Early in 2024, The Ocean Project will be running two of our annual super collaborative 4-week virtual “Advocacy Training” programs, designed for youth ages 16-23 (although any ages are welcome). The content for both will be similar but we will have different presenters each time, including youth leaders and seasoned professionals.
The first four-week training program, in January and February 2024, is open to youth who are associated with an aquarium, zoo, and/or science museum. To register for this free training program, click here! Watch recordings on YouTube.
The second four-week training program, in March and April 2024, is open to all youth worldwide. To register for this free training program, click here! Recordings will be available on YouTube.
Last year, these training programs drew approximately 200 youth associated with more than 40 zoos, aquariums, and museums in the first four-week program and 700 youth in the second program. This year, we are aiming to generate interest from over 1,000 youth from dozens of countries, and we will be working to help connect youth geographically and by issue area, to create more synergies for the seas!
For each program, the training content will build upon and refine existing advocacy skills and encourage strengthened collaborative conservation action – locally, nationally, and globally. Participants will have the opportunity to talk with experts, network and collaborate with their peers, and develop a strong foundation for all their future advocacy efforts.
The content for the training is developed by experienced leaders working in ocean and climate advocacy, as well as previous members of the World Ocean Day Youth Advisory Council. Topics covered will include an in-depth look at conservation policy, advocacy & campaign organizing, social media & communications, and event planning & fundraising.
Participants will meet for one-hour weekly sessions via Zoom.
Here’s the schedule for youth associated with a zoo, aquarium or science museum:
- Session 1: 12-1pm PST/ 3-4pm EST on Saturday, 13 January 2024
- Session 2: 12-1pm PST/ 3-4pm EST on Saturday, 20 January 2024
- Session 3: 12-1pm PST/ 3-4pm EST on Saturday, 27 January 2024
- Session 4: 12-1pm PST/ 3-4pm EST on Saturday, 3 February 2024
Here’s the schedule open to any and all youth:
- Session 1: 10-11am PST/ 1-2pm EST on Saturday, March 23, 2024
- Session 1: 10-11am PST/ 1-2pm EST on Saturday, March 30, 2024
- Session 1: 10-11am PST/ 1-2pm EST on Saturday, April 6, 2024
- Session 1: 10-11am PST/ 1-2pm EST on Saturday, April 13, 2024
To get the latest updates on free training programs and other opportunities for youth, you can subscribe here to receive the monthly Rising Blue Network Newsletter that goes directly to thousands of youth leaders and youth-focused organizations from 150 countries.
For more information about our super collaborative youth leadership and advocacy programs, click here.
