Interested in becoming a Roots of Empathy Volunteer Instructor?
Contact Darcy for more details and to sign up: dmorgan@rootsofempathy.org
History
- Our deep and rich history in British Columbia started in 2000. We have reached more than 175,000 students since then in English and French.
- B.C. was the second province to embrace Roots of Empathy programs for elementary school children and co-piloted the Seeds of Empathy program for children 3-5 years old in childcare centres.
- Over 2 decades of research has shown that our program significantly reduces aggression, including bullying and increases prosocial behaviour: kindness, caring and inclusion.
- These findings collectively align with the core competencies of the B.C. curriculum to support children’s mental health and wellbeing – leading to the best learning possible for B.C. children.
Fall 2025 Trainings
Research
B.C. was one of the first regions to do research on Roots of Empathy.
Dr. Kimberly Schonert-Reichl of the University of British Columbia and Director of the Human Early Learning Partnership measured the efficacy of Roots of Empathy as a social emotional learning (SEL) program and found that teachers considered students in Roots of Empathy classrooms to be less aggressive and that students were more likely to say their peers exhibited prosocial behaviours.
Consider these compelling statistics that underscore the connection between Roots of Empathy and positive mental health and wellbeing:
- 87% of students: Reported that their Roots of Empathy baby helped them to understand that they have the right to be loved.
- 91% of teachers: Agreed or strongly agreed that the Roots of Empathy program supported students’ mental health and wellbeing.
- 90% of parents: Agreed or strongly agreed that, thanks to Roots of Empathy, they feel more valued as a parent.
(Latest B.C. APE stats updated January 2024)
British Columbia Children’s Art
Grade 2/3 Student, Abbotsford
“This 8-year-old child from Abbotsford has understood the Roots of Empathy message that our actions can hurt or help people and that they hold power because they influence younger children. Here we see the building of an empathic responsible citizen, just what we are looking for in BC.” – Founder/President Mary Gordon
Grade 6 Student, Lloyd George Elementary School, Kamloops, B.C.
To me, bullying means “someone is saying/doing something to someone that hurts that person, mentally or physically. Bullying is a show of humiliation for both sides.”
“In Roots of Empathy, we particularly use art to access student’s deepest and most vulnerable feelings as sometimes words fail them in explaining the depth of their pain, humiliation, or shame. These are all emotions that no child should face alone, and Roots of Empathy draws the curtain on bullying, allowing students to draw for one another, what they understand about bullying and its collateral. Shame and humiliation are on the agenda at school and it’s great that Roots of Empathy shines a light on it. We can’t stop cruelty unless we name it first. And who better than the students themselves. Roots of Empathy is evidence based on three continents to reduce bullying.” – Founder/President Mary Gordon
Grade 1/2 Student, Victoria, B.C.
“What can Roots of Empathy teach the world? “to be kind to everyone no matter how they look or talk.”
Speech bubbles: Right “It’s okay to be small.” Wrong “It’s too bad you’re small”
“Young children are acutely aware of differences. Giving them the opportunity to discuss how we are the same because we share the same feelings eclipses the physical differences they notice. The prosocial behaviour exhibited by this little girl from Victoria gives us faith in humanity that at such a young age she is able to stand up against cruelty and not just talk about the importance of being fair and inclusive, but to demonstrate it. We are very proud of her and all of the children who have participated in the program.” – Founder/President Mary Gordon
What BC teachers and students say
For more information on our British Columbia programming, contact: