New England Roots & Shoots

Handy links to our regional website

2009-08-04T11:50:00.000-07:00

Have you checked out the Roots & Shoots New England Regional Website yet?

It's full of ways to help you figure out how to get involved. Click on the links below so you can be sure you have all the information you need, including

Staying up to date on local activities and upcoming events with our events calendar.
Connecting with other groups in your region on our network page.
Browsing through our news & projects to learn more about our past projects and getting involved with our current campaigns.

Be sure to check out the Roots & Shoots New England Regional Website to access all of this information and learn even more about what we're up to!

Visit us at our new Regional Website!

2009-02-13T07:13:00.000-08:00

It is now even easier to get involved with Roots & Shoots New England!

The Roots & Shoots New England Office is pleased to announce that our regional website is up and running! We are very excited to be the first R&S regional office to have this opportunity and we are looking forward to all of the great benefits a regional website will provide.

Stay up to date on local activities and upcoming events with our events calendar, connect with other groups in the region, check out news stories and pictures from past events and find out how to participate in R&S campaigns!

Click here to learn more: Roots & Shoots New England Regional Website

Youth Summit and Peace Day 2008 Photos

2008-10-07T08:33:00.000-07:00

Click on the links and check out the photos from the Youth Summit and Peace Day 2008. Also, feel free to join the Roots & Shoots New England Facebook group and share your own pictures!

http://www.tabblo.com/studio/stories/shared/28111/hjfsmrgobe0152k

http://www.tabblo.com/studio/stories/shared/28115/1bneytjza7g6co4

Roots & Shoots New England Youth Leader Position Description and Application

2008-10-02T12:23:00.000-07:00

Roots & Shoots New England Youth Leader

Position Description
Roots & Shoots New England needs a few high-energy, goal-oriented Roots & Shoots youth who seek a deeper commitment to the Roots & Shoots youth network. As a member of the New England Youth Leadership Council, the Youth Leader is responsible for engaging other youth in regional events, programs and youth campaigns. The Youth Leader also supports local Roots & Shoots groups and reaches out to establish new groups. This position fosters connections and friendship among our members.

Qualifications:

• Roots & Shoots member, experienced in planning and implementing service projects.

• Independent, self-motivated and reliable.

• A team player.

• Willing to travel locally and within the region to attend required events.

Roots & Shoots offers you:

• A local, regional, national and international networking opportunity.

• Opportunities for training in leadership, advocacy and other important skills.

• Roots & Shoots name tag, business cards and shirt.

• An opportunity to apply for participation in the Global Youth Summit.

• An opportunity to participate in the Youth Leadership Immersion Experience in Tanzania.

• Valuable skills and experience transferable to school, career and life.

You will be required to:

• Commit to the Council for two years.

• Commit a minimum average of 10 hours/month to your Roots & Shoots Youth Leadership activities.

• Work with the Youth Leadership Support Staff to define personal measurable goals as a Youth Leader.

• Attend monthly meetings in person or by telephone conference.

• Participate as a speaker, facilitator or table representative at presentations, group orientations, events or conferences within your local area.

• Participate in regional outreach, events, conferences, campaigns and summits including:

o New England Regional Youth Summit in the fall.

o New England Peace Through the Arts Campaign.

o Presenting Roots & Shoots to the general public, schools and partners.

• Participate in national events, campaigns and summits including:

o National Youth Leadership Retreat, a 2-3 day out-of-state trip.

o National Roots & Shoots campaigns such as Rebirth the Earth and Drop of Hope.

• Volunteer time to Dr. Jane Goodall’s lecture tour when she comes to New England.

• Recruit and support local youth for the Roots & Shoots New England Youth Corps.

• Create and lead campaigns such the national Drop of Hope water campaign and the regional Peace Through the Arts campaign.

• Receive and respond to council emails a minimum of twice a week.

• Support Roots & Shoots fundraising efforts.

You will set personal measurable goals in these areas:

Member Support

• Contact and support Roots & Shoots groups in your local area.

• Visit local Roots & Shoots groups and participate in their projects.

• Contact members to urge them to submit their project reports through the online project database.

• Notify the regional office of newsworthy Roots & Shoots projects/stories in your area.

Peer Support

• Identify local youth as candidates for the New England Youth Leadership Council and the Roots & Shoots New England Youth Corps.

