Youth Civic Engagement in China: Results From a Program Promoting Environmental Activism

Abstract

China is a key player on the global stage, and nearly 300 million Chinese youth stand to be affected by rapid social and ecological transformations. Programs that promote developmental assets in Chinese youth could increase their resilience in the face of contemporary stressors and enhance their capacity to contribute to China's development. In this paper we describe a unique, service-learning approach to youth development, the Jane Goodall Institute's Roots & Shoots program (R&S), as it is implemented in China. Through qualitative and quantitative methods we explore perceptions of program impact on the personal and social development of Chinese youth. Cultural, sociopolitical, and environmental issues related to program practices, outcomes and viability are highlighted. Results suggest that R&S mobilized Chinese youth to work for the benefit of their environment, their communities, and themselves.

Mitigating and adapting to climate change: Multi-functional and multi-scale assessment of green urban infrastructure

“…People acting as stewards of their environment through community gardening, park management or watershed restoration (Krasny and Tidball, 2009) may contribute to the feeling of self-efficacy in making the environmental conditions more favorable around them. Evidence from climate education programs shows that participants gain in selfefficacy, social competence, and a sense of civic responsibility (Johnson et al, 2007). In turn, a stronger place attachment e the feeling of ownership and responsibility promotes climate-positive behavior, as individuals are more likely to act carefully in a place they value (Gifford, 2008).…”

Cultivating Compassion and Youth Action Around the Globe: A Preliminary Report on Jane Goodall’s Roots & Shoots Program

“…Program activities and meetings were observed and group records and activity reports were reviewed. Detailed contextual information on each country, study methodologies, and results are reported elsewhere (for China; Johnson, et al, 2007;for Tanzania;Johnson-Pynn, & Johnson, 2005a;2005b).…”

“…In China, academic pressures, social isolation, economic changes, sociopolitical sensitivities and a new focus on individualism were recurrent themes (Johnson, et al, 2007) In Tanzania, poverty, developmental needs, and health care concerns were thematic (JohnsonPynn, & Johnson, 2005a). Groups interviewed in Tanzania were more likely to be in rural settings, while those in China were more urban.…”

Youth Work: A Systematic Map of the Research Literature

“…Action planning in this context was considered 'to lead to life skills development in planning and organising, decision-making, critical thinking and problem-solving' (ibid, p. 62). Studies of action campaigns were focused at both the school and community level, with environmental projects focusing on issues such as sustainable development in China (Johnson et al, 2007) and India (Gowda et al, 1991).…”

“…Studies were also concentrated in the post-2001 publication period, with nearly as many studies conducted in the USA (n=6) as in the Uk (n=5) and one from China. Johnson et al (2007) evaluated 'Roots and Shoots', an environmental action, service learning and youth development programme for young people in China. Taking a 'discovery-orientated' approach, young people, in conjunction with programme coordinators, were asked to organise and take part in three volunteer and service projects that promote animal welfare, the community or the environment.…”