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."

Calling Kids Under 13!

2008-05-02T07:14:00.000-07:00

Submit your projects to the Cartoon Network!

MEgTV and Cartoon Network are searching for kids across the country who are environmentally savvy and active in their communities. We are inviting submissions from kids primarily between the ages of six and twelve, and all submissions must be received by Monday, May 12. Cartoon Network will select six nominees and then online, kids will vote for their favorite project. Cartoon Network will then help take the efforts of the finalist or finalists to the next level. Please send submissions to David@megtv.com.

Here are some further specifics:

--Kids (ages 6-12 ) who are currently involved in an environmentally-friendly project or program in the United States of America (USA).

- Each should embody and exhibit through their environmental involvement, character, and/or personality most or all of the qualities below:

· A sense of adventure and discovery

· A sense of fun, excitement and exploration

· A sense of commitment and dedication to their project or program

· The ability to inspire, motivate and to be a role-model to others

Reminder: Dr. Jane speaking at the Colonial!

2008-05-02T06:44:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone!

Just a quick reminder that Dr. Jane will be speaking at the Colonial Theatre (located on Boston Common) on Thursday, May 8th, at 8pm. The lecture will be followed by a book signing. The lecture is entitled "Reason for Hope".

Tickets are on sale at www.ticketmaster.com.

Dr. Jane Goodall travels more than 300 days per year, inspiring audiences with fascinating stories about her pioneering work with chimpanzees; information about the education, conservation and development programs of the Jane Goodall Institute; and her reasons for hope that we can save threatened species, the planet and ultimately ourselves. A UN Messenger of Peace, Dr. Goodall also encourages her audiences to recognize their ability to effect change. Her frequent reminder: “Every individual matters. Every individual has a role to play. Every individual makes a difference.” For more information about Dr. Goodall and her work, please visit www.janegoodall.org

Contact Jessica or Kellan at the Roots & Shoots New England office with any questions at 617-439-9090.

Lots of Great News!

2008-04-28T07:33:00.000-07:00

A whole bunch of fun things to read about today;

First up we have an article on E-Wire about the Youth Leaders returning inspired from the Global Summit. You can check it out here.

Next up we have an announcement about Dr. Jane, who will be at the official opening of the Hopkinton Parrot Sanctuary. You can read more here.

Finally, there is a fantastic video interview with Dr. Jane over at WESH 2 in Orlando. Have fun!

Great website and project

2008-04-24T09:51:00.000-07:00

Calling all kids! Check out this great website started by a Roots & Shoots group, Kids Save the Apes. Their Roots & Shoots group focuses on raising money to adopt apes. They are currently working on their next fundraiser which they hope will let them adopt 14 more to add to the 5 they've already helped! Great job guys!

More on the Global Summit

2008-04-24T08:15:00.000-07:00

For more on Dr. Jane's Global Youth Summit, you can check out the JGI story here, and make sure you check in over at Dave and Shawn's blog, where they are doing a fantastic job covering all the action. Stay tuned as more stories come in!

Dr. Jane's Global Youth Summit

2008-04-24T07:37:00.000-07:00

Reuters has a fantastic article about Dr. Jane passing the activist torch on to youth, including those at the Global Summit. It also profiles a few of the extraordinary youth who are currently at the summit. My favorite part;

"The 100 (young people) who are here represent hundreds of thousands of others," Goodall said on the 38th annual Earth Day. "You hear them debate some of the problems of the world, and you know there is hope for the future."

Keep up the great work everyone!

(http://africa.reuters.com/wire/news/usnN22250474.html)

Green Mountain Coffee!

2008-04-16T07:15:00.000-07:00

Great news for anyone who is a coffee lover like me. Seeing as you can't buy your coffee locally grown, the next best alternative is to buy coffee that supports a great cause! Green Mountain Coffee has launched its single origin coffees, including the Tanzanian Gombe Reserve line. The Coffee Review, which rates coffees on a scale from 1-100 for coffee connoisseurs, gave the Gombe coffee a fantastic score of 90! Business Wire also has this to say about the Gombe Reserve Coffee;

"The Tanzanian Gombe Reserve coffee is sourced in collaboration with the Jane Goodall Institute. This coffee is grown by small-scale farmers near Tanzania’s Gombe National Park, where Dr. Goodall did her groundbreaking research on chimpanzee behavior. Much of the land around the park has become deforested, threatening one of the last remaining habitats for wild chimpanzees. Growing coffee helps provide a solution because coffee plants thrive under the shade of the forest canopy, which is also vital to the chimps’ survival. Coffee farming gives farmers an incentive to preserve the forest and a chance at economic stability. Tanzanian Gombe Reserve is also the first product to receive Jane Goodall's "Good for All" seal of approval, which is reserved for high-quality products produced with a commitment to fair pay for farmers, sustainable agriculture, and wildlife conservation."

You can read more about the launch here or you can check out Green Mountain and buy a pack of Gombe Reserve coffee over here (and it's less expensive than a bag from Starbucks!).

Media Hits All Over the Place!

2008-04-10T08:19:00.000-07:00

First up is a great biography piece on Lani Carney who is a Roots & Shoots group leader at the Featherstone Center for the Arts. If the above link doesn't work, the address is: http://www.mvgazette.com/article.php?15989

Next is an article about how Western Connecticut State University, Bethel Middle School, and Bethel High School are preparing for Earth Day. (The address is http://www.newstimes.com/ci_8861195?IADID)

Finally, if you'd like to watch a cute video about Dr. Jane's visit to Sacramento, check this link out. The video is on the right, entitled Jennifer Smith's Report. (http://www.news10.net/display_story.aspx?storyid=40498)

Roots & Shoots International Visitors!

2008-04-03T10:49:00.000-07:00

Charlotte Pierce has written up a great article about Deus Cosmos and Manoj Gautam's visit to the Boston area. You can find the article here or read it below. Thanks again to Charlotte and all of her hard work!

Picture of Manoj Gautam in Nepal.

Visitors from Tanzania, Nepal in Arlington April 6-8
Written by Charlotte Pierce Tuesday, 25 March 2008

Why would someone start a "Vulture Restaurant?"
How can African farmers coexist with crop-destroying baboons?

For answers to these questions and a chance to talk with two amazing young people who are making a difference in the world, community members are invited to three special events in April.

Roots & Shoots regional coordinators Deus Cosmos from Tanzania, and Manoj Gautam from Nepal will be staying in Arlington from April 4 to 9 on the New England leg of their goodwill tour of the United States.

Members of the two Arlington Roots & Shoots groups, Planet Ottoson and the Bishop Green Bees, will be hosting the two young men while they are in our area.

You will have a chance to meet Deus and Manoj at the following three events:

Sunday, April 6: Roots & Shoots groups will host a dinner in honor of Manoj and Deus at the Kathmandu Spice Restaurant at 166 Mass. Ave. in East Arlington. Interested community members are welcome. RSVP required by April 5.
Monday, April 7: Manoj and Deus will present their work in Nepal and Tanzania from 4-5 p.m. at the Arlington Enrichment Collaborative (1100 Mass. Ave. #2). Q&A to follow. RSVP required by April 6; middle and high-school students & parents welcome.
Tuesday, April 8: Arlington students ages 12-18 are invited to participate in a “Talkabout” recorded cablecast with Deus and Manoj at the Arlington Studio on Tuesday, April 8. To participate on-camera, be there by 2:30 p.m. RSVP required by April 6.

For details and to RSVP for any of the above events, call 781-648-8166
or e-mail charlotte@worldlanguagenetwork.org.

For more on our international guests and Roots & Shoots, the international youth organization founded by renowned primate researcher and environmental activist Jane Goodall, please visit www.rootsandshoots.org; www.GreenBees.org; or www.PiercePress.com/PlanetOttoson.

Rockport Elementary Roots & Shoots in the News!

2008-04-03T07:02:00.000-07:00

Check out this fantastic article about the fifth graders at Rockport Elementary fighting global warming with their art! The students have created posters about the effects of global warming on the Earth.

Make sure you click on the related photos (under the picture of Emily Daily and Jill Blais) to see more great shots of what they have created!

If the above link doesn't work, you can copy this address: http://www.wickedlocal.com/rockport/news/education/x125180811

Great article about Dr. Jane!

2008-04-03T06:34:00.001-07:00

Hey everybody -

I hope everyone is getting excited for Dr. Jane's lecture at the Colonial Theatre on May 8th! There is a great article about Dr. Jane in the Chicago Tribune that I recommend you check out. I particularly enjoy her response about U.S. environmental policy.