• Help recruit, train, and support other youth leaders and Youth Corps members by participating in presentations, group orientations, events, and conferences.

Networking Support

• Participate in networking events annually within your region – the purpose of these events is to develop friendships among groups and members.

• Act as a representative for the program at state, regional and national events – including staffing information tables and/or giving presentations as necessary.

• Collect email address for the Roots & Shoots enewsletter list.

Support Youth Campaigns

• Promote participation in regional and national youth campaigns.

• Create and implement service projects related to youth campaigns.

Youth Leader Application and Agreement

PART I: General Information
Name:

Date:

Date of Birth:

Sex:

Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip Code:

Cell Phone: Home Phone:

E-Mail Address:

Facebook Name: MySpace ID:

Website: AIM Name:

School Name:

Roots & Shoots Group Name and Location:

Grade:

Race/Ethnicity:

Please list all school or community organizations, clubs, and groups that you belong to:

Do you require special accommodations?

PART 2: Please briefly answer (1-2 paragraphs per question) the following questions.

1. Briefly describe yourself and your interests – what would your personality and presence bring to the Youth Leadership Council?

2. Why are you interested in participating in the Youth Leadership Council? What would you like to accomplish through your participation?

3. What other activities are you involved in? How will you be able to balance these activities, your commitment to your home Roots & Shoots group, Youth Leadership Council and your schoolwork?

4. List some of the key skills that you feel you would want to work on/ develop as a member of the Youth Leadership Council.

5. Discuss a Roots & Shoots project that has affected you in a profound, life-altering way.

PART 3: Additional Requirements

1. Please submit one letter of recommendation from your group leader or teacher, professor or mentor. This should be a non-family member, preferably someone who is familiar with your work with the Roots & Shoots program.

2. Please include with your application a creative piece that highlights your work with the Roots & Shoots program or something that is unique about you that can be used to provide a better sense of who you are. Possible submissions may include: project videos, photo/visual scrap books, an essay saying something unique about yourself or online creations (such as an online photo album or web site). Please contact the Roots & Shoots office with any questions or concerns you may have about your multi-media submission: cellersick@janegoodall.org.

3. If you are under the age of 18, please have your parent/ guardian read and sign the Parental Understanding Agreement in this document. This is required for acceptance to the Council.

4. Please choose a mentor to sign Part 5, Mentor’s Agreement. This mentor should be a trusted adult that you can talk to about your Roots & Shoots commitment and contact in the future, should you need advice. If you choose, this can be the same person that writes your letter of recommendation, your Roots & Shoots leader or another interested adult.

PART 4: Personal Commitment
Name of Applicant:

I understand that that my membership on the Youth Leadership Council is a serious commitment of time and energy. If selected by the membership committee, I agree to work toward the goals of the Youth Leadership Council to the best of my ability. I will:

• Serve a two-year term on the council

• Receive and respond to council emails a minimum of twice a week

• Attend and participate in monthly meetings/conference calls

• Commit a minimum of 10 hours per month on projects, committee work and events.

• Participate in regional outreach, events, conferences, campaigns and summits including:

o New England Regional Youth Summit

o New England Peace Through the Arts Campaign

o Presenting Roots & Shoots to the general public, schools and partners National Youth Leadership Retreat, a 2-3 day out-of-state trip

o National Roots & Shoots campaigns such as Rebirth the Earth and Drop of Hope

• Set and achieve personal measurable goals.

• Assist with Roots & Shoots fundraising efforts

I understand that attending a retreat may require fundraising and out-of-state travel (Roots & Shoots staff can assist with fundraising ideas and support. Scholarships may be available.)

• Participate in national events, campaigns and summits including:

Applicant Signature: ________________________________________Date: 10/2/2008

PART 5: Mentor’s Agreement

Mentor Name: Date:

Title, Organization

Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip Code:

Cell Phone: Work: Email:

I have read the requirements for participation on the Youth Leadership Council, and I understand that it is a significant commitment of time and energy. I believe that this applicant is able to perform these duties and I agree to support this applicant’s work with the Youth Leadership Council.

