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Justice Murray Sinclair

A Call to Action and Empathy: Honouring the Life and Legacy of Justice Murray Sinclair

I write with deep sadness to share the passing of the Honourable Justice Murray Sinclair, a tireless champion for Indigenous rights. As Chief Commissioner of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, he inspired millions to confront Canada’s history of oppression towards the Indigenous Peoples and to commit to meaningful reconciliation.

We were honoured to present him with our first Social Justice Award in 2021, recognizing his profound impact in fostering truth, respect, and understanding of the Indigenous experience across Canada. Justice Sinclair’s legacy will continue to guide our work, a lasting reminder of resilience and empathy in the face of adversity.

Please join us in honouring his life and legacy. Read our tribute here.

Mary Gordon

Founder/President

 

A Mentor Shares a Heartfelt Moment

I wanted to share a heartfelt moment from an interview I completed this morning. I had the pleasure of interviewing a Child and Youth Care Worker in the Truro area [to be an ROE Instructor]. When asked why he wanted to become an Instructor, he told me that when he was in Grade 2 the Roots of Empathy program was offered in his class. He still remembers the experience...

 
 
 
Roots of Empathy is shortlisted for HundrED's Wellbeing in Schools Spotlight

Shortlisted for HundrED's Spotlight on Wellbeing in Schools

Internationally recognized as a powerful innovation in education, Roots of Empathy (ROE) is shortlisted for HundrED’s Spotlight on Wellbeing in Schools. We're counting down to the January 2025 results announcement.

Being shortlisted for the Wellbeing Spotlight is significant, as research indicates a global decline in youth wellbeing, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, and HundrED notes the lack of initiatives grounded in scientific evidence.

 
 
Roots of Empathy's Mary Gordon Article

Empathy Leads the Way: See How In Mary's Education Article

 In her article, "Empathy as a Bridge," published in Principal Connections by the Catholic Principals' Council of Ontario, Mary Gordon shares a powerful insight: “Principals and teachers do not just teach subjects; through relationships, they teach people.” Mary explores the transformative impact of empathy and emotional literacy in schools, highlighting how these values deepen connections and drive meaningful change across the entire school community. As she beautifully states, “Empathy is the bridge that connects everyone.”

 

 
 
 

Shaping Global Education Policy to Benefit Teachers and Students

In September, Mary Gordon was one of two Thought Leaders invited to address global Ministers of Education and their teams in Edinburgh, Scotland as part of the ARC (Atlantic Rim Collaboratory) Summit. In one of two presentations, Mary shared ROE's transformative perspective on education - how education can foster not only academic competencies but also the empathy essential for wellbeing. She describes this empathy as "armor for a child," helping them to build friendships and resilience.

 
What can Roots of Empathy teach the world? “inclusion and no bullying because no one will feel left out.”Speech Bubble: Bullying; “Stop bullying,” “[Leave] him alone,” “Hey.”Inclusion; “Do you want to play”, “Yes.”- 2nd Class, Dublin, Ireland

Explore Children's Art in Inclusion

Artwork is a vital way children in the Roots of Empathy program can express what they are feeling. Their voice is impactful. Adults may speak of social justice but children have a clear lens of what fairness looks like and feels like. Children in Roots of Empathy believe that our differences contribute to our uniqueness, which is a good thing. They are champions of inclusion as they believe every child has a right to feel they belong.

 

Check out these career opportunities!

Roots of Empathy Canada Charitable No. 89643 4818 RR0001. Stichting Roots of Empathy Netherlands: Tax Number: RSIN 85842346. Roots of Empathy New Zealand registered charity number: CC54266. Roots of Empathy UK registered charity number: 1170754. Roots of Empathy USA is registered as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization (EIN# 981017743). Roots of Empathy Switzerland Charitable No. CHE-193.295.852.

Roots of Empathy
250 Dundas St. W., Suite 802 | Toronto, Ontario  M5T 2Z5
416-944-3001 | mail@rootsofempathy.org

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