Just a reminder, you can get tickets for Dr. Jane's lecture at Ticketmaster.com. Students can purchase discounted $12 tickets at ticketmaster, but need to pick up their ticket at the Colonial Theatre with their student ID card to get them. Also, student tickets and adult tickets must be purchased separately.

Peace,
Jessica

Well Wishes and Blessings Needs Your Help NOW!

2008-03-28T09:53:00.000-07:00

Urgent request: 200 American youth are needed to write/draw good will messages to Kenyan youth suffering from the aftermath of ethnic violence.

Your thoughts, your words DO make a difference! Simple kindness can radically - and immediately - change a person’s life. Briefly, here’s what’s been happening and how you can join in:

Well Wishes and Blessings, a humanitarian project of Eagle Vision Initiatives, has recorded an award-winning audio CD that includes a collection of original songs, interviews, raps and poetry written by children and youth throughout the US. Originally intended for kids in Iraq, the WELL WISHES CD's universal themes of peace, love and forgiveness have now reached Kenya, where they are being used as a remarkably effective tool of reconciliation after the recent onslaught of violence.

Last week, a Kenyan youth organization submitted an urgent request for 200 more WELL WISHES CDs to be shipped immediately; each disc will be delivered to an individual Kenyan youth with a personal letter/hand-made card from an American youth.

This is where you come in! Youth in the US are invited to write messages of good will, draw friendship cards, and freely express messages of hope and peace to these Kenyan youth suffering from the aftermath of ethnic violence, internal and Displacement. 200 letters/cards are needed ASAP for these packages.

Hundreds of thousands of people are now homeless throughout Kenya. All of the schools have been burnt down. Now, more than ever, the citizens of Kenya need to know that others care for them and are sending love. This is no small thing for those who have survived the latest violence. The power of innocent kindness has actually prevented murder.

Last month, the latest package of WELL WISHES CDs (which included friendship cards and artwork from kids around the US - including New England Roots & Shoots youth leaders) was sent to Nairobi. Eagle Vision received several positive responses, including the following from Lucy Wairimu, a young woman in Nakuru who, due to the recent violence, is now homeless.

Lucy had this to say, “I had the motive of revenging for loss of loved ones and property of my tribe in the ethnic violence but after listening to the CD, my heart softened and now I will continue to pray so that peace may return to our beloved country. The cards are also like the prescriptions I got from the Doctor. May God bless the people of America for their concern.”

The spoken and written words of youth are now helping to break the cycle of retaliation and murder. That's how powerful your heart-felt expression can be! We invite you to be a part of this awesome and necessary endeavor. Simply put: if there's anything the world needs these days, it's you. Be yourself, express your heart, share the Love and GO FOR IT! A little kindness from us is a huge gift for someone is suffering. Truly, you have the power to change someone's life - just by expressing that you care.

ALL LETTERS MUST BE RECEIVED BY APRIL 7, 2008 IN ORDER TO BE INCLUDED IN THE NEXT SHIPMENT OF CDs TO KENYA.

Please send letters to:

Roots & Shoots Well Wishes Project

89 South St. LL02

Boston, MA 02111

The WELL WISHES project is a humanitarian initiative - not in affiliation with any political agenda or religious belief. The goal of this endeavor is simply to offer and express love.

Links:

Well Wishes & Blessings: www.wellwishesandblessings.com

Eagle Vision Initiatives: www.eaglevisioninc.org

Roots & Shoots: www.rootsandshoots.org

BBC Special Report on Kenya: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/in_depth/africa/2008/kenya/default.stm

For more information, contact Christine Ellersick, cellersick@janegoodall.org or 617-439-9090.

Great Regional Action Profiled!

2008-03-21T07:07:00.001-07:00

There's a great article over on the R&S website about the Cornwall Consolidated School R&S effort to provide soccer equipment to kids in Mozambique. Check out this wonderful project over here. Great work New England!

Dr. Jane is coming to New England!

2008-03-14T13:39:00.000-07:00

Dr. Jane will be giving a public lecture on Thursday, May 8^th at 8pm at the Colonial Theatre in Boston. The lecture, “Reason for Hope”, will be given in memory of Harry Foster, Dr. Jane’s first publisher. Tickets will be sold through Ticketmaster closer to the event. A book signing will follow the lecture.

Additionally, 15 Roots & Shoots groups will get to participate in the New England Roots & Shoots fair to be held with Dr. Jane on Friday, May 9th. If you have not already received your application and would like to apply, please contact the New England Office at nerootsshoots@janegoodall.org. Remember! Applications are due no later than March 31st!

Climate Change Summit at MIT!

2008-03-13T08:45:00.000-07:00

Youth CAN, a brand new Roots & Shoots group, is hosting a climate change summit at MIT on May 10th!

Youth CAN’s is hosting the Global Climate Change Summit to inform ourselves and others about global warming; to create opportunities to foster activism and to build a coalition of youth and educators who will continue to work together in the fight against global warming. The Summit is open to students in grades 7-12 as well as to the educators of students in grades 7-12. All who register (online) will be entered into a drawing for great door prizes such as iPods, gift certificates, and more. There will be green vendors and grassroots displays, as well as climate change speakers and workshops. At the 2007 Summit, over 225 students, from 47 different schools across the greater metropolitan area attended. Space at the 2008 Summit is limited, so register early, and make sure to sign up soon for the particular workshops that you hope to attend!

Some of the presentations will include;
Welcome – Mayor Thomas Menino & MIT President Susan Hockfield
Water Issues– Lilah Glick, Clean Water Action
Energy Programs – J. Cohen-Rosenthal, Mass Energy Consumer’s Alliance
Sustainable Living - Prof. A. Kollmuss, Tufts University
Environmental Law: EPA to the Clean Air Act – Natural Resources Defense Council
Think Outside The Bottle - D. Lapidus, Corporate Accountability Int'l.
Alternative Fuels – A. Schuyler, Northeast Biofuels Collaborative
Cape Wind: The Story – B. Hill, Clean Power Now
Speak Out – P. Weinmann, MIT
Health Effects – P. Shoemaker, Boston Public Health Commission
Effects on Oceans –J. Sigman & B. Cooke, NE Aquarium
The Science of Global Warming– B. Rose, MIT
Climate Change & Habitat – L. Soper, National Wildlife Federation
Filming a Public Service Announcement -Urban Improv & Stage Coach Improv
Climate Literacy Curriculum – L. Soper, National Wildlife Federation
Climate Change for Educators -P. Harcourt, DOE Summer Institute
Film Making In the Classroom – M. Essary, The Foresight Project
Clean Air Cool Planet's Education Kits & Curriculum on Renewable Energy - Clean Air Cool Planet
An Inconvenient Truth; Gore Slide Show – I. Jones, Winsor School

Registration starts soon at: http://www.blsyouthcan.org/Current_Global_Climate_Change_Summit.html

I highly recommend you check out their excellent website at: www.blsyouthcan.org. There you can learn more about climate change and take a carbon quiz!

NEYLC Members Fight to Ban Plastic Bags!

2008-03-06T10:20:00.000-08:00

Cassie Zito and Emily Rintoul, both members of the New England Youth Leadership Council, helped testify for a ban on plastic bags in front of the Environment Committee.

You can help out too! While the grocery store lobby is opposing the ban, if you are from Connecticut, you can call your state representative and urge them to pass Bill No. 5717 to ban the free distribution of plastic bags. To find your representative, check out this website.

After Cassie and Emily's testimony, Channel 8 ran the story with some sound bites from Emily. You can find Emily on Channel 8 both here and here. Finally, the Hartford Courant also wrote up the story. Emily's written testimony is also included below.

Great job guys!

Youth Testimony

Good morning. My name is Emily Rintoul. I was recently selected by the Jane Goodall Institute's, youth organization, Roots and Shoots, to serve on its youth council. I'm proud to be here today to represent these wonderful organizations.