Mentor Signature: ________________________________

PART 6: Parents/Guardians Agreement

Parent 1 Name: Date:

Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip Code:

Cell Phone: Work: Home:

E-Mail Address:

Parent 2 Name: Date:

Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip Code:

Cell Phone: Work: Home:

E-Mail Address:

I have read the requirements for participation on the Youth Leadership Council, and I understand that it is a significant commitment of time and energy for my child. If my child is selected, I agree to support my child in her/his work with the council, and do my best to foster her/his growth with Roots & Shoots. I understand that my child will participate in monthly phone conferences, work on projects, and be required to attend retreats/trips. This may require fundraising and out-of-state travel. (Roots & Shoots staff can assist with fundraising ideas and support. Scholarships may be available.)

1. Parent/Guardian Signature: ________________________________

2. Parent/Guardian Signature: ________________________________

Send completed application to:

Christine Ellersick

New England Roots & Shoots

89 South St

Boston, MA 02111

FAX: 617-439-0701

Phone: 617- 439-9090

* Or send scanned, signed application in PDF form to cellersick@janegoodall.org

New England Youth Corps Position Description and Registration Form

2008-10-02T12:01:00.000-07:00

Roots & Shoots New England Youth Corps Position Description

The Roots & Shoots New England Youth Corps is group of individual youth who will support the work of the New England Youth Leadership Council. The Youth Corps is meant to be the common thread that keeps youth connected with other Roots & Shoots youth as they grow older, as they move from school to school, or community to community. As each youth moves forward, they continue to have opportunities for service, keeping the Roots & Shoots core philosophy within.

The Youth Corps is open to all youth ages 12 to 24 that:

• Seek connection with other youth that hold the Roots & Shoots philosophy dear to their hearts.

• Are individual members, group members or alumni of Roots & Shoots groups.

• Agree to support youth-led national and regional campaigns such as Rebirth the Earth: Trees for Tomorrow, Drop of Hope Water Campaign and Peace Through the Arts.

• Want to have fun while taking action to make the world a better place.

In contrast to the Youth Leadership Council:

• The Youth Corps is a separate, larger group whose work is supported and guided by the Youth Leadership Council and the Roots & Shoots staff.

• Youth Corps members are invited to participate in summits, meetings, events and activities, but are not required to do so.

• Youth Corps members do not have a specific time commitment.

• Four of the New England Youth Leadership Council’s monthly meetings will be open to Youth Corps members. The purpose is to have Youth Corps members share their ideas with the Council. These face-to-face meetings are not required. They will be held in a variety of locations to promote connection and communication across the region.

The following Roots & Shoots New England Youth Corps Registration Form collects contact information from our Youth Corps members, as well as relevant information regarding their education, skills, expectations and social connections. Members under the age of 18 must have their parents sign this form.

New England Roots & Shoots Youth Corps Registration Form

APPLICANT INFORMATION

Name:

Parent/guardian name (If you are under 18):

Street address:

City:

State:

Zip:

Your email:

Home phone:

Cell:

Parent email:

Parent work phone:

Cell:

Date of birth: Race/ethnicity:

Gender*: 0 Female 0 Male

DO YOU REQUIRE SPECIAL ACCOMMODATIONS? (DESCRIBE)

* TO CHECK BOX DIGITALLY, LEFT CLICK TWICE ON THE BOX, THEN CLICK ON *CHECKED* UNDER *DEFAULT VALUE.*

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

Year in school, name of school, city & state :

How are you involved with Roots & Shoots?

Describe any work that you have done for animals, the environment or the human community.

COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS

Please list all school or community organizations, clubs, and groups that you belong to:

EXPECTATIONS

What sort of experience do you want to have in the Roots & Shoots Youth Corps? What would you like to do? What do you expect?

Roots & Shoots Mini-Grant Opportunity

2008-10-02T08:52:00.000-07:00

Roots & Shoots Mini-Grant Opportunity

Roots & Shoots www.rootsandshoots.org, a youth service program of the Jane Goodall Institute, is excited to announce grants of $250 to $750 to support youth-led service projects in New England. As part of the Roots & Shoots New England Diversity Initiative, up to 10 mini-grants will support youth groups that represent underserved communities or populations.

We encourage youth to address the theme of “Promoting Engagement in World Harmony.” This is based upon a recent initiative of the New England Youth Leadership Council; they seek to translate a vision of World Harmony into speech, art or action.

