Roots of Empathy was created by Mary Gordon in 1996 in Toronto, Canada. We are a not-for-profit charity. Donations welcome!
Since then, the evidence-based program for primary school children has grown to 11 countries, reaching more than one million children. Roots of Empathy is an evidence-based classroom program that has shown significant effect in reducing levels of aggression - including bullying - among school children while raising social/emotional competence and increasing empathy.
06/26/2026
Another year of empathy in ALCDSB schools 💚 Thank you to the families, "Tiny Teachers", and Instructors who gave their time and opened their hearts to classrooms this year — this celebration is for you.
And a special thank you to Elisa Palmer, Mental Health Supervisor with the board, for supporting Roots of Empathy every step of the way.
06/25/2026
What a celebration, North Bay! 🎉 A heartfelt thank you to the ROE Instructors, volunteer families, host teachers and our "Tiny Teachers" who made this year's programs possible.
We were honoured to welcome Maggie Horsfield - North Bay Deputy Mayor to the celebration. Thank you to North Bay MP Pauline Rochefort for marking the occasion with a certificate of recognition celebrating 30 years of Roots of Empathy.
Thirty years in, and the community around Roots of Empathy keeps growing 💚
One Kids Place - North Bay
06/24/2026
Celebrating the incredible ‘Tiny Teachers’ of Newfoundland and Labrador 💚 As another year of Roots of Empathy comes to a close, we’re so grateful to our dedicated ROE Instructors, volunteer parents, and everyone who helped make our programs possible.
A special thank you to our supporting agency representatives who could celebrate with us, including the Dept of Education, Assistant Deputy Minister Lisa Baker Worthman, Dept of Health and CS, Mental Health and Addictions, Pauline Penney, NL NDP Leader Jim Dinn, NLTA President Dale Lambe, Sisters of Mercy, Presentation Sisters, and Child and Youth Advocate, Wilma MacInnis.
Govt NL Dept of Education
Govt NL Dept of Health and Community Services
Government of Newfoundland and Labrador
NLSchools
Newfoundland and Labrador Teachers' Association
United Way Newfoundland and Labrador
International Grenfell Association
This Father’s Day, We’re Reflecting on What Children Teach
At Roots of Empathy, children learn from babies – ‘Tiny Teachers’.
And fathers learn from children.
🎥 Byron, a father, grandfather, Roots of Empathy Instructor and School Counsellor, reflects on:
"How has being a father changed you?"
For 30 years, Roots of Empathy volunteer parents and Instructors have helped nurture empathy and emotional literacy in children—the pathway to healthy relationships, mental wellbeing, and caring communities.
Father
Roots of Empathy Volunteer Parent
Roots of Empathy Instructor
School Counsellor
Different journeys. Shared values.
🔹 Empathy
🔹 Caring
🔹 Kindness
🔹 Listening
🔹 Respect
🔹 Inclusion
🎥 Danny reflects on: “How has becoming a father changed you?”
For 30 years, Roots of Empathy volunteer parents and Instructors have helped nurture empathy and emotional literacy in children—the pathway to healthy relationships, mental wellbeing, and caring communities.
This Father's Day, we're celebrating the fathers who help bring Roots of Empathy to life.
🎥 In this video, volunteer parent Mitchell shares baby Ellie's story and reflects on the students' reaction to her visits in the classroom.
For 30 years, Roots of Empathy volunteer parents and Instructors have helped nurture empathy and emotional literacy in children—the pathway to healthy relationships, mental wellbeing, and caring communities.
A Father's Greatest Legacy
🔹 Empathy
🔹 Caring
🔹 Kindness
🔹 Listening
🔹 Respect
🔹 Inclusion
🎥 A Father's Perspective: Why do children need to see fathers demonstrate empathy and attunement?
This Father's Day, we're celebrating the fathers and male Roots of Empathy role models - Our Volunteer Fathers and Instructors - who are helping nurture empathy in the next generation.
Together, we're nurturing a more empathic world—child by child.
06/17/2026
🎥 Something exciting is happening at Roots of Empathy!
Recently, cameras rolled inside a Grade 2/3 split class at Market Lane Public School as filming began for an upcoming TVO documentary exploring how schools are helping children navigate today's digital world.
When searching for solutions that help children develop the human skills screens can't teach, Roots of Empathy was a natural fit.
A huge thank you to the students, host teacher Victoria, Instructor Jemma, and our incredible volunteer family—Katherine and baby Josephine—for opening their classroom to help share how the Roots of Empathy program fosters empathy in children - the foundation of being able to relate to one another and make the friendships necessary for wellbeing and mental health.
The students were thrilled to be part of the filming, and we can't wait to see empathy take centre stage when the documentary airs this fall.
06/10/2026
Attention families! Will you have a baby aged 2-4 months in October?
Your family could make a lasting difference in the lives of children in your community!
Roots of Empathy is centred around your baby becoming the ‘Tiny Teacher’ in a classroom. Volunteer Parents bring their babies into a classroom, and guided by a Roots of Empathy Instructor, the children are encouraged to read your baby’s emotional cues and take your baby’s perspective, which can lead to the development of prosocial skills such as empathy and inclusion.
To sign up, visit: https://rootsofempathy.org/family/
06/09/2026
Celebrating with solidarity for all in the 2SLGBTQIA+ community!