A few years ago, I was fortunate to travel to the United Nations Environmental Program's conference in Aichi, Japan. While at the conference we heard many inspiring stories, accompanied by photos and pictures, of youth who had helped to clean up some really bad trash and litter areas in the world. Several young people from Africa showed mounds of plastic bags removed from streets in their own volunteer efforts to clean up their villages. Since then some of those countries, such as Uganda, Kenya, South Africa, and others, have banned the use of plastic bags, or have banned the free distribution of these bags. Most surprisingly, China joined the ban on free distribution in January of this year. Just think about that! We often speak negatively of China, with its many pollution problems, but even China has been able to take this firm stand. China's estimates of oil use on plastic bags was 37 million barrels of crude oil per year. Some estimates put the world distribution of plastic bags at 4 to 5 trillion bags per year. I have heard other youth talk about the improvements in their towns and communities as a result of cleaning up the plastic litter. Many of these youth were poor themselves or came from poor countries. Yet they were able to do big things. They were willing to do tiring and dirty work. They were able to make their surroundings more beautiful, safe, and healthy.

In this country we have big plastic problems still to face. We may not have quite as much litter in our Connecticut suburbs as there is blowing around in third world countries, but our landfills are huge. They're growing much faster than our natural resources. And we do have plastic floating in our water and drifting across our parks. We have mounds of plastic that will take hundreds, if not thousands of years to break down again. I'd like to be able to say to the youth in Roots and Shoots groups around the world that we have worked just as hard to clean up our own plastic problems. I'd like to report to my youth council, and the other councils around the country, that Connecticut is leading the way to greener solutions in this country. San Fransisco banned the free distribution of plastic bags last year, after learning that a tax of 17c per bag was just not enough to make a difference.

In this country we have the money to tackle plastic problems in many different ways. Transporting our stuff can be done easily with fabric bags, boxes, biodegradable bags, recyled paper, metal containers and dozens of other types of containers. We don't need plastic. Life will go on without it as it did for thousands of years before it. The entrepreneurs of this country have already stepped up to offer good alternatives to plastic.

We ask that you pass a bill to ban the distribution of plastic bags. Don't pass the buck, or the bag, on to my generation to deal with the problem. We're ready to make the changes now.
Thank you.
Emily Rintoul

53 Days till Earth Day!

2008-02-29T10:39:00.000-08:00

That's right! Earth Day is coming up soon. And we hope every Roots & Shoots member will participate. If you are planning an activity or planning to attend an Earth Day event, let us know! The first 75 people to report to New England Roots & Shoots about what they will be doing on Earth Day will receive a free Roots & Shoots t-shirt to wear to the event! Call or e-mail Kellan Hays by April 4th with your project information and how many shirts you need. You can reach Kellan at (617) 439-9090 or khays@janegoodall.org.

No matter what you are doing, be sure to take photos and send them in to the regional office! And submit a project report about what you did!

This year, Roots & Shoots New England is excited to partner with Mass Audubon for events across Massachusetts. We also know about some great events happening in other states - check it out below! Also, if you know of any other great Earth Day events near you, let us know! We'd love to pass the information along to everyone!

Massachuestts

On April 26th from 9am to 1pm, the Mass Audubon Society is hosting volunteers of all ages at 12 sanctuaries across Massachusetts in honor of Earth Day and Statewide Volunteer Day.

The morning will involve hands-on service projects and in the afternoon, volunteers are invited to participate in educational activities specific to that sanctuary.

Roots & Shoots is thrilled to partner with Mass Audubon for this special day!

To sign up visit www.massaudubon.org. Make sure to note that you’re a Roots & Shoots member on the sign-up form. Then wear your Roots & Shoots t-shirt and take photos!

Boston Nature Center, Boston

Restore gardens and orchards, plant trees, maintain trails and clean up Canterbury Brook. Tour the greenest municipal building in Boston.

Long Pasture, Barnstable

Install a culvert, maintain the bird and butterfly garden and work on Night Heron Pond. Learn about vernal pool and swamp ecology.

Habitat, Belmont

Learn about the ecological habitat of meadows by planting seeds and plants while clearing invasive species. Join in nature crafts and music.

Visual Arts Center, Canton

Create a new native plant garden and complete a new walking trail. Take guided nature walk or participate in a family art project.

Felix Neck, Edgartown

Expand the sanctuary's butterfly garden. Visit the animals and learn their favorite foods and habits.

Laughing Brook, Hampden

Help build bluebird boxes, ready the garden and trim trails. Take a wildflower walk with a naturalist.

Eagle Lake, Holden

Create a new trail on recently protected land. Join a sanctuary tour and learn about land preservation efforts.

Pleasant Valley, Lenox

Improve trails and maintain fences and boats. Learn about invasive plants and the local beaver population.

Daniel Webster, Marshfield

Maintain the boardwalk and bird garden. Learn about grassland habitat and enjoy a hayride sanctuary tour.

Broadmoor, Natick

Prepare the meadow and wetlands for spring. Tour the historic sites at and learn about local plant life.

Wachusett Meadow, Princeton

Expand the gardens and help in the barn. Learn about their successful garden program and meet the animals.

Wellfleet Bay, Wellfleet

Clear and maintain trails and assist with campground cleanup. Tour the sanctuary and its green buildings.

Rhode Island

On April 19th, visit the Audubon Society of Rhode Island’s beautiful Environmental Education Center in Bristol, R.I. for storytelling, live animal presentations, games, music and more!

www.asrieec.org

The Roger Williams Park Zoo in Providence, R.I., is having a party for the Planet during Conservation Week, April 14 - 18. Head to the zoo this week to enjoy a variety of activities from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily.

www.rogerwilliamsparkzoo.org

Connecticut

Enjoy a huge Earth Day celebration at UConn in Stores, Conn on April 22nd. Speakers, bands, organic product displays, environmental games & fashion show, green technologies, and art display.

www.ecohusky.uconn.edu

Earthplace in Westport, Conn. will host a Green Earth Fair on April 26th and 27th. Activity topics include energy conservation, green energy & transportation, recycling, organic products, clean water, local wildlife, habitat protection and more!

www.earthplace.org

Maine

Friends of Acadia is hosting the 9th Annual Earth Day Roadside Clean Up in Bar Harbor, Maine on April 26th. For more information, contact Mike Staggs at 207-288-3340 or www.friendsofacadia.org

The Children's Museum of Maine in Portland will offer a fun-filled celebration, "Love the Earth!," at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, April 22nd. Activities will include earthy crafts, earth-inspired songs and a fun Earth Day game.

http://kitetails.com/

Dr. Jane's Conservation Heroes!

2008-02-29T08:17:00.000-08:00

Check out this great article about ordinary people helping the environment and Roots & Shoots in the Princetown Packet. The article is about an Animal Planet special about people Dr. Jane thinks are conservation heroes, including a member of Roots & Shoots! I also talks a bit about Roots & Shoots groups in New Jersey.

The page about the Animal Planet special, Jane Goodall's Heroes, can be found here.

Roots & Shoots Announces World Harmony Mini-Grants

2008-02-28T10:34:00.000-08:00

Roots & Shoots is excited to announce grants of $300 - $700 to support youth-led service projects in New England. Up to 10 mini-grants will support youth groups (pre-K through college age) in planning and implementing service projects.

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. Rebirth the Earth, Trees for Tomorrow

Two mini-grants will be reserved for groups that submit applications related to supporting the Roots & Shoots Rebirth the Earth, Trees for Tomorrow campaign. The goals of this campaign are to plant trees locally while raising funds for tree nurseries in Tanzania, in order to reforest chimp habitat. See:

http://www.rootsandshoots.org/campaigns/trees.

3. Peace through the Arts

Two mini-grants will be reserved for groups that submit applications for the New England Peace through the Arts campaign. One goal of this campaign includes inspiring people to live peaceful lives within their own communities, 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.

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.

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

3. Projects must be completed between April 15^th and June 15^th.

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: March 28^th

Mini-grant notification date: April 7th

Project period: April 15^th – June 15^th

Project Report final due date: June 30^th

Instructions

Complete the Mini-grant Application Form and answer the following questions. Do not exceed 3 pages in total, including the Mini-grant Application Form.

Eligibility: Explain your group’s eligibility for this funding. What approximate percentage of your group represents an underserved community? What underserved community does your group/organization represent?
Purpose: What is the purpose of the project? Include the main goal of the project along with a description. Address why there is a need for the project.
Timeline: What is your project timeline? Includes dates.
Outcome: What is the desired outcome of the project? Include a brief explanation of how you will evaluate success.
Budget: What is the proposed budget? Include details of use of mini-grant.

Submit your proposal by email (preferred) or mail to:

Christine Ellersick

cellersick@janegoodall.org

New England Roots & Shoots

89 South Street

Boston, MA 02111

Mini-grant Application Form

Contact Name:
Group/Organization:
Street Address:
City, State, Zip:
Phone:
Cell Phone:
Email address:
Website:

Project Information

This application is for:

o General World Harmony Mini-Grant

o Rebirth the Earth, Trees for Tomorrow Mini-Grant

o Peace through the Arts Mini-Grant

Project Title:

Amount Requested:

# of Youth Participating:

The Jane Goodall Institue has a new blog!

