We support the 2017 Uluru Statement from the Heart and its call for the Constitutional recognition of First Nations Australians through the establishment of a Voice to Parliament. At the Jane Goodall Institute Australia (JGIA), we firmly believe in the interconnectedness of all beings and are proud of our nation’s rich and diverse First Nations cultures.
Australia is preparing to cast their votes in a referendum on 14th October 2023 to enshrine a Voice to Parliament, which would be a permanent body with both National and Local Voices representing First Nations people, giving First Nations communities a way to advise government on the policies, laws and decisions which impact their lives.
This upcoming referendum is set to be a significant historic event in the journey towards true reconciliation. We are honoured to accept the invitation of the Uluru Statement from the Heart and commit to work and walk together with First Nations peoples and communities in a movement of the Australian people for a better future and acknowledge the importance of ensuring Indigenous voices are embedded throughout our own practices.
Whilst we strongly support the principle of the Voice, we acknowledge the diverse views held on this matter, and the importance of being informed and engaged. We encourage everyone to seek reputable information about the Voice, to listen to First Nations leaders, and to partake in open and honest dialogues, but to do so respectfully and considerately.
The Jane Goodall Institute Australia acknowledges with deep respect the First Nations of this land we now call Australia. We recognise their continuing connection to Country, and acknowledge that they never ceded sovereignty. We thank them for caring for our living land and sea scapes since time immemorial. We acknowledge and respect the continuation of cultural, spiritual and educational practices. We pay our respects to Elders past and present and extend that respect to all First Nations peoples.
If you would like to begin your journey towards an informed vote, we encourage you visit the below links as a starting point:
This week we’re celebrating just a few of the thousands of incredible woman who make up the Jane Goodall Institute Australia (JGIA) family – and beyond!
After yesterday’s starter with Roots & Shoots Tasmania Coordinator, Vineeta, today we introduce you to policy powerhouse Zara Bending.
Fighter for wildlife, award-winning lecturer, passionate animal activist, prolific published writer and volunteer Board Director of the Jane Goodall Institute Australia. Zara wears many complimentary, and connected, hats.
Born in Western Sydney, Zara is the dedicated, deeply knowledgeable lead of the Jane Institute’s global Forever Wild campaign – fighting wildlife trafficking worldwide of all species. An award-winning lecturer and associate at the Centre for Environmental Law at Macquarie University, Zara’s biggest passion is protecting wildlife. A recognised expert on illegal wildlife trade, Zara serves in criminal proceedings, parliamentary inquiries, campaigning and activism – to stop our fellow earthlings be commodified, hunted to extinction and abused.
What does International Women’s Day mean to you? And why do you think it’s still important?
International Women’s Day is an opportunity for women and our allies to acknowledge all we have achieved towards gender equality, despite near insurmountable odds and just how far we still need to push. For me it comes down to celebrating three R’s: resilience, resistance and representation.
How did you get involved with JGIA?
I joined the JGIA Board in 2015 and now also work with JGI-Global as an expert on illegal wildlife trade. What stood out for me was how strongly inclusion featured in the position advert. Once joining, one of the first things I worked on was formalising our Equal Employment Opportunity Policy with then CEO Nancy Moloney.
What qualities and attributes of Jane keep you motivated?
Jane is many things to many people, but for me it’s her work ethic, compassion for all life on Earth, intellect (I still get butterflies when I see her track changes on a document!) and ability to move people to action that keeps me on-task.
For you, what are the most vital issues facing women – and our entire planet – today?
So many of the ills facing our planet could be solved if we promote women’s autonomy and self-determination: reproductive health and rights, equal access to education and employment, freedom from gender-based violence – including forced marriage. Women are disproportionately impacted by climate change, economic downturn and all the existential crises bearing down on our species.
What advice would you give 10-year-old you with hindsight?
If you want to be successful in anything, failing is part of the process (or, ‘first attempt’ as we say in learning). Be brave, learn from your mistakes, be kind to others and yourself, and when you fail, just try to fail forwards, not backwards.
What is your key message to other women with similar goals?
