Empathy - The Moral Courage to Act When children believe they have the power to stand up against cruelty, we create a world with less of it. In Roots of Empathy, we see every child as a ‘changer’—someone who recognizes unfairness and finds the moral courage to act. In our program, a baby leads children to understand our shared humanity, helping them to find themselves in the other and to feel the other in themselves - empathy. We’ve been deeply moved by children who, inspired by Roots of Empathy, have stood up for classmates facing hurtful words or unfair treatment. The urgency for our programs is undeniable. Bullying is more prevalent than ever, and its impacts are long-lasting. Every time I speak at a gathering or event, adults approach me to share their deeply personal experiences with bullying and how it has shaped their lives to this day. Many who speak to me about the importance of our work are men, and their experiences of being bullied are especially moving in a culture that often discourages male vulnerability—certainly contributing to bullying in the first place. These conversations underscore the urgent need to foster empathy in childhood and put a brake on bullying before it impacts wellbeing into adulthood. Decades of research confirm that Roots of Empathy reduces bullying and aggression in elementary school children - behaviour that lasts - while nurturing empathy, caring, and kindness. These are critical skills for making friends, the positive relationships that are essential for personal and community wellbeing. Our impact in helping children is recognized globally, including being selected for HundrED’s 2025 Wellbeing in Schools Spotlight. Let’s work together to break the cycle of aggression by helping children find the moral courage to stand up for one another, laying the foundation for a more civil and peaceful society. Kind regards, Mary Gordon Founder/President/CEO |