2008-02-28T06:18:00.000-08:00

The president of JGI, Bill Johnston, has a new blog entitled Running Comment. If you would like to know more about the work JGI does around the world, what it is like on the road with Dr. Jane and the challenges of chimpanzee conservation and sustainable development, you should check it out.

You can find Running Comment at: http://www.earthwatchr.org/JGIGeo/

Dr. Jane is in Rolling Stone!

2008-02-22T09:34:00.000-08:00

There is a great interview with Dr. Jane Goodall in the 40th issue of Rolling Stone! Just scroll to page 164 to see it.

You can find out more about what is going on with Dr. Jane and the world of primates at the Jane Goodall Institute's news site, located at www.janegoodall.org/news/default.asp.

National Youth Leadership Initiative Retreat

2008-02-22T07:55:00.000-08:00

Youth Leadership Council members from around the country gathered Feb 15^th – 18^th in Middleburg, Va. for a weekend of training, inspiration and fun.

The retreat gave everyone an opportunity to meet other incredible Youth Leaders and learn about the impressive Roots & Shoots projects that impact both the local and world community. Almost 40 Youth Leaders, including seven New England Youth Leadership Council members, attended the retreat and each individual left Virginia excited to make a difference.

The trainings at the retreat included everything from public policy and writing skills, to public speaking and learning about leadership styles. The Youth Leaders also enjoyed beautiful walks around the camp and especially enjoyed rolling down every single hill they could find.

This year, Roots & Shoots groups internationally will be working to support valuable water resources and protect endangered species around the planet. In New England, the NEYLC will continue to expand the Regional Youth Leadership campaign, Peace Through the Arts.

Roots & Shoots joins up with good2gether

2008-02-22T07:43:00.000-08:00

Roots & Shoots, a program of the Jane Goodall Institute, gained a powerful ally with the unveiling of good2gether, a latest-generation Web 2.0 platform that is part search engine, part social network. Through this partnership, Roots & Shoots will be able to promote its international youth service-learning network to millions of unique visitors on major Web sites, like Boston.com—the Web site for The Boston Globe.

Good2gether’s key invention is the connect2cause™ widget—a small bit of code that gets dropped into a media partner Web site, scanning and indexing articles and delivering deep links based on relevance. For example, a connect2cause™ widget next to an article on education would display a link to Roots & Shoots right alongside the article, with the organization’s local events, volunteer opportunities and membership information.

“Roots & Shoots is a powerful, youth-driven, global network of more than 100,000 young people in nearly 100 countries, all working on local service projects to benefit people, animals and the environment. We want to spread the word to empower more youth to make a difference. good2gether is a wonderful tool to help us do just that,” said Sally Sharp Lehman, New England regional director of Roots & Shoots. “Because good2gether is working with New England Web sites like Boston.com, we hope to leverage technology and the Internet to connect even more young people with Roots & Shoots projects that are both local and global in scope.”

Roots & Shoots joins nonprofits including the American Red Cross, American Heart Association, Best Buddies, Earth Share, National Audubon Society, and over 100 others in anticipation of good2gether’s first public launch in Boston this spring.

With major newspapers in six of the top 10 media markets already signed on to the good2gether network, partnerships are expected to extend to at least 10 of the top 20 media markets by the end of 2008. Though good2gether launches with a focus on these major media partners, good2gether can be made available anywhere on the Internet—at the Web sites of colleges and universities, on corporate intranets, at national or regional magazines, or at social networking sites like MySpace or Facebook.

“Roots & Shoots is an outstanding, committed nonprofit and we are honored to have them join good2gether,” said Gregory McHale, CEO and Founder of good2gether. “Both our organizations share a mission to raise awareness of local nonprofits and increase involvement in the community’s philanthropic efforts.”

About good2gether:

good2gether is a new search and social media Web service that connects people to causes, through a broad network of Web sites, including major media outlets, corporate intranets, college/university Web sites, social networks, and more. Built on a scalable, Web 2.0 platform, good2gether enables nonprofits to enter volunteering opportunities, events, in-kind donation needs, etc., once—then distributes this info across the entire network, to everyone's benefit: nonprofits leverage free traffic, media partners get local content and fresh ad revenue, sponsors deliver their social responsibility messaging in a targeted, scalable fashion—and people get an easy way to discover, share, and engage with causes. Learn more at www.good2gether.com.

New England Roots & Shoots welcomes Sally Sharp Lehman!

2008-02-22T07:36:00.000-08:00

The Jane Goodall Institute announces the appointment of Sally Sharp Lehman of Lexington, Mass., as New England regional director of Roots & Shoots, its global youth outreach program. In this newly-created position, Sharp Lehman will be responsible for providing strategic direction for the growth of the Roots & Shoots youth network in Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, Maine, and Vermont.

Founded in 1991 by Dr. Jane Goodall and a group of Tanzanian students, Roots & Shoots is about making positive change happen – for people, animals, and the environment. With more than 100,000 young people in nearly 100 countries, the Roots & Shoots network branches out across the globe connecting youth of all ages who share the common desire to make the world a better place.

“I am so excited about the potential for Roots & Shoots here in New England,” said Sharp Lehman. “We look forward to the opportunity to build and leverage partnerships with other organizations so that more young people can get involved in projects, can be part of a truly global community, and can know what it feels like to make a difference on both a local and a global scale.”

Sharp Lehman joins Roots & Shoots with extensive experience in both for-profit and nonprofit management most recently having served for eight years at Mass Audubon as regional director for Southeastern Massachusetts, Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard, and Nantucket. As regional director at Mass Audubon, she was responsible for guiding and overseeing activities within the region including direct supervision of nine staffed sanctuaries, the development of new initiatives and resource development and allocation. At Mass Audubon, prior to becoming Regional Director, she was manager of capital campaigns for two years.

Previously, Sharp Lehman was a management consultant with Harbridge House, Inc. specializing in the areas of strategy, organizational effectiveness, and executive education. She has also worked with both the Chubb Group of Insurance Companies and Price Waterhouse. She holds a Master of Management from the J.L. Kellogg Graduate School of Management at Northwestern University and a Bachelor of Arts in economics and French from Duke University.

Roots & Shoots and Kenmore® Team Up to Make a Difference

2007-10-26T13:31:00.000-07:00

What do kids have in common with dishwashers? Not much, you might think.

However, through an exciting new alliance, Roots & Shoots and the Kenmore® Brand are out to show that both young people and household appliances play an important role in conserving natural resources and preserving our environment. Roots & Shoots is excited to announce that it is teaming up with the Kenmore Brand to launch a new Kenmore Elite® high-efficiency dishwasher.

As part of the alliance, Sears® is featuring the Roots & Shoots program in its stores and urging its customers to join Roots & Shoots as a way to make a difference in their communities. In November, Roots & Shoots members will represent Roots & Shoots at Sears stores, distributing program information, sharing their Roots & Shoots projects and talking about home conservation.

Not only that but young Roots & Shoots members have the opportunity to shape their family’s energy consumption through a special online home energy program called "10 Simple Actions." By doing more and using less, kids can help conserve water and energy at home. Simple, right?

One more cool thing about this new alliance: For every Kenmore Elite® Dishwasher with the Ultra Wash® HE Wash System sold at Sears stores between the dates of October 28, 2007 and November 7, 2007, a $25 donation* will be made to Roots & Shoots. This dishwasher is ENERGY STAR® qualified and uses 34 percent less energy and 41 percent less water than seven- to 10-year-old dishwashers

Roots & Shoots and Kenmore®—working together to help you make the world a better place, starting right in your own home!

*up to a maximum $100,000 donation

New England Regional Youth Summit!

2007-10-25T11:30:00.000-07:00

Does your group need new ideas and tools to perform your service projects? Then come to the Third Annual New England Roots & Shoots Regional Youth Summit on Novemeber 10th and 11th 2007 at Drumlin Farm in Lincoln, MA! The summit is open to participants aged 12 and older with workshops for youth, as well as adult group leaders. Information packets have been mailed - contact the Roots & Shoots New England office immediately if you didn't receive one. Over 20 wonderful presenters will include youth leaders, humane educators, environmental educators and communications professionals. Workshops include:

Getting the word out: publicizing Roots & Shoots through Letters to the Editor
10 tips for publicizing your Roots & Shoots group: a complete media strategy
Youth volunteer opportunities with Boston Cares
Monarch Banding: Citizen Science and Service
Yoga
Build you own giant peace dove (bring sheets and chicken wire if you have some)
Dr. Jane and Chimps of Gombe
When I grow up, I want to be green: Prepare yourself for a career in conservation
Recycled art project, re-use junk mail to create something beautiful
Join an Earthwatch Expedition!
Advertising and the Cost of Cool
Foods for Thought

And many more!