Our planet, and all the various forms of life with whom we share it, requires more from us to survive – let alone thrive. When 50% of our species are arbitrarily and systemically disenfranchised, we deny everyone the chance at a future with less suffering and greater prosperity. The fight for gender equality is a fight for our collective future. So, anytime the world taunts you to “fight like a girl”, take the invitation and show them. #ChooseToChallenge.
Our famous founder is one of many bold, brilliant, game-changing women at the Jane Goodall Institute (JGI). From the youngest Roots & Shoots members to our global CEO, we are very lucky to have countless curious, compassionate female leaders among us. All courageously committed to creating hope in their communities for the future of our interconnected earth.
Here in Australia we have some particularly inspiring local legends. As we celebrate International Women’s Day together with our global family, this week we will showcase five of them – all tirelessly working towards this year’s theme to #BreakTheBias for a more diverse, equitable and inclusive world. (We could easily have made it fifty).
From leading-edge scientists to social-justice campaigners, global law-transformers to political powerhouses, we hope you are as inspired reading about them – as we are working with them. So, let’s begin.
Vineeta, or Vini, is vital in growing our Roots & Shoots youth empowerment program across Australia.
Currently the State Coordinator for Tasmania, Vini is growing our movement down south to build a community of young, empowered change makers of hope. 100% voluntarily, she’s driven by her own deep passion for environmentalism, alongside studying Microbiology at the University of Tasmania, working as a researcher and campaigning with the Australian Youth Climate Coalition plus she’s Climate Reality Leader.
Previously Vini was part of our dynamic National Youth Leadership Council training program. Every year we recruit a collective of incredible young people to learn skills, gain confidence, build networks and develop direction as future environmental leaders. As an engaged, enterprising member she was offered the long-term oppurtunitiy to build Roots & Shoots in Tasmania.
Vini has a keen interest in the cross-pollination of environmental advocacy with social justice, particularly the intersectional relationships between the environmental crisis and social inequality. In less than a year she helped host film festivals, co-developed the wellbeing program Return To Nature, increased the number of grants for Roots & Shoots projects and is now leading an ambitious advocacy campaign raising awareness about destructive Fast Fashion impacts – on animals, people and environment.
She believes that our environment is an integral part of our social well-being, and that we must do everything we can to conserve it. On days she hopes to inspire people in the same way as Dr Jane some day.
What does International Women’s Day mean to you? And why do you think it’s important?
Vini and a colleague carrying out research as part of her Microbiology major at University of Tasmania
International Women’s Day is a time of celebrating the women of our planet and letting them know that ‘they are enough’. You don’t have to be a CEO or martial arts black belt to be a strong, independent woman. You are all you ever need to be.
It’s a time to celebrate the achievements women have made around the world, starting with acknowledging our own. We often forget how important we are as individuals.
Yet, it is also a time to acknowledge that gender inequality is not something of the past. Regardless of where you live or what you do, whether you’re a female worker in the cotton industry or work in Parliament House, gender inequality chases women of all walks of life – even today.
International Women’s Day is a time of celebration, but also a time for us to look forward and assess what needs to be done to ensure a truly gender equal society.
This isn’t something only women should be thinking about; men need to stand in solidarity with women to create a future where gender inequality is truly something of the past.
Who are your top three female inspirations and why?
The three most important women in my life are:
Vini with her mum, while celebrating her parents’ 25th wedding anniversary
My Mum.
She was the first female role model I had. She’s compassionate, caring, holds her ground and manages work-life balance with an ease I have yet to master.
Dr Marie Curie
She inspired me to pursue STEM and reminds me everyday that women can excel in any field they persue – male dominated or not. And to never give up on our dreams.
Being the 1st person to have won the Nobel Prize twice, she proved that women can be at the forefront of accomplishments and be the first at achieving something unachievable.
Dr Jane Goodall.
Jane inspires me to be hopeful everyday in a world where hope can be difficult to find. She inspires me to get up and take action for what I believe in – whether that be social and climate justice, or creating a world that’s better for those to come – for, as she says: “the greatest danger to our future is apathy.”
What advice would you give to a 10-year-old with hindsight?
Let your imagination go crazy and know that as a woman you can also soar. No matter what you decide to do, always remember that you are enough and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.
There’s no such thing as a woman’s job or a man’s job, all jobs are equal.
