Roots of Empathy

Roots of Empathy is a global organization offering empathy-based programs for children, with research to prove impact. It is a leader in the empathy movement.

[Roots of Empathy @RootsofEmpathy]

Roots of Empathy reduces aggression/#bullying, increases sharing, caring & inclusion & promotes resilience, well-being & positive #mentalhealth.

We’ve reached over 1M #children globally with our #school-based programs & we have research to prove impact!
https://t.co/LAWVe6eIxz

[Roots of Empathy @RootsofEmpathy]

June is National Indigenous History Month in Canada—a time to recognize the rich history, cultures, and contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples.

It's an opportunity to listen, learn, and honour Indigenous voices, past and present, while nurturing the voices of the future.

#NationalIndigenousHistoryMonth #NIHM2026

[Roots of Empathy @RootsofEmpathy]

The most important learning happens before a child starts school 💜

Seeds of Empathy is a program that nurtures social and emotional competencies and provides children with rich early literacy experiences.

Created by Mary Gordon in 2005 for Early Learning and Childcare Centres, Seeds of Empathy is one of two programs endorsed by the Assembly of First Nations Resolution 38, along with Roots of Empathy. Both programs support the worldview and values of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit children in urban, rural, and on-reserve communities.

To learn more about the program, visit;
https://t.co/Ar3MF1G3Ym

[Roots of Empathy @RootsofEmpathy]

Want to help nurture empathy in children in one of your local schools? 💚

We're on the lookout for passionate Volunteer Instructors for the upcoming school year.

Roots of Empathy is an international children’s charity that helps nurture empathy in children. We’ve reached 1.2 million children so far. We do this through our unique programs that are offered in schools internationally.

To learn more and sign up: https://t.co/crspA9D54e

#RootsofEmpathy #VolunteersNeeded

[Roots of Empathy @RootsofEmpathy]

What makes Roots of Empathy so unique?

It’s all about the secure attachment relationship between a baby and parent(s) - the first and most powerful model of empathy. Throughout the school year, a local parent and baby visit a 9 times while the other 18 classes are about prediction and reflection on various themes. With the help of a certified Roots of Empathy Instructor and a proven curriculum, studentsare guided to recognize the baby’s feelings and intentions.

They start learning:
❤️ The affective aspect of empathy – understanding feelings
🧠 The cognitive aspect of empathy – perspective taking

Students are coached to recognize the baby’s feelings, their own feelings and the feelings of their classmates. That’s emotional literacy in action - and it’s the first step to learning how to regulate emotions.

Curious to learn more? Visit our website: https://t.co/aufipDcPbK

[Roots of Empathy @RootsofEmpathy]

"We are born with the capacity for empathy. An ability to recognize emotions transcends race, culture, nationality, social class and age.” - Mary Gordon

Let's embrace our innate capacity for empathy and build a more caring and peaceful world together. Interested in getting involved? Learn more about our volunteer opportunities: https://t.co/vYsXU2Hne2

#RootsofEmpathy #WisdomWednesday #EmpathyMatters

[Roots of Empathy @RootsofEmpathy]

🌍 Where is Mary?

Our Founder Mary Gordon, will be speaking and participating as a thought leader at the MenCare Changemaker Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on May 29!

Co-organized by Equimundo: Center for Masculinities and Social Justice and WOW – Women of the World, this global summit convenes leaders from business, media, culture, civil society, and government to build solutions around fatherhood, men's health, and new models of masculinity rooted in care, responsibility, and connection.

For 30 years, Roots of Empathy has seen what can happen when empathy is nurtured early in life. We’re proud to contribute to global conversations about raising caring boys, supporting positive relationships, and nurturing the fathers and caring citizens of tomorrow for the future.

[Roots of Empathy @RootsofEmpathy]

Turns out, some of the biggest lessons come from the smallest humans 💚

In Roots of Empathy classrooms, students explore feelings, friendships, and human connection through real-life experiences with a baby and parent in the classroom.

The result? Increased emotional literacy, stronger perspective-taking skills, and classroom environments that support positive attitudes and interactions 🌱

Interested in bringing Roots of Empathy to your school?
Sign up now: https://t.co/MlKxneTv4u

[Roots of Empathy @RootsofEmpathy]

Research continues to show that empathy is not only foundational to healthy relationships — it also plays an important role in reducing aggression and strengthening prosocial behaviour.