For more information, contact Roots and Shoots New England at: 617.439.9090 or nerootsshoots@janegoodall.org

Celebrate Peace Day in New England!

2007-09-05T08:14:00.001-07:00

Join us on Saturday, September 22 from 2 - 4 pm as the New England Youth Leadership Council kicks off the New England Roots & Shoots Peace Through the Arts campaign. This kick-off represents the 1st Annual Roots & Shoots Peace Day Celebration to be held in New England. We will meet in the Council Chambers of the Rondileau Campus Center of Bridgewater State College in Bridgewater, MA. (Directions at http://www.bridgew.edu/directions.cfm.) Enjoy the music of Sarah Burrill (http://www.sarahburrill.com/), youth speakers on peace, an exhibiton of artwork submitted by 14 Roots & Shoots groups, art awards ceremony, drawing for prizes, project activities…and more!

New England youth leaders wish to raise $3,500 to support the Roots & Shoots program for Congolese youth living in the Lugufu Refugee camp in western Tanzania. The program has been successful in helping create sustainable living conditions, reducing the impact of refugees on the local environment and creating linkages among refugees and local Tanzanians.

Admission to the Peace Day Celebration is free, but your voluntary donation of $5 will be sent to Lugufu and will make you eligible for a drawing for lots of great prizes!

Important Reminder: Roots & Shoots Global Youth Survey

2007-06-19T07:52:00.000-07:00

The New England intern, Sarah Tuttle, recently contacted all Roots & Shoots groups with members ages 13-19 to ask members to complete the Global Youth Survey. This survey is extremely important as we work to determine the quality of the program and its effects on youth development. The results of the survey will help us serve future Roots & Shoots members, and will help us gather the kind of information needed by our grantors to justify the grants that they give us.

Please ask your group members to complete and return the surveys ASAP. You will be entered in a drawing for a cash prize. The odds are pretty good that you’ll win. Contact Christine at cellersick@janegoodall.org with any questions or if you did not receive copies of the surveys for your group members.

Roots & Shoots Workshop at REI!

2007-06-16T08:10:00.000-07:00

Come to the REI store in Reading on June 26 and learn how to start a youth volunteer group with Roots & Shoots! With 8,000 youth groups participating in 96 countries, Roots & Shoots is the one of the leading youth volunteer programs in the world. Workshop participants will learn how to gather youth to perform service projects that benefit the environment, animals and humanity. You will learn a step-by-step process of service learning project planning and implementation. You will also be introduced to specific examples of inspirational projects done by Roots & Shoots groups in the great outdoors.

This is a FREE session open to all. However, space will be limited. Contact REI Boston Customer Service at 617-236-0746 to reserve your spot today! For directions, see: http://www.rei.com/stores/80

This workshop will be given at REI’s Reading MA store on June 26 at 7 p.m., REI’s Hingham MA store on September 25 at 7 p.m., and REI’s Framingham MA store on October 23 at 7 p.m

Roots & Shoots goes to the Museum of Science!

2007-06-09T08:26:00.000-07:00

The exhibit Discovering Chimpanzees, the Remarkable World of Jane Goodall has come to the Museum of Science in Boston. Roots & Shoots groups were invited to participate in the Press Preview on Thursday, May 31^, before the exhibit opened to the public! They were interviewed by the press about their Roots & Shoots projects. After the interview, the groups enjoyed free admission to the exhibit and to the film Jane Goodall’s Wild Chimpanzees in the Omni Theatre.

If you’re in the area, go over to the exhibit! Discovering Chimpanzees will remain at the museum until August 28.You’ll have the opportunity to climb into a chimp nest perched among tree branches, record your own chimp call and try your hand at termite fishing! See Dr. Goodall’s tent and learn about chimp behaviors, and even watch a life-size video of her talking about Roots & Shoots!

For more information on the exhibit, visit the Museum of Science website here!

Spirit of the Elements Photo Fundraiser

2007-06-06T07:49:00.000-07:00

A fundraiser for the Boston Photography Center (BPC) with a percentage to be donated to Roots & Shoots, was held June 3, 2007 at 33 Restaurant and Lounge in Boston, MA.

"The Spirit of the Elements: Earth, Air, Fire, Water" consisted of 33 images by 10 photographers who generously gave their time and effort as volunteers to the BPC’s City Project.

Click here for more information about the Boston Photography Center.

Meet the Greens: Roots & Shoots Youth Leader Featured on WGBH Website

2007-06-05T07:46:00.000-07:00

Visit Meet the Greens, a kids’ environmental website produced by WGBH and read about New England Youth Leadership Council member Clare Gillies. She was interviewed about Roots & Shoots and her participation in the Roots & Shoots national campaign to Rebirth the Earth.

Read the interview here!

Rialto Arts presents Mahler’s Song of the Earth with drawings by Roots & Shoots “A World in Harmony”

2007-06-02T06:56:00.000-07:00

The performance celebrated the human connection with the earth in music and in art, and featured nine teenage members of Artists for Humanity program speaking on their nature-related paintings and photographs. Selected art submitted by members of 14 Roots & Shoots groups was exhibited and projected during the performance.

Rialto Arts planted tree for every audience member at the concert, in conjunction with American Forests. In all, over 100 trees were planted!

Drawing above: Elisha Kottler, R & S member

Click here for a slideshow of the Roots & Shoots artwork shown!

Roots & Shoots Celebrates EarthFest!

2007-05-26T08:19:00.000-07:00

On Saturday May 26^th, Roots & Shoots staff, youth leaders and volunteers staffed an information and activity table at EarthFest at the Hatch Shell in Boston. Our table was located in the family activity area. We had a free drawing with lots of cool prizes including Gombe Reserve Coffee, T-shirts, posters, children’s books, gift baskets, and more!

Find out more here!

The Sprouts of Hope go Compact!

2007-05-03T11:17:00.000-07:00

The Sprouts of Hope, a Roots & Shoots group from Cambridge, MA, has been busy talking about Compact Florescent Light Bulbs (CFLs)! The group had a table at the Cambridge Science Festival, where they compared the use of CFLs with regular light bulbs. Before the fair, the group stopped for a photo shoot at a local artist’s studio. There, members posed as Lady Liberty holding a CFL in her hand!

To see photos of the Cambridge Science festival, click here.

Dr. Jane Visits Connecticut

2007-05-03T06:40:00.000-07:00

Dr. Jane was in Connecticut on April 27 for a day jam-packed with events! The day’s activities centered around Western Connecticut State University (WSCU). First on the agenda was a tree-planting ceremony, part of the ongoing ReBirth the Earth: Trees for Tomorrow campaign. From there, Dr. Jane went on to meet with over 500 Roots & Shoots members and talk with them about their projects. She also met with WSCU community members to discuss the trials of the non-profit sector and how to overcome them. At the close of the evening, Dr. Jane spoke to an audience of over 800 in the university’s gymnasium about how every person has the ability to affect change. It was a wonderful day for all who attended the events!

For an article about the day, click here.

Rebirth the Earth

2007-05-01T07:55:00.000-07:00

Arbor Day was the official kick-off for New England Roots & Shoots’ participation in the national campaign to Rebirth the Earth. New England youth leaders distributed white pines to 250 zoo visitors.

Read about the national campaign here!

Left: On Earth Day at the Franklin Park Zoo, Roots & Shoots groups helped prepare the Butterfly Landing for the summer. Photo by Banafsheh Ehtemam.

Roots & Shoots participates in national Step-It-Up events!

2007-04-17T06:45:00.000-07:00

Roots & Shoots groups from Cambridge, Somerville and Medford participated in Kids for Stopping Global Warming Walk last Saturday, April 14. They weren’t alone! Rallies, speeches, and events happened all around the country to raise awareness for global climate changes and the danger it poses to life as we know it.

Click here for more information on Step-It-Up 2007 .

Click here for photos of the Kids Against Global Warming march.

Click here for a You-Tube video of the event.

