Dear Team,
We couldn’t wait to share this one-minute video from a Roots of Empathy classroom in Dublin, Ireland by RTÉ News—it’s just a minute long, but it captures what we know to be true about our work.
In it, you’ll hear:
A school principal who has delivered and witnessed the program, saying it should be in every primary school in his country, and who exemplifies male nurturance—showing children, staff, and the wider school community what empathy looks like in practice.
When children see men who are emotionally literate and openly caring, it affirms that men can be empathic too, and that masculinity isn’t about being physically strong and emotionally tough.
- A parent reflecting on how the program helps children understand and express their feelings.
- A young boy describing how the program helps his class stay calm, connect with others, and show empathy.
This example is not unique—we hear the same stories from principals, parents, and children in schools across three continents. It’s a clear, living proof of the impact of your work every day.
We’re already sharing this with principals, and we encourage you to watch, feel proud, and share it with your own networks. In a time when connection and democratic participation feels fragile, this is Roots of Empathy in action: a participatory circle around the Green Blanket where children develop empathy, voice, and respect for others—skills that matter beyond the classroom and into the future.
Thank you for everything you do to make it possible.
Mary Gordon
C.M., O.N.L., O.ON., LL.D., D.Litt.
Founder/President/CEO
mgordon@rootsofempathy.org
Best Practice: Bare Feet
Mary Gordon shares the power of touch in building
trust and connection between the Roots of Empathy baby
and the children in the classroom.
Around the Green Blanket
Listen to Mary Gordon talk about the importance of the
Green Blanket in establishing a sense of tradition, routine and
equity in the Roots of Empathy program.
The Importance of the
Tiny Teacher T-Shirt
Listen to Mary Gordon explain why the
Roots of Empathy T-Shirt
is so important, and what the children around the Green Blanket are
learning
when they see this logo, and the word ‘Teacher’.
Importance of
Traditions and Routines
Mary Gordon Speaks on the
Importance of Traditions and Routines in
delivering the program/programme.
Your Senior Mentor: