Youth Advisory Council Application Announcement!

Update: Application is now closed.

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About the World Ocean Day Youth Advisory Council

The World Ocean Day Youth Advisory Council is a group of 20-25 young people from countries around the world who are already actively engaged in ocean conservation efforts in their communities. They come together to share their efforts with each other and the world, develop their leadership skills  to strengthen their impact, and inspire millions of other people to take action for our blue planet. See current and past Council members here.

Formed in 2016, the Council helps develop World Ocean Day into a unique opportunity to connect and unite the world for a healthier ocean and a more sustainable society. The primary goal is to strengthen youth engagement and leadership for our shared ocean, which covers 71% of our planet and connects us all.  Learn more about the mission and history of World Ocean Day here. 

Apply to join the Youth Advisory Council if you:

• …are already committed to protecting our blue planet, with a recognition of the connection between the ocean and climate, and are willing to share your experience, expertise, and ideas with others to encourage more people around the world to engage in actions that will protect and restore the environment;
• …value collaboration and action as key strategies for making a tangible difference; and
• …desire to develop and strengthen essential advocacy skills such as event planning, network outreach, setting conservation action goals, and more! 

Council Member Roles & Responsibilities 

• Continue to do the impactful work you are already doing in your community, and taking your existing efforts to a deeper level for ocean action
• Promote and participate in other ocean- and conservation-related events in your community, country, and/or globally whenever possible
• Serve as an ambassador for World Ocean Day throughout the year, helping to spread the word about this unique opportunity to celebrate and take action for our ocean to your own community and network
• Work with the other Council members and alumni to help make World Ocean Day as impactful as possible, including (but not limited to): planning and hosting events, supporting other Council members in their efforts, developing resources, and implementing any actions that generate more conservation action for our ocean  from youth leaders around the world
• Provide strategic guidance for the overall focus of World Ocean Day, discuss and share your opinions about various ocean conservation topics, and provide ideas for opportunities that encourage more individual and collective action
• Participate actively in World Ocean Day publicity campaigns by sharing updates and content with your academic, professional, and personal networks  on social media, highlighting your own community efforts through blog posts on the World Ocean Day website, and/or participating in social media takeovers

Time commitment  

• 1-year term   
• Attend at least 3 of the 4 quarterly video conference/Zoom meetings
• Completion of 3-4 Advising Surveys throughout the term
• Consistent digital communication via email/Whatsapp, etc. at least 1-2x per month
• Virtual Advocacy Training: One hour-long meeting per week, for 5 weeks (In October/November, subject to change)
• Any additional self-organized/voluntary projects in collaboration with other Council members 

Qualifications 

• Accepting applications from any country in the world 
• Must be between ages 16-23 at time of application to be considered
• Access to internet connection 
• Some previous conservation experience required (advocacy/organizing experience is a bonus!)

The Ocean Project’s Support of Council Members

The Ocean Project catalyzes collaborative action for the ocean. The organization works in partnership with aquariums, zoos, museums, youth leaders, and others in a growing global network to effectively engage the public, inform policymakers, and unite the world to protect and restore our shared ocean and climate. Our role is to:

• Provide a spotlight on Council members and amplify their voices throughout the year, including guest blog posts, World Ocean Day social media takeovers, newsletter features, speaking opportunities at national and international conferences, governmental and NGO summits, media and news opportunities, etc. 
• Connect current Council members with members of the Council alumni network for potential collaboration
• Help advance Council members by connecting them to opportunities with organizations affiliated with the global World Ocean Day network, including for future possible internships, jobs , and more

Application Process 

• General application opens 22nd June 2022, closes 29th July  
• Applicants chosen to advance to second round of applications notified 3rd August, video submission due 15th August 
• New members notified by 7th September 2022

Resources

• Click here to learn about Youth Advisory Council alumni members!
• Subscribe to the Rising Blue Network Newsletter to stay up-to-date on the Youth Initiative!
• Have questions not answered above? Email The Ocean Project Youth Initiative Coordinator, Laura Johnson, at Ljohnson@theoceanproject.org.