Remember to always do what brings you joy and instills you with hope.
What is your key message to other women with similar goals this IWD?
In a time of such uncertainty, it can be difficult to focus on our goals and aspirations, particularly justice focused aspirations.
Like myself I’m sure there are others who wake up thinking what’s the point of trying and trying again when all we face is failure to be heard and taken seriously. But always remember, if we can inspire one other person to care, then one day, we’ll have inspired the world.
“We must face the shocking fact that we’re living through the sixth great extinction in the history of life on planet Earth.
“Fortunately we’re beginning to tackle the problems that we’ve created. We’re beginning to use our extraordinary intellect to put things right. People are waking up and realising that if we don’t take action to protect and restore biodiversity we’re doomed.
“It’s not too late…”
Dr. Jane Goodall shares her message for UN World Wildlife Day 2022. As we face the sixth great extinction, we not only recognise the tremendous loss of biodiversity – but also incredible individuals of these species. Dr. Goodall underscores the innate value and amazing beauty of global wildlife, as well as the urgent need to protect individuals and species, before they’re gone forever.
“I Jane Goodall, stand with the brave President and his people of Ukraine as they fight so courageously, and with such determination, to protect their homes, families and country from unprovoked aggression.”
~ Jane Goodall, DBE
Dr. Jane Goodall, DBE, Founder of the Jane Goodall Institute shares her thoughts on the conflict in Ukraine.
In an official statement and video, Jane underscores the importance of the indomitable human spirit and the people who are the “helpers,” creating a community spirit that ensure that we overcome the worst of times. She sends her support and reminder that the good of humanity will prevail.
“This is what makes us human. This indomitable spirit that rises above disaster, that rises above despair.”
“My heart is with those in the Ukraine.”
JGI Global stands for understanding and peaceful resolution of conflicts and all of our thoughts are with the people of Ukraine and anyone affected. We will continue to share information to share to the network as and when we receive it.
The President of the Republic of Malawi, H. E. Dr. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera has issued a statement joining Angola, Costa Rica and Gabon in calling for an additional Protocol under the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organised Crime (UNTOC) on preventing and combating illicit wildlife trafficking:
“Malawi is determined to sustain its global reputation as a bastion and haven of flora and fauna diversity, as well as its impressive track record of tackling the illicit trade of ivory, for which it has been recognised internationally.”
“We can no longer stand by as we witness the destruction of our nation’s natural heritage. I therefore proudly support the call to action of President Ali Bongo Ondimba, President Carlos Alvarado Quesada and President Joao Lourenco and urge other countries to do the same.”
In response to the President’s statement, John Scanlon AO, Chair of The Global Initiative to End Wildlife Crime (EWC), commended Malawi’s extraordinary environmental leadership, describing the Southern African country “as a global leader in wildlife conservation and in tackling illicit wildlife trafficking”.
“The EWC Initiative offers its full support to Malawi in advancing its calls for an additional protocol.”
“Malawi continues to demonstrate strong leadership in combating wildlife trafficking. As a founding steering group member of the Global Initiative to End Wildlife Crime, the ICCF Group commends President Chakwera’s endorsement of a new international agreement” added Susan Herman Lylis, Executive Vice President of the ICCF Group.
The Jane Goodall Institute Global (JGIG) is a proud International Champion of the Global Initiative to End Wildlife Crime. JGIG representative to the Initiative, Zara Bending, underscored the following upon Malawi’s announcement:
“We and our fellow EWC International Champions know that wildlife crime is a global problem requiring global collaboration to prevent and combat its reach. That collaboration, however, needs to be coordinated within an appropriate legal framework that is fit-for-purpose. We ardently support a Protocol to UNTOC as the best path forward. If adopted, the Protocol would be the fourth to UNTOC – the others concerning human trafficking, migrant smuggling, and illegal manufacturing and trafficking in firearms.”
Despite numerous calls, transnational, organised wildlife crime is not treated as a priority in most nations – with biodiverse-rich source countries being the most seriously impacted. Angola, Costa Rica and Gabon and Malawi have invited other States to align with them in sending an unequivocal message of the devastating scale, nature and consequences of wildlife crime to communities, ecosystems and wildlife, and of the need to scale up global cooperative efforts to combat and prevent them.