Dr. Jane Visits Harvard!

2007-04-12T06:31:00.000-07:00

On March 28, Dr. Jane came to Massachusetts! In the first part of the day, she met with about 90 Roots & Shoots students. In the evening, Dr. Jane spoke to an audience of 1,200 at Harvard University. Tickets for the speech sold out in 33 minutes! Due to popularity of the presentation, we are already working on bringing Dr. Jane back next year… to an even larger venue!

For an article about this day click here.

Step It Up!

2007-04-10T19:02:00.000-07:00

Roots and Shoots New England is excited to announce our support for the One Earth, One Climate Rally on Saturday, April 14, 2007. This event, which will be held at the Parkman Bandstand on Boston Common from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m., will bring together people of all ages to voice support for a new energy path. The rally will feature remarks by US Representative Edward Markey (D-MA), climate change experts and youth leaders, as well as music by The Chad Hollister Band. As part of the rally, children and adults will form a human chain across Boston Common to mark what may become Boston's future waterfront if global warming continues: Wear blue!

The Cambridge MA Roots & Shoots group invites you to join them in their Kids Walk to Stop Global Warming. They will begin gathering groups of school-age children and their parents at 12:30 in front of MIT's Kresge Auditorium. The Walk will commence at 1 p.m. and youth will carry their homemade signs with informative images/information about global warming. They will walk to Boston Common for the 2:00 Rally.

The rally is one of hundreds of events that will be held across the country on April 14, as part of the national Step It Up 2007 campaign. For more information, visit www.stepitboston.com or e-mail info@stepitboston.com.

ROOTS & SHOOTS EARTH DAY EVENTS!

2007-04-03T12:52:00.000-07:00

In honor of Earth Day and Arbor Day Roots & Shoots New England will be holding celebrations in Massachusetts and Rhode Island:

Earth Day
MA- Franklin Park Zoo April 22, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
All Roots & Shoots groups are invited to celebrate Earth Day at the Franklin Park Zoo with crafts, activities, animal encounters and environmentally-friendly exhibitors. Did you know Zoo New England supports conservation efforts both locally and abroad? Learn about these initiatives and discover what Roots & Shoots groups can do to help our planet. visit www.franklinparkzoo.org for more information.

RI- Roger Williams Park Zoo April 16-20
Celebrate Earth Day at the Roger Williams Park Zoo during Conservation Week. Roots & Shoots Teens will be there helping out on fun eco-themed activities, displays, animal presentations and a fun Roots & Shoots service learning project! Call 401-785-3510 for more information.

Arbor Day
MA- Franklin Park Zoo April 29, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Explore the Zoos’ other living collection and learn about trees and plants found both locally and globally. In honor of Roots & Shoots newest youth campaign, all are welcome to help plant trees and join educational programs on this special day. www.franklinparkzoo.org

Partnerships in Understanding

2007-03-21T12:42:00.000-07:00

Partnerships in Understanding is a Jane Goodall Institute’s pen pal program that encourages Roots & Shoots groups to share their culture, projects, and ideas for positive action with like-minded others around the world. We'd love to get more groups involved in it.
Groups can sign up by following the link to http://www.janegoodall.ca/roots/corner/partners.php and completing the registration form online.Once groups are registered to be a part of Partnerships in Understanding we will partner them with other Roots & Shoots groups, and send each group a pen pal start up kit, and information to answer any questions group members may have regarding their new correspondence. Currently, there are groups who correspond in French, Spanish, and English, proving that, with many voices, the power of youth is global! I hope you will join us in encouraging this initiative :)

WORLD WATER DAY IS NEXT WEEK!

2007-03-12T09:39:00.000-07:00

Is your group looking for a project to start for Spring? World Water Day is coming next week, March 22!
What is World Water Day? WWD is an international day of observance and action to draw attention to the largest public health issue of our age – the global scarcity of clean water.
Why is water scarcity so scary (and important to address)? In Kofi Annan's words, "We shall not finally defeat AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria, or any of the other infectious diseases that plague the developing world until we have also won the battle for safe drinking-water, sanitation and basic health care.” (United Nations Secretary-General, WHO advocacy guide).
How Can you Begin to Get Involved? Events and activities for World Water Day are being planned across North America and will take place in 26 cities in the United States and Canada. From what I have found, the closest New England event is in Boston, MA, and is an awareness-building World Water Day film screening (it's free if you register, so bring your entire group!). To participate and learn more, register with www.water.net and select boston from the "Events" menu.

World Water Day's 2007 focus:
"World Water Day is celebrated this year with a special focus on “Coping with Water Scarcity”. Water scarcity can be physical, economic or institutional, and can fluctuate over time and space. Today, about 700 million in 43 countries suffer from waters scarcity, and by 2025 this figure could increase to more than 3 billion people. The state of the world’s waters remains fragile, and the need for an integrated and sustainable approach to water resource management is as pressing as ever. Available supplies are under great duress as a result of high population growth, unsustainable consumption patterns, poor management practices, pollution, inadequate investment in infrastructure, and low efficiency in water-use. Yet even more water will be needed in the future: to grow food, to provide clean drinking water and sanitation services, to operate industries and to support expanding cities. Integrated water resources management will be of crucial importance in overcoming water scarcity. So will international cooperation, since many of the world’s rivers and aquifers are shared among countries. Such cooperation can also promote harmonious cross-border ties in general. The Millennium Development Goals have helped to highlight the importance of access to safe drinking water supplies and adequate sanitation, which undeniably separates people living healthy and productive lives from those living in poverty and who are most vulnerable to various life-threatening diseases. Making good on the global water and sanitation agenda is crucial to eradicating poverty and achieving the other development goals. The way forward is clear: strengthening institutional capacity and governance at all levels, promoting more technology transfer, mobilizing more financial resources, and scaling up good practices and lessons learned. On this World Water Day, I call on the UN system and all stakeholders to forge stronger partnerships and take more concerted action, not only this year, but throughout the entire International Decade for Action: “Water for Life”, 2005-2015." UN Secretary General's 2007 Message, www.worldwaterday.org. Check out the UN's WWD page to find free campaign poster downloads, fundraising ideas, logos to put on your websites, official UN documents concerning water and more.

ARE YOU READY TO PANDA MITI?

2007-03-07T05:07:00.000-08:00

Join the Roots & Shoots Youth Leadership Councils in creating five new tree nurseries for Roots & Shoots groups in Tanzania while planting trees in your own community. The goal is to raise $10,000 for the tree nurseries in Tanzania while planting at least 3,000 trees in the U.S. and other countries.

Find out what "Panda Miti" means at www.rootsandshoots.org/campaigns/trees.

Dr. Jane Goodall is visiting Western CT State University in Danbury, CT

2007-03-07T03:15:00.000-08:00

If you can't see Dr. Jane in Massachusetts on March 18, don't worry, she is visiting Western CT State University next! Dr. Jane Goodall will be in CT, visiting the University on Friday, April 27th. She is spending the entire day with those involved in Roots & Shoots of all ages and is giving a lecture open to the public that evening. The daytime events are free and tickets for the public lecture will go on sale by March 1st and can be purchased on www.tickets.com

Schedule for the day:
10:00am - 11:00am "A Conversation with Dr. Jane"
**Dr. Goodall meets with children involved in Roots & Shoots - 2nd graders through 5th graders. Children are welcome and encouraged to bring a poster board display of their Roots & Shoots projects. They will be able to ask questions to Dr. Goodall and as much as time allows, share their projects.
11:15am - 12:15am "A Conversation with Dr. Jane"
****Dr. Goodall meets with children involved in Roots & Shoots - Middle School through High School. Children are welcome and encouraged to bring a poster board display of their Roots & Shoots projects. They will be able to ask questions to Dr. Goodall and as much as time allows, share their projects.
7:00pm Public Lecture: "Dr. Jane Goodall discusses her life as a Primatologist, Humanitarian and UN Ambassador of Peace"
***This event is open to the public and requires tickets to be purchased. Adults $15, Groups of 10 or more $10, Children under 18 $5. www.tickets.com
There will be a book signing following this event.

Location: Western Connecticut State University, Westside Campus, The O'Neil Center. For directions go to www.wcsu.edu
School buses welcome for morning events.
If you have any questions or want to register for the morning R&S meetings, please contact Grace Felten (Roots & Shoots University Coordinator) at gfelten@janegoodall.org or Phone #203.837.8726

Buy Your Tickets before they are sold out!