At Roots of Empathy, children are encouraged to develop both perspective-taking skills and affective empathy through experiential learning and observation, helping them better understand the emotions and experiences of others.

When children learn to see the world through another person’s eyes, and to feel with the other they build the foundation for more empathic and connected communities.

#RootsofEmpathy #ResearchThursday

[Roots of Empathy @RootsofEmpathy]

30 years ago, Mary Gordon founded Roots of Empathy with a powerful belief: empathy can change the way children see themselves, each other, and the world around them.

Today, that vision continues to reach children around the world, reinforcing the idea that empathy is not only a human value, but a transformative force for society.

#RootsOfEmpathy #MaryGordon #WisdomWednesday

[Roots of Empathy @RootsofEmpathy]

One of the most powerful outcomes of Roots of Empathy is hearing children put empathy into their own words.

In Roots of Empathy classrooms, every child finds their voice. As students learn to respect different perspectives and understand the impact of their actions, they develop empathy — a protective factor that can act as a brake against cruelty. 🌱

[Roots of Empathy @RootsofEmpathy]

Big feelings, Tiny Teacher 💚

In Roots of Empathy classrooms, students develop empathy, and emotional understanding from the very best teacher of all — a baby.

Help us grow the next generation of caring children. Be part of the story: https://t.co/8wZM70rT75

[Mrs McLaren & P4B Newark Primary @MrsMcLarenC]

Family Visit 6 13.3.26 @RootsofEmpathy

[Roots of Empathy @RootsofEmpathy]

In classrooms around the world, educators are seeing what empathy in action can do — helping children build emotional understanding, connection, and resilience that extends far beyond the classroom.

Empathy is necessary to build healthy relationships and resilience (Mehrabian, 2000; Jones et al., 2015).

#RootsOfEmpathy #ResearchThursday

[Roots of Empathy @RootsofEmpathy]

“Our heroes are often 3 ft tall.” — Mary Gordon

At the recent @canadahelps event, Roots of Empathy Founder Mary Gordon shared moving stories of children demonstrating moral courage — standing up for others, showing kindness, and choosing empathy in moments that matter. These are the quiet acts that can change classrooms, communities, and lives.

We were honoured to be part of the fireside chat about Empathy, Literacy and Growing a Generous Generation alongside Camesha Cox of The Reading Partnership and Duke Chang of CanadaHelps.

Thank you to CanadaHelps for creating space for such an important conversation about raising children who care for one another and contribute to their communities.

[Roots of Empathy @RootsofEmpathy]

💛 This Mother’s Day, we’re recognizing mothers’ care and empathy in shaping not only children, but the society they will grow into.

At Roots of Empathy, a parent and baby help students develop emotional literacy and empathy – and it starts with witnessing the loving bond between a baby and their parent.

94% of participating parents say it gave them hope for the next generation.

Honour a mother by supporting this work: https://t.co/rbhhrJ3wyj

[Roots of Empathy @RootsofEmpathy]

Honour a mother.

Help shape the world a child will grow into.

At Roots of Empathy, a mother’s care and empathy reach a whole classroom.

Give today 💛
https://t.co/UMwEsl8vOC

[Roots of Empathy @RootsofEmpathy]

Tag a mother who helped shape who you are—and tell us how. 💛
Because the care we receive as children stays with us.

#MothersDay #Gratitude #Empathy

[Roots of Empathy @RootsofEmpathy]

94% of volunteer parents say it gave them hope for the next generation.

This Mother’s Day, invest in that hope.

Honour a mother → https://t.co/UMwEsl8vOC

[Roots of Empathy @RootsofEmpathy]

Share your baby with a classroom.

Shape a generation.

If your baby will be 2-4 months old in October, become a Roots of Empathy volunteer parent 💚 For more information, visit: https://t.co/sEGeQnQdve

[Roots of Empathy @RootsofEmpathy]

What gives you hope for the next generation?

We’ll start: 94% of our volunteer mothers and fathers say this experience does.

If your baby will be 2-4 months in October, this could be your turn.

Sign up today: https://t.co/duOi2ApU63