To find out more about a proposed UNTOC Protocol, available in several languages, head to endwildlifecrime.org) and be sure to listen to Jane’s Hopecast episode with EWC Chair, John Scanlon.
Image cre:
Top: A pile of tusks awaiting destruction in Kenya. The tusks – from about 8,000 elephants – would be worth more than $105 million on the black market. Conservationists worry that there is a a real threat of elephants becoming extinct in the next 50 years because of poaching bankrolled by the illegal trade in ivory. Photo: Paul Hilton
Middle: Zara Bending leads JGIG’s End Wildlife Crime campaign. She is an award-winning lecturer and internationally published researcher specialising in criminal, environmental and medical law.
Wounda is one of Jane Goodall Institute’s most famous success stories. Her grateful tight hug of Jane after being released into the wild, has inspired millions as the clip is shared continuously worldwide.
But, what happened to Wounda before her release? Why did she need the help of our Tchimpounga Chimpanzee Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre?
In a gorgeous new animated film, created by our Spanish colleagues with Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria (BBVA), Jane tells this very real story from her own life – dedicated to endangered chimps for over 60 years. Wounda, a Story of Hope reminds us that all beings are connected. It invites us to imagine and work together for a more sustainable future. So that, as Jane reminds us: “We should not forget that every day, through our actions, each one of us can make a difference.”
Written and narrated by Jane, Wounda, a Story of Hope is the second title from a series by Aprendemos juntos original content aimed especially at captivating children and a young audience.
Help give health, happiness and freedom to more chimps like Wounda. Join our our Chimp Guardian sponsor program, and you’ll directly fund our Tchimpounga Chimpanzee Rehabilitation and Rescue Centre.
With your generosity many more traumatised, injured and orphaned baby chimps – just like Wounda – can have the long, peaceful life they deserve >> janegoodall.org.au/chimpguardian
~
With many huge thanks to the creative and production teams behind this wonderful film:
BBVA:
Jaime Bisbal, Ana Gómez, Cristina Villarroya & Garazi Emaldi
WINK:
General Direction: David Amo, Gonzalo Madrid
Executive Direction: Kike Nimo, Miguel Ángel Expósito
Creative Direction: David Amo, Coque Jaramillo & 1st Ave Machine
Pedagogical Coordination: Víctor Blanco
Social media content coordinator: Juan Luis Ocampos
Executive production: Quique Infante, Raúl Barroso
Graphic Art Direction: AXT, Txuma Campos
Production: Noël Pruzzo, Germán Picazo
Directing narration Jane Goodall: Ben Gordon, Kike Bello
Technical means: Mad Dogs TV, Pro Studio Hire
Video Post Production : David Castañón
Audio Post Production : Mr Peaks
Original Soundtrack: Jon Aguirrezabalaga
Jane Goodall’s spanish voice: Luisa Ezquerra
Digital Strategy: Ícaro Moyano
Media manager: Alejandro Giménez
Social media: Beatriz de Vera, Braulio García
Translation and subtitling: BBO
And the collaboration of the Jane Goodall Institute:
Fede Bogdanowicz, Laura Mari Barrajón, Mary Lewis & Erika Helms.
Minister’s Young Climate Champion of 2021, Kya King with NSW Environment Minister and Treasurer, Matt Kean, MP.
Kya King, Roots & Shoots NSW member, has won the prestigious Minister’s Young Climate Champion title for her 2020 Mini Grants project of a bushfire recovery seed bank.
Treasurer and Environment Minister, Matt Kean, presented King with her prize at a ceremony in Sydney on 9 December, as part of the inaugural NSW Sustainability Awards produced by Banksia. The Young Climate Champion program recognises the next generation of environmental champions and climate-conscious innovators under 18, taking action into their own hands. “It is so inspiring to see young people like Kya stepping up and making a difference in their local community,” said Kean.
King was one of three finalists invited to attend the Banksia Awards at the offices of EY which also recognised outstanding contributions in a range of categories including Clean Technology, Biodiversity and Future Cities.
Kya’s winning project was a seed bank established to distribute native trees to community members on the south coast of NSW, hit hard by the Black Summer Bushfires. The judges were impressed by the ingenuity and passion Kya demonstrated. Kya was nominated for the prize with the help of K-lynn Smith, Roots & Shoots NSW State Coordinator.
