Staff Biographies

David Chase

Following in the footsteps of Chase Pickering, David Chase is JGI’s second Roots & Shoots Youth Leadership fellow.

David's work with Roots & Shoots began in sixth grade when his science teacher suggested he try out the school's R&S club. He immediately connected with Dr. Jane's philosophy that "every individual matters, every individual has a role to play, every individual makes a difference" and, in seventh grade, spearheaded a local "Green Hotels" campaign to help hotels become eco-friendly.

In ninth grade, David started a Roots & Shoots group at his high school, Sturgis Charter Public School. As a leader, he organized a bi-annual Main Street cleanup, created a sustainable garden, raised money for the Tchimpounga Youth Campaign and started a school recycling program.

David, along with two other Roots & Shoots members, founded the New England Youth Leadership Council in 2005. Since its inception, the council has organized two regional summits, two Roots & Shoots Earth Day events at the Franklin Park Zoo and is currently creating a new regional peace campaign. "I am very proud of the New England Youth Leadership Council and what it has accomplished," David said. "I never thought it would have grown this much in such a short time."

In September, David spoke at UNESCO's (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) conference on climate change in New York City.

David graduated from Sturgis Charter Public School in June, 2007 and will attend St. Mary's College in Maryland once his year with the Jane Goodall Institute is complete.

David can speak on many topics such as service learning, youth leadership, green initiatives, and being a youth member of Roots & Shoots.

To inquire about engaging David as a speaker, please Contact Nona Gandelman.