Reasons for Hope: Profiling our National Youth Leaders – Vineeta Gupta

Reasons for Hope: Profiling our National Youth Leaders – Vineeta Gupta (TAS)

Our National Youth Leadership Council is a group of passionate young Australians who are dedicated to making positive change for animals, people and the environment. During the COVID-19 crisis, we asked them to share their thoughts, advice, and reflections. Read more below to get inspired learning how our youth leaders take on crisis and give back.

Vineeta Gupta (TAS)

“Hi, my name’s Vineeta. I’m a university student in my final year and a member of the Jane Goodall Institute of Australia’s National Youth Leadership Council (NYLC). With the current pandemic having changed our idea of normal, there is a lot to complain and be depressed about; and for me, online learning has been a difficult switch to make and the transition has been rough.

“During these times, it is often difficult to find hope, but there are still things that we can do to lift our spirits. Going out on regular walks is something that we should all be doing during COVID times. Being outdoors helps us de-stress, focus, eliminate mental fatigue, and potentially reduce the effects of depression and anxiety; the change of scenery is also a bonus.

“Humans are socially dependent animals, so it’s unsurprising that social distancing has taken a toll on more than just our economy. It’s so important that we stay connected to people. While virtual coffee dates may not be ideal, it’s important that we remember that we’re not alone and that other people are experiencing the same challenges we are. So, plan virtual trivia nights and craft days with friends and family, or go have virtual drinks with colleagues after a day of working from home.

“I believe we will get through this time together, by being kind to ourselves and each other as we learn to navigate our new normal.”

Want to know more about the NYLC and to get involved? Contact the team on youth@janegoodall.org.au

Reasons for Hope: Profiling our National Youth Leaders – Oliver Molyeaux

13 May 2020 by Communications in ,Coronavirus COVID-10 National Youth Leadership Council NYLC

Reasons for Hope: Profiling our National Youth Leaders – Oliver Molyeaux

Oliver Molyeaux (VIC)

Oliver is a creative, big-picture thinker studying Public Health and Global studies. He is working toward a world where wealth is distributed more equitably, and the natural world is valued.

Oliver’s greatest reason for hope is the possibility that humans have time to reflect and awaken to love, empathy and authentic meaning in our lives, with the greatest good for all living beings in heart.

See what Oliver is up to on Instagram at @molyneauxs_photography.

Want to know more about the NYLC and to get involved? Contact the team on youth@janegoodall.org.au

Reasons for Hope: Profiling our National Youth Leaders – Rebecca Morrow

15 May 2020 by Communications in ,Coronavirus COVID-10 National Youth Leadership Council NYLC

Reasons for Hope: Profiling our National Youth Leaders – Rebecca Morrow (VIC)

“Hi! My name is Rebecca Morrow, and I’m part of the Roots & Shoots National Youth Leadership Council. During this time of change and uncertainty, I think it’s really important that we try and focus on the positives that could come from COVID-19. I believe that it is possible to acknowledge the suffering around the world AND shine light and focus on the positives.

As tragic as this virus is, it has also provided us with an opportunity for change. We are in a time of adaptation, and we can choose how we come back from this. Do we keep living as we always have? Or can we start to live more simple, decentralised, self-sufficient, community-based, lower-impact and compassionate lives?

I’ve been asking myself: How can I live a more conscious life? How can I live to cause less harm? How can I live with more love?

I have hope that a deeper connection between us all will come from this. Over time we seem to have lost touch with what it really means to be human, our connection to each other and our connection to everything else. I’m hopeful that the longing that we feel to be with other people during this forced isolation will remind us of how special the people around us are, and to never take them for granted again!

My tips for staying positive:

Create a daily routine that makes you feel good – first thing in the morning I go for a walk around my neighbourhood, drink a yummy coffee and exercise.
Exercise and meditate daily – if you’re not sure how, use one of the many phone apps to guide you.
Get outside and be with nature where possible – even if it’s just your backyard!”

See what Rebecca is up to on Instagram at @beccymorrow.

Want to know more about the NYLC and to get involved? Contact the team on youth@janegoodall.org.au

Reasons for Hope: Profiling our National Youth Leaders – Rebecca Walters

16 May 2020 by Communications in ,Coronavirus COVID-10 National Youth Leadership Council NYLC

Rebecca Walters (VIC)

“My name is Rebecca Walters and I am a member of Roots & Shoots National Youth Leadership Council. Through studying Ecology and International Studies at University, I aspire to learn about addressing complex global challenges through local connections and communal action.