Three types of mini-grants will be awarded:

1. World Harmony
Your group’s vision of World Harmony can be broadly interpreted; your project should address the interests of your group, important local or global issues and promote harmony with or among animals, the environment and the human community. A maximum of six mini-grants will be awarded in this category.

2. Upcoming Roots & Shoots Water Campaign
The Roots & Shoots National Youth Leadership Council is in the process of finalizing details for the launch of our new national campaign. This new campaign will address issues related to water conservation and quality. Two or more mini-grants will be given to groups that submit applications for projects that address water issues in their community or region. Details of this new campaign will be forthcoming!

3. Peace through the Arts
Two or more mini-grants will be given to groups that submit applications for projects supporting the Peace through the Arts campaign. One goal of this campaign includes inspiring people to promote peace locally, through the use of visual and performing arts. Another goal is to raise money for the Peace through the Arts campaign, which seeks to support eight Roots & Shoots groups at the Lugufu Refugee Camp in Tanzania. (These groups distribute fuel-efficient stoves, help grow organic vegetables for their fellow refugees and raise chickens for eggs and meat.) Eligible service projects include any arts service project addressing issues of living in harmony with the environment, animals or the human community.

Eligibility Requirements

1. An eligible youth group must represent an underserved community: ethnic or racial diversity, immigrant population, youth with disabilities and/or low-income youth. Youth may be aged pre-k through college-age.

2. Individual teachers, Roots & Shoots group leaders, older youth (ages 16-24), and youth-serving organizations are eligible to apply.

3. Projects must be completed between February 1 and May 31, 2009.

4. Grantee youth groups must be either:

· A Roots & Shoots group in good standing (up-to-date membership enrollment and up-to-date project reports) OR

· A group that is willing to become a Roots & Shoots member group upon winning the mini-grant. (A free one-year membership will be provided to grantees.)

Your Project Timeline

Mini-grant proposal due: December 31, 2008

Mini-grant notification date: January 15, 2008

Project period: February 1 – May 31, 2009

Project Report final due date: May 31, 2009

To apply, please contact me at cellersick@janegoodall.org for Mini-grant Application Forms.

Member of Kids Save Apes raises $4K for Great Apes!

2008-08-07T13:26:00.000-07:00

After meeting Jane Goodall earlier this year, James, a member of the Roots & Shoots group "Kids Save Apes", has been hard at work saving primates.

Referred to as the "#1 Bonobo fan", James has visited his favorite primate in California, Ohio and Iowa and he recently raised over $4,000 for the Great Ape Trust of Iowa's Bowling for Apes fundraiser! He was interviewed by the site www.bonobokids.com about his passion for saving bonobos, and how he raised $4K to benefit them!

Here is the blog story:

http://bonobokids.com/blog/2008/08/04/11-year-old-raises-43k-for-great-ape/

Great work, James!!

Holliston Roots & Shoots Annual Dog Bath

2008-08-07T07:50:00.000-07:00

The Holliston Roots & Shoots group in Holliston, MA hosted their second annual dog bath last week! The event was a great success, raising more than $1,000 for the Bay Path Humane Society and Holliston Pet Meadows.

Check out an article on the event that was featured in the local news, and a YouTube video clip of the kids in action!!

Area Youth Groups Gather for Tree Planting in Dorchester

2008-07-21T06:56:00.000-07:00

Teens Work Together to Beautify Neighborhoods

and Protect the Environment

Dorchester, Massachusetts - More than 30 local teenagers teamed up on July 15th to plant 18 trees in the Wainwright Park area of Dorchester. The young people are members of Breath of Life Dorchester (B.O.L.D.) Teens and Roots & Shoots New England. BOLD Teens is a teen peer leadership group made up of youth ranging in age from 14 to18. Group members represent 10 different Boston high schools. Roots & Shoots is the Jane Goodall Institute’s global humanitarian and environmental youth program.

This neighborhood project aims to foster community spirit, help reduce air pollution and shade area homes in the summer by planting trees and plants across Dorchester. The project also contributes to the Roots & Shoots international campaign, “Rebirth the Earth: Trees for Tomorrow.” This campaign is helping Roots & Shoots members in Tanzania start new tree nurseries while encouraging groups in the United States and other countries to learn about deforestation and take action by planting trees in their own neighborhoods.

