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Dear Friends,
I was deeply honored to attend Jane Goodall’s celebration of life at the Washington National Cathedral last week. If you’ve ever wondered whether one person can truly make a difference, just think about her life. Jane began as a young scientist studying chimpanzees in Gombe National Park and grew into a global ambassador for peace, conservation, and education—reminding us that kindness matters, that nature connects us all, and that education is one of the most powerful tools for change.
At the celebration, Jane’s friends, colleagues, and family shared stories that captured her remarkable spirit. Anna Rathmann, executive director of the Jane Goodall Institute, said Jane was never the loudest person in the room, but she was always kind and direct—and that her calm, compassionate approach could sway even the staunchest opponent. Anna also spoke about Jane’s unwavering belief in the indomitable human spirit. As Leonardo DiCaprio said at the gathering, “Jane led with hope, always.”
As we head into the holiday season, it’s worth pausing to reflect on what gives our lives meaning—and how much we can learn from leaders like Jane. Many of us feel the weight of the world right now, but a recent six-year research project from Cornell University revealed something both simple and profound: people who focus on contributing to others—who give their time, kindness, or care—are not only making a difference, they’re also happier and more resilient themselves. Helping others, it turns out, helps us too.
Jane understood this deeply. She believed in what she called active hope—not wishful thinking, but the hope that comes from rolling up our sleeves and taking action, individually and collectively.
This network embodies that spirit every day. You show up for one another, for your learners, and for your communities. At the NAAEE conference earlier this month, so many of you shared how your work is transforming lives—from connecting people of all ages to nature to empowering young leaders to building resilience and belonging in your communities. Your stories remind us that education, empathy, and action are at the heart of real change. And as many of our keynote speakers—from Andy Goodman to Esteban Gast—reminded us, the power of storytelling is what moves people to act.
I encourage you to explore some of the sessions you missed—our keynotes, bright spots, and all the incredible content that came out of the week. The recordings, which will be available through January, offer an inspiring snapshot of the creativity and commitment in our field. You'll also see the power of storytelling in advancing our work.
Please know how grateful we are for your passion, persistence, and belief in a better future. As you take time off in the coming weeks, I hope you’ll rest, recharge, and reconnect with what brings you joy—and continue to nurture that sense of active hope that keeps us all moving forward.
With gratitude and hope,
Judy Braus
Executive Director, NAAEE
Together we can, together we will, together we must change the world.
—Jane Goodall
P.S. If you missed the live events, you can still register to view the NAAEE 2025 session recordings through January 2026.