“The complex challenges our world is facing can evoke fear in many of us. However, I see hope in curiosity and creativity. Last year when helping deliver a Roots & Shoots upcycling workshop turning old T-shirts into bags, something happened that truly exemplified this reason for hope. The Year 3 and 4 students started turning the offcut shirtsleeves into headbands and dangle earrings by lopping pieces over their ears.

“They may have thought they were just having a bit of fun. Yet, in those moments of fun, they showed curiosity, creativity, and resourcefulness to give new value to offcut material.

“It was a reminder of the importance of fun and creativity when thinking of differences we can make for the good of the environment and each other.”

See what Rebecca is up to on Instagram at @rebecca.walters_

Want to know more about the NYLC and to get involved? Contact the team on youth@janegoodall.org.au

Reasons for Hope: Profiling our National Youth Leaders – Jess Herkes

11 May 2020 by Communications in ,Coronavirus COVID-10 National Youth Leadership Council NYLC

Reasons for Hope: Profiling our National Youth Leaders – Jess Herkes

Jess Herkes (NSW Youth Leader)

“My name is Jess and I am passionate about human health, improving the sustainability of the health system and lessening my environmental impact on Earth. My particular passion is mental health, which is why I also volunteer as an ambassador for Beyond Blue and am involved in research with Headspace.

“Social distancing has shifted our ideas of what is ‘normal’. It has become more important than ever to look after our mental health and stay connected to each other. Here are a list of things that I’ve found helpful and have given me reasons for hope:

Support local business: I try to buy produce from local businesses, which has made me feel more connected to the community (and is a good habit to continue post-pandemic). I’ve also sent friends and family gifts through local online shops, which has allowed me to discover and support some wonderful, ethical local companies.
Look out for your neighbours: I’ve put letters in elderly neighbours letterboxes letting them know that I can grocery shop for them if they don’t feel comfortable in doing so.
Stay connected: Organise scheduled Zoom or Skype catch-ups with your family and friends, and check in on how they’re going. Virtual games are great too—we’ve even had a virtual dress-up murder mystery party!
Practice self-care: Whether it’s snuggling in bed with a cup of tea, reading a good book, baking, going for a walk, knitting or anything in between, take some time out to do something for you. I’ve planted a herb garden, which was a fun, rewarding project that keeps on giving!”

See what Jess is up to on Instagram at @jessherkes.

Want to know more about the NYLC and to get involved? Contact the team on youth@janegoodall.org.au

Reasons for Hope: Roots & Shoots National Youth Leaders – Maya Yaffe

11 May 2020 by Communications in ,Coronavirus COVID-10 Maya Yaffe National Youth Leadership Council NYLC

Reasons for Hope: Roots & Shoots National Youth Leaders – Maya Yaffe

Maya Yaffe (NSW Youth Leader)

“My name is Maya. I’m part of the National Youth Leadership Council 2020, representing New South Wales. I’d love to share with you how I’m getting through this tough time.

“As a veterinary science student, I’m struggling with not being able to engage in practical activities in my animal anatomy subjects during COVID-19. It can be disappointing and demotivating at times. But what has encouraged me these past few weeks is the inspiring work that veterinary hospitals around the country are continuing to do for injured wildlife impacted by the Australian bushfires.

“It has reminded me that while it’s important to know the facts and reality of what’s going on in the world, it’s also vital to notice that these difficult times can bring out the best in people and communities. Seeing those vets and vet nurses work tirelessly to help animals and ecosystems bounce back makes me inspired to continue my studies and hopefully do the same in my future career.

“So, if you’re struggling to manage through COVID-19, think of what you’re looking forward to in the near or distant future, and remind yourself about it every day until you can do it again.”

Want to know more about the NYLC and to get involved? Contact the team on youth@janegoodall.org.au or follow Maya on Instagram @mayayaffe_

Reasons for Hope: Profiling our National Youth Leaders – Jessica Pinder

17 May 2020 by Communications in ,Coronavirus COVID-10 COVID-19 Jessica Pinder National Youth Leadership Council NYLC

Jessica Pinder (Youth Council Coordinator)

“Hi everyone, my name is Jess and I am passionate about protecting threatened ecosystems and transitioning our economy for a sustainable future. While I work fulltime as a policy officer, I especially love helping young people and communities take grassroots actions that help to build resilience for both people and planet.