2007-02-26T06:44:00.000-08:00

On Sunday, March 18 Dr. Goodall will receive the Roger Tory Peterson Award and give a lecture entitled, Reason for Hope in a Complex World at Harvard University's Sanders Theatre at 2 p.m. She will discuss the exciting and innovative work of the Jane Goodall Institute and Roots & Shoots. A book signing will follow.

Tickets for the lecture will be on sale at the Harvard Box Office beginning February 27. $9.00 for the general public / $5.00 for HMNH Members and Harvard ID holders. Further details can be found at http://www.hmnh.harvard.edu/events/.

National University Roots and Shoots Summit

2007-02-26T06:28:00.000-08:00

Students and Professors from all over the country will be coming together at the National Roots & Shoots College Summit, April 13th, 14th and 15th to share ideas about how to make a difference in our world. In past years this has been a wonderful forum for networking with other Roots & Shoots college groups, hearing about what projects are going on in the country and the world, and learning more about ways to help our planet and those living in it.

The Roots & Shoots college summit will be held at Clearpool Education Center; a pristine, un-touched, 300-acre nature preserve in Carmel, New York. www.clearpool.org

The summit is open to all students and professors who have existing Roots & Shoots groups or who would like to start a new Roots & Shoots group at their university. This is a special, fun and exciting chance to meet with all your fellow Roots & Shoots college students! This event is likely to fill up quickly, so if you are interested please contact Grace Felten (gfelten@janegoodall.org) promptly for more information.

The registration deadline is March 8th.

Plan Now for Valentine’s Day!

2007-01-31T10:09:00.000-08:00

Whether you love animals, the environment, people or all three, there are many ways to transform your Valentine’s Day celebration into an expression of your personal philosophies. Read on for some neat gift ideas and project tips.

The number of Valentine’s Day projects you can do is as limitless as your imagination. In the past, Roots and Shoots groups have done projects where they've made Valentine’s Day cards for veterans, the elderly in nursing homes, or children in hospitals. (Learn how to make cards here: http://www.enchantedlearning.com/crafts/valentine.) Last year, one Massachusetts group made cookies and candy for a church program feeding 75 homeless men; the youth created a giant Valentine’s Day card that was on display during the meal. One New Hampshire group made cookies and cards that were distributed to 80 homebound people through their local Meals on Wheels program. This year, a group in Plaistow NH is making Valentine’s Day cards for the same child survivors of Hurricane Katrina that they sent cards to last year.

If you’re a traditionalist – and you want to give chocolates or flowers, consider this:

A study has shown that 43% of the world’s cocoa comes from farms in West Africa where an estimated 284,000 children between the ages of 9 and 12 work in hazardous conditions, and 12,000 or these children arrived in their situation as a result of child trafficking. The solution? Purchase Fair Trade chocolate at your local natural foods store! Or, consider ordering a *Heart of Gold* for your sweetie: profits from the purchase will benefit Global Exchange. You can learn more regarding Fair Trade chocolate at: http://www.globalexchange.org/campaigns/fairtrade/cocoa/valentines2007.html

And flowers? Areas surrounding flower farms have higher miscarriage and birth defect rates than do other areas, 50 % of workers in the Costa Rica flower industry have symptoms of pesticide poisoning. Please promote organic farming and sustainable agriculture! You can purchase organic flowers and support the Jane Goodall Institute at the same time through the Jane Goodall Institute/Organic Bouquet partnership: http://www.janegoodall.org/you/organic-bouquet.asp.

Adult Volunteers Needed!

2007-01-26T07:30:00.000-08:00

The Mentor Network
Roots and Shoots needs at least 6 adult mentors to dedicate 1-2 hrs a month assisting newer Roots & Shoots leaders in their area. Mentors give *how-to* advice to new leaders and share their experiences. Contact Christine at cellersick@janegoodall.org with questions, or to be added to the Volunteer Network consultant list.

The Resource Network
This network will include individuals working in businesses that support Roots & Shoots, or individuals who are able to use their professional skills to promote the financial sustainability of New England Roots & Shoots: this includes sharing professional skills for the benefit of Roots & Shoots; procuring in-kind donations; or helping with fundraising and outreach to local and regional businesses. Volunteers will be sought in the areas of travel, financial planning, fundraising, creation of a corporate membership program, in-kind services procurement, insurance, marketing plan development, technology use and/or legal advice. You would not have a regular commitment each month, but would agree to be available on an *on-call* basis. Contact Christine at cellersick@janegoodall.org to be added to the Resource Network consultant list.

Upcoming Roots and Shoots Events

2007-01-16T09:46:00.000-08:00

1. Dr. Jane is coming on March 18 - show off your Roots & Shoots projects!
Dr. Goodall will receive the Roger Tory Peterson Award and give a lecture entitled Reason for Hope in a Complex World at Harvard University's Sanders Theatre at 2 p.m. on Sunday, March 18. She will discuss the exciting and innovative work of the Jane Goodall Institute and Roots & Shoots. A book signing will follow.
Tickets for the lecture will be on sale at the Harvard Box Office beginning February 27. $9.00 for the general public / $5.00 for HMNH Members and Harvard ID holders. Further details at http://www.hmnh.harvard.edu/events/.
If you are a Roots & Shoots leader or member, Dr. Jane wants to meet you. You are invited to exhibit your work in a nearby facility beginning at 10:30 a.m. Dr. Jane will visit the Roots & Shoots groups at 11:00 am. She wants to hear about your group’s projects. Contact me at cellersick@janegoodall.org if you wish to participate - ASAP - as there will be a limited number of display tables available.

2. Roots & Shoots New England to visit Children’s Museum of Portland, ME
Tuesday, February 13, 1-2 pm:
For the Birds! All are welcome to join Roots & Shoots in a special service project to make suet feeders for wintering birds. This program is aimed at young children. We'll also learn about the birds that winter in Maine and the efforts of conservation programs to ensure their survival.
Tuesday, February 13, 3-5 pm:
Workshop: How to Start a Roots & Shoots Group. This workshop is aimed at high school students, college students, teachers and volunteer adult mentors who wish to start Roots & Shoots service learning groups with youth. We will go over the steps required to start up a group, with concrete examples of Roots & Shoots service projects.
Find directions to the Museum at http://www.childrensmuseumofme.org/.

Applications for the New England Youth Leadership Council

2007-01-08T12:25:00.000-08:00

Dear New England Roots & Shoots Members,
The Roots & Shoots New England Regional office is now accepting members for the New England Youth Leadership Council (NEYLC). The Youth Leadership Initiative is an effort by Roots & Shoots to extend and incorporate youth involvement throughout the network. Our council provides Roots & Shoots members throughout the 6 states in your region with the opportunity to be truly influential in creating lines of communication, outreach, and innovation throughout our region.
Five years ago, we began the Youth Leadership Initiative to increase the number of opportunities for youth leadership in the Roots & Shoots program. This month, we are looking to recruit 6 new NEYLC members between the ages of 14-19. The NEYLC is a diverse group of 10 high school students who are dedicated to making a change in the world. As a group, you will help guide the direction of Roots & Shoots throughout New England. You will also be given the opportunity to present for local educators and R&S groups, help to plan and lead youth summits and events, and write articles for the Roots & Shoots newsletter, website, and media outlets. Certain duties and a serious time commitment will be expected. We are looking for motivated high school students who are members of Roots & Shoots that want to take their experience to a new level. As Dr. Jane Goodall says, “Every individual matters. Every individual has a role to play. Every individual makes a difference.”
Click here for a pdf of the Regional Youth Leadership Council Application
If needed, you may request a paper application at 617/439.9090
**Applications must be in by Friday, February 2nd!**
We encourage electronic applications. Applications will be reviewed by a panel of Roots & Shoots Staff and current NEYLC members. If you have any questions, please contact the Roots & Shoots New England Office, 89 South Street, Boston, MA 02111-2670 or call us at 617/439.9090. Thanks for your interest in joining the Roots & Shoots Youth Leadership Initiative.

Sincerely,
The New England Youth Leadership Council
Roots & Shoots New England

Cool Roots & Shoots Group Websites

2006-12-01T11:46:00.000-08:00

If you make a website for your group, we'd love to hear about it!

Click here to see the New York City Home Educators Alliance Roots & Shoots

Click here to see the Phoenix Arizona Roots & Shoots

Jane in the Boston Globe!

