Important resources – please review before you commence your illustration:
FAQ’s – Download here
Teacher & Parent Guide – Download here
Illustration Checklist – Download here
Illustration Guide – Download here
This project was borne out of a realisation that there is a lot of media coverage about the countless problems facing our planet, but not enough discussion about the solutions to those problems. Jane Goodall’s Roots & Shoots program in partnership with Upschool, has developed a book containing personal letters written by people from around the world, who are doing positive work to benefit people, animals, and the natural environment. In these letters, environmental and social justice activists share their experiences of making a difference, and provide advice for young people who too want to create change, but may not know where to begin.
Instructions for getting involved:
Step 1: Read the letter overviews below & watch the videos
Step 2: Choose a letter that interests you
Step 3: Review the resource guidelines above & create an illustration for your chosen letter
Step 4: Upload your illustration
Step 5: Your illustration will be considered for publication in this book
Everyone’s amazing art works will be reviewed by a panel of Upschool educators and Roots & Shoots youth leaders. Illustrations will be selected based on the following criteria:
Please read through the resources at the top of the page for all important information.
“This is a book that is much needed today. We are going through dark times, politically, socially and environmentally. These letters are inspiring, proving that change happens not only when well known and influential people get involved, but that ‘ordinary’ extraordinary people are all around us, inspiring everyone to take action and to understand that each one of us can work for change. Each letter lights a little lamp in the darkness and hundreds of thousands of little lamps will dispel the darkness altogether. This book will lift the spirits of those who have lost hope, and support the optimism of those who dare to dream of a better world. Thank you Mahima Kalla, Ben Howes, and Nila Taylor for sharing with us.”
– Dr Jane Goodall, Ph.D., DBE (Founder – the Jane Goodall Institute & UN Messenger of Peace)
Letter Overview: In this letter, Anam shares her experiences of running peace and reconciliation programs, through connecting young people across India and Pakistan. Anam has spent many years interviewing people from both India and Pakistan, and discovered stories of intercommunal friendships and bonds, amid the narratives of war and violence.
Learn more about Anam’s work:
www.anamzakaria.com
www.citizensarchive.org/projects/exchange-for-change/
www.routes2roots.com
www.projectdastaan.org
Illustration Guide & Illustration Checklist – Download in resources at top of page
Letter Overview: In this letter, Annie describes her experience of visiting the Fresh Kills Landfill in New York, which changed the course of her life. After seeing first-hand the effects of landfill waste, she decided to learn more about how we make, use, and throw away ‘stuff’, and educate others about the environmental and social impacts of consumerism.
Learn more about Annie’s work: www.storyofstuff.org
Illustration Guide & Illustration Checklist – Download in resources at top of page
Letter Overview: In this letter, Colleen describes, how even in the midst of self-doubt, she decided to take the first step towards her goal. Colleen started an organisation called Fifteen Trees, which helps individuals and companies offset their carbon footprint by planting trees on their behalf. Once Colleen decided to take the first step, help came from the unlikeliest sources!
Learn more about Colleen’s work: www.15trees.com.au/
Illustration Guide & Illustration Checklist – Download in resources at top of page
Any/all submissions to Upschool, JGIA or any associated organisations that have been provided by you may be published in (and not limited to) the book described in this Challenge, as well as in any of Upschool’s, JGIA’s or associated organisations’ social media accounts, websites, partner websites, print publications, product packaging and more, at our sole discretion. If we use any of your designs, illustrations, words or similar on any book, product or similar, you understand and agree that you cannot make any royalty claims for its use.
For the avoidance of doubt, you hereby agree and accept that any submission made by you to Upschool or JGIA or any associated entities as part of this or any Challenge listed on Upschool.co can be used by Upschool, JGIA or any associated entities for any purpose, and that this will not entitle you to compensation, payment or any type of royalty for the use of your work, or any part of your work, at any time. By making a submission to this Challenge, you declare that the work is your own and not copied from another source.
We may publish your full name if you tell us you are over the age of 18 years. If you tell us that you are under 18 years, only your first name will be published with any works unless your parent/guardian/caregiver gives us prior written consent. We may publish your country, state, city or school name if you share that with us.
If you are under 18 years of age, please seek parent, caretaker or guardian consent and have them complete the submission form on your behalf, as these Terms and conditions can only be approved by adults (over 18 years). Students must have the permission of a parent, teacher or guardian to submit a response.
Children, you are not permitted to submit a response without the permission of a parent, teacher or guardian. Please speak to one of these people prior to submitting your response.