The 4 Steps of Roots & Shoots
These steps have been honed over more than two decades of working with hundreds of thousands of young people around the world. Each step is self-directed, and connects your passion to your community’s needs.
Jane’s Legacy: Inspiring Hope Through Action
The largest youth-led conservation movement on earth working with young people in over 65 countries.
We guide young leaders, teachers and communities to design and deliver grassroots projects that matter most. Our focus in on growth, action, and long-term impact – inspiring hope through hands-on change
What is Roots & Shoots?
In 1991, Dr Jane Goodall gathered a group of inspired students around a kitchen table in Tanzania.
That small meeting became Roots & Shoots — now a global movement spanning 65+ countries and empowering more than a million young people to lead change for people, animals, and the environment.
It’s Jane’s living legacy — a movement of hope in action.
Roots & Shoots empowers young people everywhere to create positive change for people, animals, and the environment — building a more compassionate and sustainable world.Through education, practical tools, and a global network of peers, we help young people lead positive change in their schools, communities, and beyond. Each action — no matter how small — contributes to a worldwide movement of hope, resilience, and sustainability.
Step 1: Get Inspired
In the first step of the Roots & Shoots journey, we want you to get inspired to make a difference.
On your journey of inspiration, you’ll learn about Jane and be inspired by stories of young people making a real difference in their own backyards.
Step 2: Observe and Understand
In order to make your community a better place for people, other animals and the environment, you need to first understand who lives there and if everyone’s needs are being met.
Step 3: Take Action
It’s now time to determine which community issue you’re going to tackle and design and implement a plan to get it done!
Step 4: Celebrate Your Impact
In the final and very important step of the Roots & Shoots journey, celebrate all that you’ve accomplished for animals, people, and the environment.
Why Join?
Be a Changemaker
Discover your ability to make real change and lead projects you care about
Connect Globally
Join a worldwide network of young people in 60+ countries working together for a better planet.
Build Skills
Gain experience in leadership, teamwork, and environmental care while solving real problems in your community.
Take Action
Protect animals, support people, and restore the environment with local projects that deliver measurable impact.
Looking for Inspiration?
Project Ideas
Classroom Recycling Station
Set up simple bins for paper, plastics, and compost in your classroom. Teach students to sort waste correctly and create lasting recycling habits that reduce landfill every day.
Upcycle Art Project
Turn everyday waste like bottles, boxes, or cans into creative artworks. Students showcase recycled pieces around school, sparking conversation about reducing waste while celebrating imagination and sustainability.
Waste-Free Lunch Challenge
Encourage sustainable habits by reducing plastic and food waste during school lunches. Students monitor their impact, share creative waste-free tips, and help build a culture of sustainability within their community.
Habitat Boxes for Local Species
Design and install nest boxes for birds, possums, or bats. Students provide safe shelter for native species, learn construction skills, and directly contribute to the survival of local wildlife.
ReWild Your School Garden and Native Corridor
Turn school grounds into thriving habitats by planting native species, restoring green spaces, and creating safe corridors for wildlife. Students learn firsthand how nature can flourish with care.
Creek Clean-Up with Water Testing
Combine action with science by cleaning local waterways and testing water quality. Students reduce pollution, protect aquatic life, and collect data that informs the community about healthy ecosystems.
Pollinator Patch and Insect Hotels
Support biodiversity by planting pollinator-friendly flowers and building insect hotels. This project gives bees, butterflies, and beneficial insects safe spaces, while teaching students about ecosystem health and food chains.
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