Welcome to Roots of Empathy

Roots of Empathy is an evidence-based classroom program that has shown dramatic effect in reducing levels of aggression among school children by raising social/emotional competence and increasing empathy.

What is Roots of Empathy? Click here to view a 10-minute video about the program!

Roots of Empathy has a "younger sibling" called Seeds of Empathy, a program that fosters social and emotional competencies and early literacy skills and attitudes in children three to five years of age in Early Childhood settings. Click here to visit the Seeds of Empathy website.

Pour obtenir des renseignements en français, cliquez ici.

News

Toronto District School Board to open ROE Centre of Excellence – first in world

With the signing of an official partnership with Roots of Empathy the Toronto District School Board will become the first in the world to open a ROE Centre of Excellence to be piloted in six elementary schools beginning in the fall. The Centre of Excellence will see a select group of TDSB schools and Roots of Empathy instructors delivering the highest quality of ROE programming in Canada. Six ROE Instructors will deliver three programs each in six jointly selected TDSB schools with at least two programs running at each grade level from K – 8. (more)


Lieutenant Governor of Ontario visits Roots of Empathy Classroom

Roots of Empathy was privileged and honoured to have Ontario’s Lieutenant Governor, the Honourable David C. Onley attend a Family Visit in teacher Taz Kassam’s grade one classroom at Sunny View Public School in Toronto on Friday, March 27, 2009. Sunny View serves the needs of children with severe disabilities.

Also in attendance were Joan Green, Chair of the Board, our own Mary Gordon, Founder/President of Roots of Empathy and school principal Marita Adams.

Mr. Onley graciously addressed veteran Instructor Kathy Kathy’s ROE class and spoke of the transformational impact of Mary’s vision of “the baby as teacher”. Everyone watched as baby Claire brought self-confidence and joy to children who face daily struggles few of us can imagine.


Roots of Empathy connects with First Nations Chiefs of Canada

At their Annual General Assembly this year the AFN passed a resolution to support and endorse Roots of Empathy and Seeds of Empathy (ROE's younger sibling), calling both programs "compatible with traditional First Nations teachings and worldviews" because they address aggression and foster empathy and social and emotional competence. One of Roots of Empathy's main focus as an organization will be to dialogue with Aboriginal communities across Canada in support of healing and finding a way ahead. As history books are rewritten, school children will learn about the injustices and generational impact of residential schools. Roots of Empathy will challenge all children to develop empathy to ensure that no group in society is ever treated as Canada’s Aboriginal children have been treated.


Investing Today for Tomorrow: Mary Gordon Part of Panel Discussion on Corporate Responsibility

Our own Mary Gordon recently joined Bob Elton, President of BC Hydro on a panel discussion about successful corporate and not-for-profit partnerships. This panel was part of the Business Council of British Columbia’s one-day conference, Investing Today for Tomorrow: Corporate Responsibility in BC. Former United States president, Bill Clinton and Frank Giustra, Canadian Business Executive and Philanthropist, were the lunch speakers at the completely sold-out event, touted as “the BC business event of the year”. Also in attendance with Mary was B.C. Premier Gordon Campbell (pictured below).

The panel’s message focused on the ingredients of successful funding partnerships. The other panel members were Tamara Vrooman COO, Vancity Credit Union, and Liz Evans, Founder and Executive Director, Portland Hotel Society. The panel was moderated by Rick Cluff of CBC Radio.

Bob Elton announced BC Hydro’s partnership with the Roots of Empathy organization in enhancing their work with Aboriginal Communities.


Roots of Empathy wins global competition thanks to your support!

Roots of Empathy is delighted to be named one of three winners of a global competition for programs that help youth at risk. The competition was decided by public vote - thank you to our many supporters who voted for Roots of Empathy!
Read about the competition here. Or, read more about Roots of Empathy's submission and the wonderful comments of some of the people who voted for us.