Our Assurance of Quality

A civil society requires empathy and solidarity. Roots of Empathy seeds civility at the classroom level."

- Mary Gordon, Founder/President, Roots of Empathy

Roots of Empathy is a community-based, community-driven program designed to be accessible, efficient, and effective. Roots of Empathy works in partnership with community organizations, providing support as community members work together to mobilize resources, launch and sustain the program. Roots of Empathy is flourishing in many communities in:

  • Alberta
  • British Columbia
  • Manitoba
  • Newfoundland
  • New Brunswick
  • Nova Scotia
  • Ontario
  • Quebec
  • Prince Edward Island

In support of new programs, Roots of Empathy provides a number of critical services, including:

  • Assistance & consultation by Roots of Empathy staff to help community steering committees and school boards define local program parameters and an implementation strategy

  • 9 curriculum themes with specialized lesson plans for four different age groups: Kindergarten, Grades 1-3, Grades 4-6, and Grades 7-8

  • 27 lessons (about 30 minutes in length) conducted in classrooms over the school year

  • Nine lessons (called “Family Visits” ) which take place every three weeks, include a neighbourhood infant and parent who visit the classroom with the Roots of Empathy Instructor and become part of the ROE curriculum

  • A 639-page accredited Roots of Empathy Curriculum and a ROE Instructor Manual, available in both English and French

  • Certified Roots of Empathy Instructors

  • Training program for Roots of Empathy Instructors, Trainers and Mentors

  • Ongoing communication between the Roots of Empathy Instructor, participating family and classroom teacher

  • Mentor support and professional development workshops for Instructors

  • Toll-free warm-line and e-mail support for Roots of Empathy Instructors through International Office

  • Opportunity to be involved with research of the program

  • Support for local media relations and community outreach

  • Information packages for local funders, community leaders, principals, teachers and volunteer parents

  • All classroom teachers and students invited to participate in year-end evaluation; results distributed to all constituents annually

Roots of Empathy is a national, registered charity funded in part by foundations and other donors. The fees charged for training, materials and support services are strictly on a cost-recovery basis.

Community organizations interested in exploring how to bring Roots of Empathy to their elementary school children, can contact the Roots of Empathy National Office at 416-944-3001.