“Planting trees really makes communities more beautiful and meeting other people who care about the environment is always fun,” said Nicole Coakley of Medford High School Roots & Shoots.

Dorchester has the second highest rate of asthma in the City of Boston, in large part due to the more than 150,000 vehicles traveling through the community each day. This figure includes all the vehicles on Interstate 93, which cuts right through the neighborhood. Trees not only improve air quality, but are also known to enhance residents’ quality of life and lower crime rates.

The groups planted four magnolia trees in Wainwright Park as well as more than 15 trees and flowering plants in the front yards of residents living close to the park. The residents have pledged to maintain the trees in order to support the community project.

This spring, B.O.L.D. Teens was awarded a “Promoting Engagement in World Harmony” mini grant from Roots & Shoots New England to purchase the magnolia trees and flowering plants for the community project. B.O.L.D. Teens was awarded the largest of the 2008 Roots & Shoots mini grants because their project addresses not only the neighborhood’s environmental issues, but its social concerns as well.

About Roots & Shoots

Founded in 1991 by Dr. Jane Goodall and a group of Tanzanian students, the Roots & Shoots program is about making positive change happen—for our communities, for animals and for the environment. With tens of thousands of young people in almost 100 countries, the Roots & Shoots network connects youth of all ages who share a desire to create a better world. Young people identify problems in their communities and take action. Through service projects, youth-led campaigns and an interactive website, Roots & Shoots members are making a difference across the globe. For more information, please visit www.rootsandshoots.org.

About the Jane Goodall Institute

Founded in 1977, the Jane Goodall Institute continues Dr. Goodall’s pioneering research of chimpanzee behavior—research that transformed scientific perceptions of the relationship between humans and animals. Today, the Institute is a global leader in the effort to protect chimpanzees and their habitats. It also is widely recognized for establishing innovative community-centered conservation and development programs in Africa, and the Roots & Shoots education program, which has groups in almost 100 countries. For more information, please visit www.janegoodall.org.

About B.O.L.D. Teens:

B.O.L.D. stands for Breath of Life Dorchester. We are a youth-led organization concerned with the health, environment and safety of our community. We are youth between the ages 14-18 working to improve the quality of life in our community through education, advocacy and activism. We serve our community through civic engagement and partnerships to effectively improve the health and safety in our neighborhoods. Find out more at www.boldteens.org.

Youth on YouTube

2008-07-02T10:49:00.000-07:00

With 100 youth from around the world gathered at Jane Goodall's Global Youth Summit, participants had the chance to create public service announcements (PSAs) about water issues, poverty and wildlife conservation. With the help of the Pearson Foundation's Digital Workshops, each group created a PSA that ran from 30 seconds to one minute, resulting in 25 incredible video clips.

For the month of July, one PSA will be uploaded every day to the Roots & Shoots YouTube Channel, and you definitely won't want to miss them!

Check out the first PSA here!

For more information about the making of the videos, along with a little bit about the makers of the PSA and the stories behind each piece, take a look at the Roots & Shoots Fellow blog.

Rebirth the Earth Campaign Deadline Set- Sept. 30!

2008-06-12T09:59:00.000-07:00

Roots & Shoots members across the country have been raising money to support tree nurseries in Tanzania, and planting trees in the U.S. as part of our campaign to Rebirth the Earth. So far, $8,835 has been raised, and 2,144 trees have been planted in the U.S.. New England groups have raised $1,020 and planted 560 of the trees- great work!

As we come closer and closer to meeting our goal ($10,000 and 3,000 trees nationally), the campaign DEADLINE has just been set for Sept. 30, so gather some friends and spread the word- this summer is a perfect time to get outside and plant some trees!

If you want more information about Rebirth the Earth, be sure to visit the site below and track our progress toward meeting the goal! http://www.rootsandshoots.org/campaigns/trees

Roots & Shoots is seeking youth leaders!

2008-06-04T08:39:00.000-07:00

Are your youth members committed to the Roots & Shoots philosophy?