Kya submitted her project idea through the Jane Goodall’s Roots & Shoots Mini Grants program securing a small grant to kick off the project. Jane Goodall Institute Australia CEO, James Forbes said that seeing not just Kya’s project but dozens like it across Australia in the wake of the bushfires and during a pandemic, was inspiring.
“Young people are truly a force of nature when they see a problem that needs solving. We are so proud of Kya’s success in this, but also of young people all over Australia who are stepping up to address some of the most pressing challenges of our time like climate change and biodiversity loss.
About Kya and her Roots & Shoots Mini Grant winning project
Kya is a remarkable 11-year-old. She witnessed firsthand the devastating effects of the 2019-2020 bushfires on people and animals. She used to see kangaroos and birds in her yard. The bush was so thick, she couldn’t even see through it. It was a perfect habitat for the native animals. After the fires, the hills were black and there was little food or shelter for the animals. She also felt compassion for the people who lost everything, even their own vegetable gardens.
With the support of her mother Amy Fazl, Kya created a plan to help her local neighbourhood recover from the bushfires. She applied for and received a Roots and Shoots Mini Grant in 2020 to grow native shrubs and flowers, as well as vegetables, to begin to replace what was lost to the fires.
Her first step was to research native shrub and tree species for the area around Sussex Inlet, NSW where she lives. Using the Roots and Shoots funds she purchased seeds and soil in order to propagate the plants.
They grew very well and by the end of the project she had distributed over 150 plants native to people in the local neighbourhood. In addition to the native plants, she also gave away nearly 500 herbs, pollinator seeds, and vegetables plants. These were planted in community members’ gardens around Sussex Inlet and in the community run garden.
In addition to providing new food and homes for the local animals, the project helped to lift the spirits of people who had suffered so much.
Winning the Mini Grant also positively impacted Kya’s life. Kya is on the spectrum and has been diagnosed with Tourette syndrome. Her mother commented on how the grant gave Kya the opportunity to embrace her passion for helping people and for caring for the environment. Kya learned new skills and hopes to be able to do more to help her community in the future.
Congratulations on your highly deserved win Kya! You truly embody the spirit of Jane Goodall’s Roots and Shoots. It is an enormous credit to the passion and determination of young people like Kya that gives us hope for the future!
Special thanks to Joanne and William of the Une Parkinson Foundation who have made this program possible at all. As well as the JGIA family: that a Roots & Shoots project has received such a high-status award is recognition not just of Kya’s great work but also the great work done by the Roots & Shoots State Coordinators across Australia, plus the whole team, in promoting this program with schools and communities.
Robyn Hittmann is an absolutely treasure for the Jane Goodall Institute Australia (JGIA), as the fantastic communicator who looks after supporter services and much more as our Admin Coordinator.
A former Executive Assistant in Oncology, Robyn has focused recent years on her deep love of wildlife. She’s volunteered in sanctuaries in Thailand, Cambodia and Laos, plus wildlife rescue in NSW. She’s studied Animal Care Biology (Zookeepers Elective) and currently working through Captive Vertebrate Management via the Charles Sturt University. As well as volunteering with JGIA, Robyn also works part time with a veterinary consultancy.
The first point of contact often at JGIA, Robyn manages your queries with polite, swift aplomb – from donors to volunteers, teachers to TV stations, complaints to glowing praise. The team are incredibly thankful for her ongoing support and professionalism, driven by her deep love for animals, so want to show our gratitude with some words about our bear champion!
What would you say to someone thinking about volunteering, but doesn’t know how to start?
“Take time to think about what you are able to offer an organisation with the skills you have. These skills could vary greatly from person to person, but all are valuable. One person may be accomplished in connecting with people. Another best at operational tasks. Also take into account the possible need of an organisation, where your skills could be used to their best advantage. Think about where your passion in life lies. If you follow your passion you will be greatly motivated to continue your volunteer work.
“Once you are clear on what you would like to do, then contact an organisation where you would like to volunteer. Put your details on their mailing list and check regularly for updates for when they may be looking for volunteers for a specific reason. The skills learnt while volunteering can also open up avenues of employment in the future.
