After a morning of travelling, Ben (Duke 2013), Joel (Duke 2013) and I (Aaron) arrive in Danbury, Connecticut where the first annual Roots & Shoots Leadership Summit is held. We presented a poster of projects we have done so far at meet-and-greet, had some Jane Goodall certified teas, and met some other group members and JGI staff. Later, Megan (Duke 2012) and Chase (UNC 2011) arrived (after a dilatory bus ride), and we planned what workshops we wanted to attend the next day.
Day 2- Saturday, October 9
After showers and breakfast, we went to WestConn’s campus for the workshop, where we met our James Madison University collaborators Justin and Kaeley (JMU 2011). Workshops ensued. We learned about conservation efforts around Gombe (including the use of GIS, GPS and high-resolution imaging technology), the new endangered species youth campaign, how to be a good leader, and how to engage youth.
In the evening, Chase led a discussion with Dr. Jane Goodall and Dr. Rick Asselta. They shared Roots & Shoots stories, and inspired us as they casually chatted in sofa chairs on stage. Dr. Jane even joked about her own mortality. Roots & Shoots will be her legacy, continuing the messages of peace and empathy through community and conservation action.
That night, Dr. Jane spoke to the summit participants and about 900 people from the public on the past 50 years at Gombe and looking forward. No matter how many times I have seen her speak, her quiet obstinacy and patient passion continues to inspire. We spoke with her briefly afterwards, filling her in on some of our projects at Duke and UNC.
Day 3- Sunday, October 10
On our last day we split up into groups to discuss ways of turning ideas into projects and implementing them productively. And so ended the summit.
Photos: Kaeley Pryor
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