New England Roots & Shoots is seeking four highly motivated high school aged youth to become members of the New England Youth Leadership Council (NEYLC). NEYLC members participate in the Roots & Shoots Youth Leadership Initiative, a wonderful opportunity for youth to gain training, tools and opportunities to develop into community leaders who can create positive local and global change. NEYLC members:

Serve a two year term, with an average time commitment of 5-15 hours per month.
Help promote national and regional campaigns such as Rebirth the Earth: Trees for Tomorrow and Peace Through the Arts.
Have possible opportunities for regional, national and/or international travel.
Plan and participate in regional events, conferences and summits.

Read more about the Youth Leadership Initiative at http://www.rootsandshoots.org/aboutus/ylc.

Please forward this message to any interested Roots & Shoots group member over the age of 14. To request an application, email us at either nerootsshoots@janegoodall.org or cellersick@janegoodall.org. The due date for returned applications is July 10.

Sprouts of Hope win GoGreen Award!

2008-05-27T07:45:00.000-07:00

The city of Cambridge awarded the Sprouts of Hope the city's prestigious GoGreen award on May 22nd. The Sprouts of Hope are a middle school Roots & Shoots group based in Cambridge, Mass. They were honored for their work to reduce the waste from school lunches. They have lobbied the Cambridge city school board to replace the polystyrene trays in area schools and organized waste free lunch days at their school. They have also presented waste free lunch ideas and biodegradable tray alternatives at the Cambridge Science Festival.

Here's an article on the awards.

Great job, Sprouts!!

Update on helping quake victims

2008-05-22T10:10:00.000-07:00

Roots & Shoots in Chengdu Requests Funds and Messages of Hope

On May 12, a devastating earthquake shook

China

's Sichuan Province. Thousands of people died or are missing, and more than 270,000 were injured, with an estimated five million people homeless. Many schools were destroyed, including one that had at least 900 students in it. The Roots & Shoots Cheng Du office has become a focal point for relief efforts in the region. Read more about it on the Roots & Shoots website: http://www.rootsandshoots.org/newsevents/.

Please respond to the plea for help from our Cheng Du office:

1. Raise money and send it to The American Red Cross, designating the China Earthquake as recipient. Here is the link:

http://www.redcross.org/news/in/profiles/Intl_profile_ChinaEarthquake.asp?s_src=pre_aspLink.

The American Red Cross will send your donations to the Red Cross Society of China, which has over 35,000 staff and volunteers on the ground providing medical support, food, water, tents and other essential items.

2. Work with your Roots & Shoots group to create Messages of Hope for the survivors of the earthquake. These messages of hope can be drawings, cards or letters. We have recruited a volunteer who will translate your Messages of Hope. Mail your Messages of Hope to:

Messages of Hope for China

Roots & Shoots New England

89 South St., LL02

Boston, MA 02111

Christian Science Monitor article

2008-05-21T09:33:00.000-07:00

Check out this fantastic article from Dr. Jane's visit at the New England Teen Leadership summit. I think it does a great job of conveying her mission and some of her messages of hope and inspiration.

The Boston Teen Leadership Summit

2008-05-20T13:37:00.000-07:00

Photo: Banafshea Ehtemam/JGI

The Roots & Shoots Boston Teen Leadership Summit with Dr. Jane Goodall was held at Mass Audubon’s Boston Nature Center in Mattapan, Mass on May 9. The 40 summit attendees were teen leaders representing 14 local community organizations and schools. All the teens are members of Roots & Shoots. Participants worked with Dr. Goodall to discuss local service projects and how they can make a difference in their communities and the world.

Boston Teen Leadership Summit

with Dr. Jane Goodall

Learn about our participants’ projects

Boston Nature Center Teen Ambassadors is sponsored by BNY Mellon CityACCESS: An Investment in Youth Program. For Mass Audubon’s statewide volunteer day, they helped organize 200 volunteers in trail restoration, cleaning Canterbury Brook—which leads to the Boston Harbor and planting 30 trees for the City of Boston’s Urban Forestry Initiative and the Roots & Shoots campaign, “Rebirth the Earth.”

Barnstable Roots & Shoots has raised hundreds of dollars to support education for young girls in Africa and for animals at the MSPCA. To show junk mail’s environmental impact, they saved mail over 2 weeks to build the “junk mail tree” displayed here today.