2006-11-12T11:46:00.000-08:00

Of Chimps and Humans - The Boston Globe
Hemmed in by burgeoning settlement in Tanzania, apes are dying off; the Jane Goodall Institute has a strategy to save them
By John Donnelly, Globe Staff November 13, 2006

GOMBE NATIONAL PARK, Tanzania -- Starting nearly a half-century ago, Jane Goodall helped the world see chimpanzees differently -- as animals quite a bit like us.
Now an institute named after her is tackling a more difficult job: saving them. Here on the shores of the deep-water Lake Tanganyika , where Goodall, 72, still returns twice a year, the problems faced by chimpanzees all over Africa are seen in microcosm: Villages surrounding this tiny park are growing rapidly, refugees periodically arrive in great numbers, people clear forests to grow crops, and some hunt the chimps for food.

At the turn of the 20th century, an estimated 1 million to 2 million chimpanzees roamed in Africa's forests. Their numbers today have fallen to fewer than 150,000. In order to protect the chimps in the forests of central and western Africa, including an estimated 100 living in tiny Gombe Park, the Jane Goodall Institute hopes its 46 years of research will continue to educate people and raise money. But the institute is also focusing on the chimps' neighbors: Organizers believe that if they can improve the lives of villagers, the villagers will leave the chimps and the forests alone.

"To protect the great apes, you have to deal with their habitat," said Keith Brown , executive vice president of the institute's Africa program. "Bush meat is a big problem, but a bigger issue is that people want more land for agriculture, and they are using slash-and-burn tactics to do that."

Institute officials hope that the Tanzanian coffee growers will soon sign a deal to supply beans to Green Mountain Coffee Roasters in Vermont, providing income to hundreds of coffee growers who live near the park. Included in the agreement would be an expansion of the forest areas preserved for the chimps.

For the rest of the story go to: http://www.boston.com/news/science/articles/2006/11/13/of_chimps_and_humans/

To read more about our Africa Programs go to:
http://www.janegoodall.org/africa-programs/index.asp

Jane Goodall Biography - Lecture at Harvard University

2006-11-09T11:43:00.000-08:00

*Writing the Life of Jane Goodall*
Wed., November 15, 6 p.m., Free and open to the public.
Harvard University Museum of Natural History, Cambridge MAAs we know, Jane Goodall is known around the world forbreaking the code that defines the personal and social world of humankind’s closest living relatives - chimpanzees. Dale Peterson, author of the first full biography of Dr. Jane Goodall (Jane Goodall:The Woman Who Redefined Man), will speak about the world’s most famous woman scientist--and of the special pleasures and perils of writing the life of a living person whose accomplishments are far from over. See: http://www.hmnh.harvard.edu/events/index.cfm for directions and details.

HMNH adult lectures are free, open to public, and held at 6:00 pm, unless otherwise noted. Lectures are held in the Geological Lecture Hall or Haller Hall, both located at 24 Oxford Street, Cambridge.

Roots and Shoots at First Night Boston

2006-11-08T11:45:00.000-08:00

Come to First Night Boston to Celebrate the New Year - Bring Your Peace Doves for the First Night parade or just march with us!

Help bring in a peaceful new year.

Put this on your calendar! During the early evening on December 31st, Roots & Shoots will join the First Night Boston family parade, carrying Peace Doves along the procession route. As soon as we have the details, we will relate them to you. Won't you help us teach thousands of families about Roots & Shoots? Come march with us. If you have Peace Doves, please bring them! If you don't have a Peace Dove, consider making one. (It isn't a difficult project - see http://mail.janegoodall.org/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://www.rootsandshoots.org/campaigns/dove for instructions.)

Day of Peace is a Success :)

2006-10-08T11:41:00.000-07:00

Dr. Jane created Roots & Shoots Day of Peace in 2004 in honor of U.N. International Day of Peace; each year, Roots & Shoots Day of Peace is observed on the last Saturday in September. Roots & Shoots groups around the world fly Giant Peace Dove puppets to celebrate Roots & Shoots Day of Peace for its symbolic meaning. They also plan and implement peace project initiatives to help make the world a better place for animals, the environment and the human community. Did you have a peace day celebration - let us know about it!!
Here are some highlights from this year's event in LA:
-26 Roots & Shoots groups sharing their projects with Jane, press, and public
-over 40 affiliates and partners connecting with our groups
-highlights of media in the LA Times, CBS news, PSA getting high level views, KLOS dj Cynthia Fox as a new HUGE fan of R&S (even exalting about the event on her talk show today!!) and acknowledgement on Mark & Brian (BIG LA morning talk show) and more
-Jolene tabling on LNG from Peirce and Keley
-Discover people enjoying the day
-Trevor of the CAYLC giving a new spin leadership speech
-Daryl Hannah, Ed Bagley Jr, Roma Downey and more

L.A. Times
Goodall Talks Primates and Peace in L.A. Visit
By Carla Hall, Times Staff Writer October 1, 2006

"The first thing I'm going to give you is a chimpanzee greeting, because it sounds lovely in a place like this," said Jane Goodall while looking out from a stage in Griffith Park across a meadow containing 1,000 people.
Her voice started off soft and low: "Oooo, oooo, oooo…." Then her voice rose: "Hooo, hooo, HOOO! HOOO!"
She finished with a smile, leaving her audience stunned for a second before they burst into applause.
Goodall, arguably the world's most famous primatologist, was in Los Angeles this weekend combining two of her passions — world peace and chimpanzees — in one locale: Griffith Park. Today she will address the ChimpanZoo conference being held at the Los Angeles Zoo, on protection of captive chimps. Later, at 12:30 p.m., she will speak at the zoo as part of its Ape Awareness Day.
On Saturday, she presided over the annual Day of Peace in Griffith Park, which was organized by volunteers and various chapters of the Jane Goodall Institute's youth service program, Roots & Shoots. Similar events were planned throughout the world, Goodall said.
A procession of giant white peace dove puppets, mostly constructed of recycled materials such as bedsheets and carried aloft on poles by youngsters, made its way down a forested hill and around the meadow. The parade has become the event's hallmark, and this year there were 57 puppet doves.
read the rest of this article at www.latimes.com

Tchimpounga Campaign T-Shirts!

2006-09-29T11:41:00.000-07:00

Tchimpounga Campaign T-Shirts!

Robin Tuck and the Cute Coots R&S group on Martha’s Vineyard created “Jane Head” t-shirts to raise money for the Tchimpounga Sanctuary. The chimp is eating from a termite stick and has a colorful tye-dye shirt on. They have already raised $400!
Order one today! Email nerootsshoots@janegoodall.org or robin.tuck@hotmail.com

The Cute Coots group always tries to have an international and local campaign going on simultaneously. This is such a creative project, great work guys!

Check out the great work being done at the Tchimpounga Sanctuary:
http://www.janegoodall.org/africa-programs/programs/tchimpounga-reserve.asp
http://www.janegoodall.org/africa-programs/programs/jgi-sanctuaries.asp

Harvest Halloween Howler Dance

2006-09-28T11:40:00.000-07:00

Harvest Halloween Howler Dance
October 28, 4 p.m. to 10:00 at Incarnation Camp, (also known as Bushy Hill), Ivoryton, Connecticut. Hours of fun brought to you by Riverfront Roots and Shoots, a Jane Goodall Children’s Environmental Action Group.

· Don your costumes and your dancing shoes and drop by for hours of fun. Join us to play games on the beach, visit the llamas, sing campfire songs, dance, participate in live comedy, hear live stories, eat good food, work on your knitting or whatever the spirits move you to do.

· Share the spirit and foods of the fall harvest by donating items of food. They’ll be gratefully received by the Place of Grace Food Pantry in Hartford.

· Bring your friends, your dancing shoes, your knitting and hang out for hours of family fun.

· Family tickets are $30; individual tickets $15. Reservations are strongly recommended by e-mailing Drintoul@sbcglobal.net or by calling 860-342-4764. A schedule of events is available with your reservation. Directions to the Howler are at the Incarnation Camp’s website: www.incarnationcenter.com.

Environmental Gubernatorial Forum

2006-07-12T10:46:00.000-07:00

Environmental Gubernatorial Forum
Wednesday, July 12th 7pm
Kresge Auditorium, MIT

Global warming, Cape Wind, gas prices, deteriorating parks... The next governer will make a difference for Massachusetts' environment. Come learn more about the candidates and their environmental positions. RSVP at info@mlev.org or 617-742-8822Sponsered by: Massachusetts League of Environmental Voters, Environmental League of Massachusetts, Massachusetts Sierra Club, and Appalachian Mountain Club.