Student Council Meets Jane Goodall

The Student Council had the privilege of attending Jane Goodall's keynote lecture entitled "Reason for Hope." At Beth El Synagogue on April 19, Jane spoke about her groundbreaking work with chimpanzees in Gombe Stream National Park in Tanzania, as well as the work she has done to preserve their habitats and help local peoples improve their lives through education, healthcare, and jobs.  

While acknowledging the environmental problems our world faces due to population growth, over-consumption, and globalization, her main message was one of hope.  She finds hope in four things: the human brain's capacity to problem solve, the indomitable human spirit, the resilience of nature, and the determination of young people.  

 Jane talked about the wonderful work of the hundreds of Roots and Shoots groups around the world.  

Friends School of Minnesota's student council was honored to be the only Roots and Shoots group in attendance.  FSM students got to meet Jane, have their picture taken with her, and get her autograph on their books and programs.  It was such an incredibly inspiring evening for us all that Student council may consider involvement in next year’s UN International Day of Peace.

 - Rebecca Slaby, MS Humanities Teacher