National Youth Leadership Council

Roots & Shoots Australia

National Youth Leadership Council - Program Information

Photo by Emma Catherine

We are looking for young leaders aged between 16-24 who are ready to lead a movement of young people creating a better world for people, animals and the environment.

What is the NYLC?

Our Roots & Shoots National Youth Leadership Council (NYLC) is made up of a passionate group of young people from around Australia who are dedicated to making positive change happen for animals, people and the environment. Members of the NYLC are the youth voice of R&S Australia and work hard to share Dr Jane's message and support the organization’s success.

NYLC members are provided with fun and comprehensive training and opportunities to mentor Roots & Shoots members and represent Roots & Shoots at events. Members gain access to influential leaders and networks that will help them grow their leadership capabilities.

Why join the NYLC?

  • Professional development, engagement training and work experience
  • Represent the voice of Australia’s youth
  • Opportunity to be a key leader in the cause that YOU are passionate about
  • Networking opportunities
  • Create new connections and global friendships

2018 Youth Leaders Statements

"The highlight for me was being able to network with heaps of inspiring young people and share my passions with a large audience all over the country"

"I loved being involved in the community in a way I would not otherwise have had access to"

"I think the program is altogether run very well and gives us the ability to act on the issues we are passionate about"

Photo by Phil Hines

What personal commitments does the role include?

  • Serve a full one-year term on Jane Goodall's Roots & Shoots Australia's NYLC
  • Be an active participant in online meetings
  • Chat with my mentor about any questions relating to NYLC / Roots & Shoots
  • Respond to communications at least every 2 days
  • Participate in online training events such as webinars or courses
  • Visit schools and work with children on Roots & Shoots activities
  • Get involved in projects such as campaigns, newsletters, creating training materials & social media
  • Work with my State Coordinator to organise and volunteer at state events
  • Meet new people, develop new skills and have fun!

Applications for our NYLC program for 2019/2020 have now closed. Thank you to all our applicants. We are currently reviewing applications and we aim to respond to all applicants as soon as possible during the following weeks. In the meantime, we recommend that you learn more about Roots & Shoots Australia and the Jane Goodall Institute Australia by visiting our websites and following us on social media!

Asha – QLDAsha Mortel

Asha – QLD

“It is so inspiring to able to aid other youth in their endeavours to make their world a better place. I’m so privileged to be able to be part of an organisation that allows me to do this with so many different people at so many different age groups in so many different communities”

Mary – NSWMary Pilkinton

Mary – NSW

“As young people, we will be tomorrow’s scientists, legislators and advocates who will tackle the environmental issues our world will face in our lifetime. And following in the footsteps of amazing role models like Dr Jane, young people have the power to take our future into our own hands and create a better future for people, wildlife and the environment. “

Jess – VICJessica Pinder

Jess – VIC

“I’m passionate about threatened ecosystem recovery and science communication.”

Maya – NSW

Maya – NSW

“Education is the driving force which will change our attitudes about the world around us, and it is the youth of today who must foster the crucial relationship between people and the natural world. As Dr Jane said: Only if we understand can we care; only if we care will we help; only if we help shall they be saved.”

Georgia – NSWGeorgia Badgery

Georgia – NSW

“I hope that by being part of the NYLC I will be able to share my passion for wildlife and encourage people to form a positive relationship with the environment.”

Jonathan – NSWJonathan Chew

Jonathan – NSW

“I’m thrilled to join the National Youth Leadership Council and am looking forward to meeting with others who share my passion and desire to make a positive impact for our environment. I’m eager to explore the diverse range of perspectives and experiences that make the environment so special to us.”

Taylor – NSWTaylor Clarke

Taylor – NSW

“We do not own the land; the land owns us. We come from Mother Earth. Yadungee, garra-bee-anga-yinga-go.”

Elliot – NSWElliot Connor

Elliot – NSW

“I’m enthusiastic to be working with the Jane Goodall Institute as an NYLC member and to work on projects which share my goal of creating a better world for animals, people and the environment.”

