & Shoots leaders and staff, is what sets the Roots & Shoots program apart from the rest.

The Roots & Shoots program is about making positive change happen—for our communities, for animals and for the environment. And it all starts with you! With tens of thousands of young people in almost 100 countries, the Roots & Shoots network branches out across the globe, connecting youth of all ages who share a common desire to help make our world a better place. This powerful, youth-driven network fosters a fun, flexible and supportive environment where young people and adults alike come together to share ideas and inspiration, implement successful community service projects and participate in special events and global campaigns.

Official website: www.rootsandshoots.org