“If accepted as a volunteer in any capacity, it is good to remember that you must be as reliable as a paid employee. Reliability to the tasks you may be allocated is important as the organisation will be relying on you to complete work requested of you.”
Image: Volunteering in Thai wildlife sanctuaries, by Robyn Hittmann
How did you first find out about JGIA and what made you want to volunteer
“I have followed the work of Jane Goodall for many years and also received email updates on the work carried out by the Jane Goodall Institute. As my passion for many years has been working for animals, I felt I could offer my administrative skills to JGIA. With my background knowledge following previous study in the areas of captive vertebrate management and zoo-keeping, I also believed I could be of benefit. Although not working directly with animals, volunteering in a clerical capacity has allowed me to still feel I am making a difference.”
How and when do you feel most connected to nature?
“When working to improve the lives of animals in sanctuaries. These animals, through no fault of their own are not able to return to the wild – because of interference by man. We owe animals a good life – as close as possible to what would be their normal lifestyle.”
What are the most valuable lessons and skills volunteering has given you?
“Volunteering opens up a whole different world to the volunteer with diverse opportunities to learn and extend yourself. The volunteer is in a position to learn from the work they are doing. The volunteer is able to meet a diverse range of people with similar or the same interests.
“It is also great to feel part of a team and feel included in a like-minded group. This is something you can miss when not in a workplace setting. It really is a privilege to be accepted into an organisation on a voluntary basis and be able to use skills built up over years of experience to further the organisation’s cause. By giving, you also receive back ten fold.”
What drives you in your daily life?
“While taking time to ‘stop and smell the roses’ which is very important, I am always conscious of any animal welfare issues that arise and keep abreast of issues through membership of animal welfare organisations. I hope to stand up for animal welfare issues wherever possible. I also always hope to extend myself and continue to learn. I have worked with many high achievers and they have motivated me to never stop learning.”
How does Jane inspire you?
“Jane inspires me as she can analyse situations and work outside the square. Not only has Jane made incredible inroads with the study, rehabilitation and conservation of chimpanzees, Jane has also realised the importance of working with communities that will be impacted by the work to conserve chimp populations. By engaging the local communities this has led to a greater respect plus a completely different outlook for the environment and animals by these communities. Jane’s work has also contributed to employment of people in the local communities and assisted young women to further their education.
“Jane has also opened up and guaranteed the future by starting the Roots & Shoots movement which is now a global concept. This will ensure that the younger generation will appreciate and work towards conserving nature and the environment.
“Jane, with her quiet but determined attitude, can turn a problem around and tackle it from a different direction. With great knowledge and empathy she has been able to achieve so much.”
Why did you choose to volunteer for JGIA?
“Knowing the valuable work carried out by JGI throughout the world, and being impressed by the energy and passion of the work carried out by the organisation, I looked upon being accepted as a volunteer as a privilege.”
What is your favourite animal and why?
Bears sanctuary, Cambodia, by Robyn Hittmann
“I would have to say bears having worked with bears in Asia, and seeing their resilience, strength and tenacity to survive and thrive, even under the worst circumstances. These qualities shine through – something we could all learn from! They are also very forgiving animals after being treated so badly in so many ways by man. They show great resilience and determination to survive.”
Where is your favourite place?
“One of my favourite places is a sanctuary in Thailand where I worked as a volunteer. We were awoken before dawn by the calls of the gibbons filtering through the tree tops. The volunteers were all stiff and sore from working throughout the previous days, but in darkness just before the early morning light, there was never a complaint murmured. Everyone knew their allotted tasks and quietly went about assisting the animals in their care. It made me think that these true acts of kindness, so readily given, were like pieces of gold shining through the dust of hurt and despair that had once been placed upon the animals before finding safety in the sanctuary. A wonderful, inspiring place.”
Robyn’s favourite animal in Cambodia
How long have you been volunteering with JGIA.
“Just on 12 months. I commenced working in a clerical capacity around August 2019 after reading a shout out for volunteers during this time.”
What is your favourite part of volunteering?