Breath of Life Dorchester (B.O.L.D.) Teens works to protect the health, environment and safety of their community through education, advocacy and activism. The “Trees for Codman Square and Tanzania” campaign planted 10 trees in Dorchester and educated residents about the global heath and environmental benefits of trees.

Brimmer & May Roots & Shoots has collected more than 1,200 books for the Waltham Family Literacy Council and works to support animal shelters which care for animals displaced by a major volcanic eruption on Montserrat Island in the Caribbean.

Franklin Park Zoo Teen Ambassadors focus on animal husbandry and education plus act as liaisons between the Zoo and the community. Last December, they organized a toy drive for a local homeless shelter. They called the shelter to find out the ages and genders of the children and they were able to collect at least 2 toys for each child.

Medford High School Roots & Shoots has directly supported dozens of local community members and families through donation drives and raised hundreds of dollars for the World Wildlife Fund through a week of earth education and fundraising.

My Turn has three programs—Connecting to College, School-to-Work and Youth Workforce Development. Their school beautification project raised money for tables and benches and planted flowers, plants and shrubbery so that students have a place to gather.

Riverfront Roots & Shoots organized a press conference, rally and media strategy to demonstrate the lack of green, affordable and reliable transportation in their area. Members have also testified for alternative transportation and for statewide ban on plastic bags at the Connecticut State House.

Roots & Shoots New England Youth Leadership Council created the “Peace Through the Arts” campaign which works to inspire people through art and music to live sustainable and peaceful lives and raises funds for Roots & Shoots groups at the Lugufu Refugee Camp in Tanzania. They also work on the international Roots & Shoots campaigns, “Rebirth the Earth” and “Drop of Hope: Water for the World.”

South Boston Neighborhood House works with youth of all ages through community service, tutoring, camping and recreational trips, counseling and multicultural activities.

Wayland High School Roots & Shoots Via a fundraiser and education campaign about energy efficency, they raised $1,560 for Heifer International. They also lobbied at the Massachusetts State House in support of the Global Warming Solutions Act.

Winchester High School Roots & Shoots has worked since 2005 to green WHS and the surrounding community through a variety of original and local grassroots programs.

YMCA of Greater Boston, Boston Outdoors! works to inspire a sense of environmental responsibility and stewardship in urban teens through experiential education and outdoor adventure. They have started recycling programs and educated YMCA members about the environmental impact of plastic bags. Other projects include: sustainable gardening, trail maintenance, canoeing and hiking all in the Boston area.

Help Roots & Shoots Chengdu!

2008-05-16T12:27:00.000-07:00

Dear Roots & Shoots USA,

Our friends in the Sichuan Province of China have been hard hit by a devastating earthquake. You have seen the images on the news and in the paper, and it can feel paralyzing to know we are so far away. To help support our friends across the world, embrace the compassion and action mission of Roots & Shoots and empower yourself to act.

For immediate assistance:
• Send money to the Red Cross Society of China, account #: 7112111482600000209, address: Jiuxianqiao Branch, bank name: CITIC Bank
• To inquire about specific needs of Sichuan NGO Disaster Relief Coalition Office, please contact Zhang Zhe (+86-10-6778-3115, zhangzhe@jgichina.org)

For rebuilding efforts:
We are collecting funds and messages of hope and sending them to the Roots & Shoots Chengdu office during the rebuilding period. They should have infrastructure in place in early June. If you are interested in contributing, please contact Zhang Zhe (information listed above).

We encourage groups to write messages in Chinese–if your group has access to a translator, please utilize them.

Thank you for reaching out and taking action in a time of crisis.
In peace and service,
Roots & Shoots USA

Project Reports!

2008-05-16T11:46:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone! I'm very excited to say that the Roots & Shoots Project Database now has more than 1000 project reports in it! That's a lot of great ideas - and a lot of it is thanks to you; our New England groups. We're pretty certain that we've broken all sorts of records for projects submitted in a single month for this May - and it isn't even over yet! So a great big thank you to all of you.

Keep them coming! The best part of my day is hearing about what you guys are doing to change the world!

Check out this great opportunity!

