Roots of Empathy at Lake Forest Park and Brookside Elementary need volunteer Instructors

Roots of Empathy session at local elementary school

Roots of Empathy is an evidence-based, internationally recognized classroom program serving children ages 5–13. We’ve reached 1.2 million children globally with our school-based programs, and we have research to prove impact. 

Roots of Empathy reduces aggression, increases sharing, caring, and inclusion, and promotes resilience, well-being, and positive mental health.

Our mission is to build caring, peaceful, and civil societies through the development of empathy in children and adults. Our vision is to change the world, child by child. We do this by having trained volunteer Instructors guide elementary school students in observing and connecting with a neighborhood baby and parent, building emotional literacy, empathy, and prosocial skills in young children.

Shoreline School District has been offering this program in various schools since 2009 and it is growing this next school year. Both Lake Forest Park and Brookside Elementary need volunteer Instructors to help deliver the program curriculum in the classroom. 

We provide a fall training for Instructors and mentorship through the first year of instruction. Volunteers come from many backgrounds—former teachers, school counselors, therapists, social workers, parents, grandparents, or anyone familiar and enthusiastic about working with children.

If you would like more information or are interested in participating, please contact Roots of Empathy Program Manager, Melissa Cornwell, via email at mcornwell@rootsofempathy.org