Welcome! Roots & Shoots is the global environmental and humanitarian program created by Dr. Jane Goodall, DBE. Fueled by young people who want to make a difference in their communities, Roots & Shoots offers resources, training, and support that grows compassionate changemakers and creates positive change in over 65 countries around the world. Through projects and programs that benefit people, other animals, and the environment we all share, Roots & Shoots youth are creating a better future today.

Below are current opportunities offered by the Roots & Shoots USA office. Following are some great tips for using this submission platform.

  • You will need to create a free Submittable account, or sign in with Google or Facebook credentials to access Roots & Shoots USA opportunities.
  • If you are 13 years old or younger, a parent/guardian (over 18 years old) must be the Submittable account holder.
  • This platform works best on Google Chrome, Firefox, and Safari. Internet Explorer is not supported. Please make sure you are using a supported browser, and that the files are valid file types. 
  • We will follow-up with you about your submission by email from this platform. Please be sure to safelist notification emails from Submittable and check the email you used to sign up for your Submittable Account regularly.
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Submit to 2025 Roots & Shoots Youth Council USA Application
There is a powerful force unleashed when young people resolve to make a change.            --Jane Goodall, Reason for Hope: A Spiritual Journey

It's great that you want to make a difference in your community for animals, humans and the environment we all share by applying for the 2025 Roots & Shoots Youth Council USA. Jane Goodall's Roots & Shoots Youth Council USA brings together extraordinary changemakers from across the United States who represent the Jane Goodall Institute’s commitment to turning hope into action today.

Roots & Shoots Youth Council youth leaders are high school and college age. These Roots & Shoots members organize and implement service projects in their communities addressing a range of issues from gun violence to stray animals to food insecurity to climate change. Their methods range from planting mangroves, improving soil health through mushroom cultivation, creating thought-provoking art, establishing tutoring programs, fundraising, teaching tech to kids and supporting girls in STEM.

During their time on the Council, our 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. Throughout the RSYC program, 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).

You are encouraged to apply if you are...

  • 14-22 years old 
  • Currently in 9th-12th grade or have graduated from high school (or an equivalent). For those who have graduated high school, you do not have to be currently enrolled in post-secondary institution (college) to apply.
  • Reside and/or go to school in the United States or one of its territories.
  • A registered member of Roots & Shoots. Ideally, you are an active changemaker with a history of participating in and/or leading Roots & Shoots service projects in your community.
  • Ready to commit to an active year (Jan-Dec 2025) with the Roots & Shoot Youth Council USA, which will include two online meetings a month and a 3-5 day in-person, intensive RSYC Summit during the summer 2025.

Good to know

  • Be ready to answer thought-provoking questions and to reflect on your desired growth and commitment throughout 2025. We estimate that it will take at least an hour to complete your portion of the application.
  • You can save and return to your application if you can't finish in one sitting. Be sure to click the "Save Draft" button before closing your window.
  • If you need to change the information you submitted, you can request to edit the submission, if it's prior to the deadline of Oct. 27, 2024.
  • Only complete applications will be considered. A complete application package includes the submitted application form, your creative piece and a submitted reference form.
  • Scroll through the entire application before your start so you know what is required. You should send out your Reference request long before you finish the application.
  • For help with using Submittable (this application platform), check out this webpage.

 

2025 RSYC application, interview & selection timeline 

September 2024-January 2025

Thursday, September 12 - Application opens  

Sunday, October 27   - Application and reference due  (by 10:00 pm Eastern Time)

Mid-late November - Applicant interviews  

Mid-December - Notification  of acceptance

Mid-December-early January - New Council members complete online acceptance forms and meet mentors

Mon, Jan 16, 2025  - New Member meeting (online)

Mon, Jan 23, 2025 - Full 2025 Council meeting (online)

Jane Goodall's Roots & Shoots USA