The world has been going through a challenging time lately, and COVID-19 has required us all to be adaptive. We’ve had to isolate from the people we love and drastically change our daily routines. Millions of people have lost their jobs and hundreds of thousands their lives. And in the back of every Australian’s mind is the recent bushfires, which remind us of the looming impacts of climate change and the devastation it can cause to our communities and ecosystems.

In times like these, it’s easy to feel like the world is falling apart. But reading between the lines, I think the COVID crisis has also given up seen some tremendous new reasons for hope.

Like never before, we’ve seen governments around the world working together and across party lines, to protect the health and wellbeing of people. The COVID crisis has demonstrated that human societies, previously thought to be slow to change, are actually capable of transforming themselves virtually overnight.

We’ve witnessed global and local economies come to a near standstill, giving the earth a rare chance to breathe. It’s the kind of change that climate activists have lobbied for decades to no avail. And while this standstill has had many adverse impacts, it has provided a window set a new trajectory.

By focusing stimulus measures on the technologies and industries of the future, governments all around the world have the chance to revitalise their economies with investment in renewable energies, sustainable industries and regenerative agriculture. They can underwrite, incentive and subsidise the best available technologies and launch our society into a new era of jobs and sustainable economic activity.

There’s never been a better time to introduce a green, circular, fair economy. And this time around, we can use science to design an economy that is resilient to climate change, biodiversity loss and pandemics.

All we have to do is put our best foot forward and start applying our leading technologies and solutions. Together we can make a better world. “

You can contact Jess at youth@janegoodall.org.au or follow her @wildlifeofjess.

R&S at STEM exhibition

20 August 2019 by Communications in ,R&S SA STEM

SA Roots & Shoots members, Polly Gfrerer and Jarryd Tiu, took part in Woodcroft College’s annual science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) exhibition last week.

The Australian Science and Mathematics School students, who were personally invited to participate in the event by Woodcroft's scientist in residence, Leone Shapter, provided an interactive waste management display.

Nearly 200 students and parents attended the event, which included a wide range of exciting student-led science and environmental displays - such as electron microscopes, spheros, mini experiments, Escape Room challenges, robots and more!

Roots & Shoots volunteers clean up Summerlands beach

5 June 2018 by Communications in ,Beach Clean Up Plastic R&S

Roots & Shoots volunteers in Melbourne travelled to Phillip Island to clean Summerlands Beach on Saturday the 2^nd of June. Volunteers were hosted by the education team at Phillip Island Nature Parks where they learnt about the history of Phillip Island and the work done by Phillip Island Nature Parks to protect the 32 000 little penguins and other wildlife that call the island home. Volunteers spent their time collecting and sorting marine debris and had the opportunity to visit the penguin parade in the evening.

Volunteers on summerlands beach, with Ranger Claire

Scientists estimate that about 90% of seabirds have plastic in their stomachs, and this figure is higher in areas around Australia and New Zealand. According to scientific models, this figure is likely to increase to 99% by the year 2050. Volunteers helped removed over 800 pieces of marine debris that included discarded fishing items, plastic packaging, straws, bottle caps and microplastics. Although a reactive measure, clean-ups help prevent marine life from ingesting non-biodegradable material.

Over 600 remnant plastic fragments including microplastics were collected during the clean up.

The National Youth Leadership Council at Roots & Shoots Australia have developed a campaign to raise awareness of the human impact on the oceans. The Thumbs up for Turtles campaign aims to promote the use of sustainable and reusable alternatives such as keep cups, cloth bags and reusable water bottles that can be used instead of disposable items. Supporters can also get involved with this campaign by posting a photo with the hashtag #ThumbsupforTurtles and telling us what you do to reduce your impact on the oceans. If you would like to carry out a clean-up in your local area, if you like to volunteer with us or get involved with this campaign contact us on youth(at)janegoodall(dot)org(au)

Weighing the marine debris that was collected

Data sheet that was used to record collected items

Learning more about marine debris