“Learning and expanding my knowledge – and hopefully being of assistance. Volunteering with JGIA has opened a number of doors for me – not only the wonderful people I have been in contact with or e-met, but also being able to further my knowledge in so many areas by way of webinars etc.”
Why is conservation important to you?
“We have already lost many species of insects and animals due to the destruction of their habitat. We must keep areas of the environment for nature to thrive. The loss of even the smallest species of insect can reflect on nature in so many ways. Nature has evolved where one is dependent on the other for survival and we must strive to keep this balance. The environment must be kept for future generations to respect and enjoy.”
What would you like your legacy to be?
“For others to see, through me, the respect and love for all animal life. Not by what I say, but by what I do, my actions and how my day-to-day life is carried out. All forms of life should be respected – we cannot simply turn our backs when we see a wrong carried out or animals badly treated. We must have the courage to take a stand for animals that are not able to speak for themselves.
“Planting small seeds of thought in people’s minds can be very powerful and can help to change their course of thinking, way of life and beliefs.”
Jane is known for spreading her message of hope. What are you hopeful for?
“That the younger generation will appreciate the value of the environment and all nature and learn the true value of kindness.”
Are you interested in volunteering – even just an hour or two a week? JGIA always appreciate any skills you can share! For more information please tell us more about yourself and what you’d like to offer by emailing info@janegoodall.org.au – and our wonderful Robyn will get back to you.
A deep love for nature and animals is why Robyn volunteers
Join us in celebrating 30 years of Roots & Shoots by taking on the issues that matter most as part of a massive movement of compassionate changemakers, just like you! Roots & Shoots inspires young people to believe in their own voice and abilities, growing connections, and respect across all identities.
What is Roots & Shoots?
Young people are not just the future, they are the present and are shaping tomorrow, today. As we face the greatest challenges of our lifetime, disease, existential threats like the Climate Crisis, the Sixth Great Extinction, disease, prejudice and violence, young people in Roots & Shoots are not only resilient, but they are also tackling these issues head on by innovating and turning hope into action across every continent.
In 2021, we celebrate the 30th Anniversary of Jane Goodall’s Roots & Shoots, a program of the Jane Goodall Institute. Roots & Shoots inspires young people to believe in their own voice and abilities, growing connections and respect across all forms of identity and experience. As we reflect on the global impact of this extraordinary and singular youth movement, we look to the horizon and continue to empower the young people creating the roadmap of a better future for all.
The Story
It all began on Jane Goodall’s front porch in Tanzania, when a group of students told her they felt powerless thinking about the problems all around them. Jane encouraged them to use their voices and ideas to address the issues they saw, head on. Roots & Shoots was born. Today, Roots & Shoots is a world-wide movement of thousands of passionate young people making big impacts – and it continues to grow. Whether it’s natural disasters, homelessness, pollution or even climate change, Roots & Shoots youth are taking on challenges and creating real positive change across the globe.
Roots & Shoots youth have been changing the face of change for 30 years, by following Jane Goodall’s example of being bold, kind, and doing good every single day. Across every continent, in over 65 countries worldwide, the Roots & Shoots movement includes hundreds of thousands of individuals and world-changing projects for people, other animals, and the planet we share ranging from taking on homelessness, climate change, biodiversity loss, injustice, and pollution while changing legislation, convincing corporations to make sustainable change, and inspiring even more people to take action.
The Future
As the Roots & Shoots youth movement grows to the millions, it’s making big impact through the power of every individual to make a difference, and the collective power of individuals. Recognized by the World Health Organisation and the United Nations as an innovative and effective way of engaging youth, Roots & Shoots gives everyone a way to make a difference in their own way, every day.
Roots & Shoots changemakers have already done incredible things over the last 30 years, already changing the world! But this year is going to be HUGE: this is your chance to be part of something extraordinary and help create the roadmap of a better future for all. Join us as we do 30,000 projects making a difference for people, animals and the environment in 2021 and beyond!
Watch Dr. Jane Goodall’s message to launch our 30th Anniversary celebrations:
What advice would you give 10-year-old you with hindsight?
Vineeta, or Vini, is vital in growing our Roots & Shoots youth empowerment program across Australia.
Let your imagination go crazy and know that as a woman you can also soar. No matter what you decide to do, always remember that you are enough and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.
