As we get ready to invite a 🔗 new cohort of Youth Leaders to 🔗 Jane Goodall’s Roots & Shoots Youth Council (RSYC), we’re reflecting on everything that makes this council so inspiring — from the many impactful community projects around the country, to the lifelong friendships formed between council members. 

The RSYC brings together extraordinary changemakers from across the United States who represent the Jane Goodall Institute’s commitment to building hope through action. Youth Leaders are high school and college age Roots & Shoots members who organize and implement service projects in their communities addressing a range of issues from supporting pollinators to aiding stray animals to food insecurity to climate change. During their time on the Council, our youth leaders gain new skills and support to expand their community service projects and collaborations.  

(If this sounds like something you or a friend should be a part of, 🔗 applications to join the RSYC are open now through October 30, 8pm ET!) 

Participation in the Youth Council includes interactive trainings, networking and mentorship opportunities, and chances to represent Roots & Shoots at events throughout the country (and sometimes globally!). The RSYC meets virtually twice a month with the annual opportunity to connect in person at our Roots & Shoots Youth Council Summit. At our recent summit in Chicago, which was centered on showing the green side of an urban environment, RSYC members presented their projects to their peers, took part in service projects throughout the city, and got to explore Chicago’s wild spaces — and best of all, they had the chance to collaborate with other young people who are passionate about changing the world.  

After the summit, we asked our Youth Leaders to reflect on their time on the council, and the lessons they’ve learned along the way: 

WHAT SUMMIT Activities Did You Enjoy Most? 

“This was my first time presenting about my project. I’ve never shared details about my project before to anyone on the council, but getting the opportunity to do that was really rewarding because from it I got a lot of great advice and connections from the other council members!” — 🔗 Kolleen Y. 

“I really enjoyed the scavenger hunt, I felt like I got closer to the people in my group, saw their competitive side, and made so many memories exploring the city.” — 🔗 Nateli S. 

“I really liked 🔗 Emma’s presentation about the interconnectedness between social justice and environmental justice; I think this may have been the most helpful and significant piece from the Summit for me.” — Anonymous 

“I loved seeing the 🔗 Wild Mile and thought it was very insightful seeing how 🔗 Loyola strived to be as sustainable as possible.”  — Anonymous 

“Seeing the incredible team effort in removing invasive species with 🔗 Southside Blooms was so cool. The way council members take action as soon as they are given a mission drives me to keep going and continue to try new things.” — 🔗 Yoyo W. 

“Just being able to see my friends again and check in on everyone.” — 🔗 Caymus M. 

Outside of the Activities, what did you enjoy about this year’s summit? 

“[I] always leave inspired!” — Anonymous 

“A lot of my projects are focused on restoration and is also in an urban setting, so I learned a lot!!” — Nateli S. 

“I had a bunch of fun at the summit, and it was an experience that I sincerely think I will remember for the rest of my life.” — Kolleen Y. 

“I learned a lot of things that inspired me to grow my projects.” — 🔗 Cash D. 

“As always, being able to connect with other youth leaders in both a professional and personal setting was so nourishing in our efforts to grow as earthlings and as compassionate leaders in this incredibly important community effort … I deeply appreciate all of JGI, R&S, Basecamp, and donor staff, volunteers, fellows, etc. for organizing such a wonderful and packed summit for the council. It is an unforgettable experience I will hold dear to my heart.” — Yoyo W. 

What Were Your Key Takeaways From the Summit? 

“After losing Jane, this year has been hard for me as I often feel very hopeless in a world without Jane. At the summit this year, I felt the same hopeful feeling I would get from her from my friends … My key takeaway from this year’s summit was that hope did not leave with Dr. Jane, but still thrives in each of the lives that she touched, and will continue to do so.” — Nateli S. 

“When there is a large community of determined individuals, anything is possible, even rewilding a previously industry-focused city.” — Anonymous 

“HOPE is ACTION. RSYC family is there [in celebration] and in weakness.” — Anonymous 

“Inspiration, hope, perseverance, community, friendship!” — Anonymous 

“Seeing the new members jump right into our community with open hearts reminded me of when I first joined the council, nervous and shy about myself and my projects. But seeing how they so eloquently represent themselves and collaborate with others with such a warm heart gave me so much peace and hope for the future of our planet. I truly felt the presence of Jane in each and every one of us, and that was the most moving part of the summit.” — Yoyo W. 

“How important restoration and rewilding is even in an urban environment. It’s amazing to see the problem-solving people have done in order to improve the environment no matter the circumstances.” — Anonymous 

“My takeaway was learning to give yourself grace because environmental work can become draining [when you don’t achieve] your ideal outcome. It’s important to stay strong and focus on your goals in a positive manner.” — Anonymous 

“Rewilding is about restoration, but it is also about growing new bridges toward diversity. I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to learn about the unique projects and passions of my fellow council members.” — Anonymous 

“The first interactions and the last interactions with each council member. I was able to get to know every single council member. From everyone’s first interaction with me, all were nothing but sweet, kind, and open — qualities rare to find in people and amazing to see in every single person on the council. Comparing the first from the last interaction, I do see a difference. I saw how much closer we all were together.” — Kolleen Y. 

With such kind and compassionate young people leading action all over the U.S., we know Jane’s legacy will continue to thrive. 

Looking for more? 🔗 Learn more about our youth leaders and their current projects. If you or someone you know would like tooin this inspiring group, 🔗 apply for the RSYC by October 30, 8pm ET!