Jessica – NSWJessica Herkes

Jessica – NSW

“I’m honoured to be able to represent the Jane Goodall Institute and follow in the footsteps of such an inspiring female scientist. I hope to educate others on the impact their actions can have on the environment and their health.”

Josie – NSWJosie McElvogue

Josie – NSW

“I’m incredibly excited to join the NYLC this year, campaigning to protect our beautiful planet and its inhabitants.”

Joselyn – NSWJoselyn Singh

Joselyn – NSW

“I hope to encourage others to adopt Dr. Jane’s mindset, and eventually overcome the humanitarian and ecological issues we face in the 21st century, including social injustices and sustainable living.”

Francis – QldFrancis Chicas

Francis – Qld

“I’m thrilled to be a part of this year’s NYLC, and in particular, am looking forward to collaborating with other NYLC members to create big impacts in the community.”

Isabelle – QldIsabelle Khamsone

Isabelle – Qld

“Through my role in NYLC, I am looking forward to connecting with kind-hearted, passionate individuals to share my enthusiasm for the need to improve and protect the world. I believe Dr Jane Goodall’s mindset of wanting to turn apathy into empathy is the foundation of a better future for all, she hopes to educate others on this mindset.”

Stephanie – SAStephanie Oliphant

Stephanie – SA

“I joined the NYLC to have a greater reach and connection so that I can help influence adults and children alike to make an impact on their community.”

Andrea – SAAndrea Stiglingh

Andrea – SA

“I’m ecstatic to be involved in the National Youth Leadership Council and hope to make a positive impact and contribution to the fields of native species management, habitat conservation and community education.”

Julian – TasJulian Brown

Julian – Tas

“I hope that as a NYLC member I can make a positive contribution to the council and get to know other members.”

Vineeta – TasVineeta Gupta

Vineeta – Tas

“Dr Jane Goodall is an inspiration, displaying strong and passionate leadership while facing environmental and humanitarian challenges head-on. I hope to inspire people in the same way as Dr Jane.”

Jade – VicJade Bell

Jade – Vic

“I’m delighted to be a part of the 2019-2020 National Youth Leadership Council and am keen to explore my skills, and champion the conservation of endangered species. I hope to combine my love for people and animals to inspire change.”

Amy – VicAmy Dettman

Amy – Vic

“I’m excited to be part of the NYLC to network with like-minded people, to have the support and resources to create my own campaigns, and to inspire others to contribute to a more eco-friendly world.”

Siubhan – VicSiubhan McBain

Siubhan – Vic

“I believes that although there are many reasons to feel glum about the current state of affairs, there is so much beauty left in this world and we are much better off together than alone.”

Oliver – VicOliver Molyneux

Oliver – Vic

“I am honoured to join NYLC to meet others with an inspiring passion for great change that will benefit all.”

Rebecca – VicRebecca Morrow

Rebecca – Vic

“I’m so grateful for the opportunity to be a part of the NYLC, and can’t wait to take action and create the changes I wants to see in the world – and inspire others to do the same.”

Riley – VicRiley Turnbull

Riley – Vic

“I’m honoured to be a part of the National Youth Leadership Council, and am committed to working with younger generations to help them develop an understanding and love for the nature.”

Rebecca – VicRebecca Walters

Rebecca – Vic

“I’m excited to be part of a team that supports youth in discovering how they can make a difference through everyday choices, I hopes to grow my capacity to enact positive change.”

Annie – WAAnnie Affleck

Annie – WA

“My dream is to see a world where animals and humans work in harmony, I believe that creating a culture where that is possible is achievable through the Roots and Shoots program.”

Sarah – WASarah Wignell

Sarah – WA

“I’m looking forward to working as a team to address current world issues.”

JGIA acknowledges the Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples of this nation. We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the lands and pay our respects to ancestors and Elders, past and present.

The generosity of people like you is what makes our work possible. The JGIA strives to improve the world around us for both humans and animals.