2008-05-14T10:16:00.001-07:00

YouthActionNet® Global Fellowship Program

CALL FOR APPLICATIONS

Launched in 2001 by the International Youth Foundation, YouthActionNet® strengthens, supports, and celebrates the role of young people in leading positive change in their communities. Each year, 20 exceptional young social entrepreneurs are selected as YouthActionNet® Global Fellows following a competitive application process. The yearlong Fellowship program includes:

Skill-building:

A seven-day capacity building retreat in Washington, DC (all expenses paid)
Development of a customized learning plan based on individual leadership learning needs. This learning is focused on six dimensions of leadership: personal, visionary, political, collaborative, organizational, and societal.

Networking:

Networking with international and national aid agencies, NGOs, and corporate partners.
Peer-to-peer networking throughout the year.

Advocacy:

Training in communications and media outreach; public relations technical assistance.
Access to global advocacy platforms and media coverage.

Global Fellows also have access to potential funding opportunities.

Eligibility

Open to all young people, ages 18-29
Applicants should be founders of existing projects/organizations with a clear vision for social change, or leading a project within an organization
Proficiency in English is required; applications must be submitted in English
Applicants must be available to attend the full retreat, November 1-8, 2008, in Washington, DC

To Apply

Completed application forms are due by the May 22^nd.Applicants may fill out the form online at www.youthactionnet.org or download the application and email, fax, or mail completed forms to:

YouthActionNet®
c/o International Youth Foundation
32 South Street, Suite 500
Baltimore, MD 21202 USA
yan-info@youthactionnet.org.
Tel: +1 410 951 1500; Fax: +1 410 347 1188

Foster Parrot video

2008-05-14T07:49:00.000-07:00

The WATD news segment on the Foster Parrot Sanctuary opening is now up at YouTube. Thanks to David Chase for the gorgeous photo that accompanies it.

A great profile on our director!

2008-05-13T12:32:00.000-07:00

Check out a great profile piece on New England's own Regional Director, Sally Sharp Lehman!

Extra! Extra!

2008-05-13T11:19:00.000-07:00

Read all about Dr. Jane's visit to Boston!

The Boston Globe: Goodall headlines summit for the young and the green
Kids energize Goodall

The Boston Herald: Goodall, Green Mountain Coffee, go to aid of Gombe chimps
Coffee with Jane Goodall

WPRI: A New Place to Call Home (video)

The Providence Journal: Jane Goodall attends opening of bird sanctaury

The Providence Journal 7 to 7 Blog: Jane Goodall talks birds to humans in Hopkinton

Boston Metro: Jane Goodall discusses Reason for Hope
Goodall all good with local kids

NBC Turn to 10: Foster Parrots (scroll down to video center to find it)

Your Arlington.com: Goodall meets with Arlington Roots & Shoots groups

Boston Magazine: Dr. Jane Goodall's 'Reason for Hope' Lecture announcement

Going Boston also picked Dr. Goodall's lecture as an editor's pick event.

WATD 95.9 also ran a radio piece about the Foster Parrot sanctuary, but it has been taken down from their website. I will see if I can upload the audio to youtube in a day or two.

Slashfood: Buy some Green Mountain Coffee for the "Goodall" of the Chimps

AdFreak: Coffee and chimps: Recipe for the apocalypse

If you see any articles we've missed, let us know!

Join the Jane Goodall Institute Community for Social Change!

2008-05-07T10:16:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone! Check out this fabulous new networking site created so we can network with like-minded fabulous people! The site is: http://janegoodall.ning.com/ You can set up a profile, add photos, and meet other cool people. I really recommend you check it out!

Check out the Weekly Dig!

2008-05-07T10:15:00.001-07:00

Anyone in Boston should check out the latest copy of the Weekly Dig. In the "Dig This" events section, they've included the following;

Go Ape Shit
Don't miss this rare opportunity when the majestic and elusive Jane Goodall emerges from the jungle to speak, to interact with human beings. Nah, we're just kidding. Goodall's actually very active and social. She travels constantly, giving lectures and raising awareness. Her repetoire goes beyond apes to include conservation, education and development programs. And don't mess with Dr. Goodall; she's tight with some big apes who could totally take you in a fight.
The Colonial Theatre 106 Boylston St. Boston 8pm $12-$45

We love it!

Article on Dr. Jane in the Boston Globe!

2008-05-05T07:00:00.000-07:00

The Boston Globe ran an article highlighting this week's Teen Summit. Check it out; "Goodall Headlines Summit for the Young and Green."