World Ocean Day Logo
World Ocean Day Logo

A FREE virtual program for youth worldwide!

Overview

This super-collaborative online Youth Leadership and Advocacy Training program builds upon and refines the existing advocacy skills of attendees, integrates civic learning, and encourages strengthened collaborative conservation action – locally, nationally, and globally.

The training content is developed by experienced leaders working in ocean and climate advocacy, as well as World Ocean Day Youth Advisory Council alumni. Session speakers include an intergenerational mix of both young leaders and seasoned professionals. Participants have the opportunity to talk with experts, network and collaborate with their peers, and develop a strong foundation for all their future advocacy efforts.

Topics covered include an in-depth look at conservation policy, advocacy & campaign organizing, social media & communications, and event planning & fundraising. The content is designed for youth ages 16-23, although young people of any age are welcome. Participants meet for one-hour weekly sessions via Zoom.

Why Join the Program?

Mobilizing the collective power of youth is essential in the fight for a sustainable future. By equipping young advocates with practical organizing skills and the confidence to take action, we empower them to become effective agents of change in their communities and beyond. Whether it’s organizing events, advocating for policy change, or raising awareness, every action contributes to a healthier planet. Together, we can create a ripple effect of positive change that reverberates for generations to come.

"I have learned some of the most valuable information I feel like I ever have. This program really solidified my passion over ocean conservation, and pushed me to really understand the “why” in my ideas. I have never been so grateful for an opportunity like this, with the most amazing people. They were able to indirectly push me for the better, help me personally reflect, and most importantly empowered me to express my ideas and get my word out to my peers."
Canton, age 15
Canton, age 15USA
"I want to express my gratitude for organizing such a valuable training program. It has been enriching, and I feel empowered to advocate effectively for youth causes. I look forward to joining you again and gaining more knowledge. This was my first experience with a training program like this, and as an 11-year-old, it was especially meaningful."
Siriwardhana, age 11
Siriwardhana, age 11Sri Lanka
"A job very well done to all the people that made the Youth Advocacy Training possible! Beautiful variety (in age, lived experience and profession) of speakers. Props to the team. I look forward to the next training!"
Matai, age 19
Matai, age 19Suriname
"This is a great initiative, and will encourage youth to be more mindful and willing to include themselves in the process of making a change."
Mercy, age 17
Mercy, age 17Ghana
"Thank you so much for this beautiful opportunity! It's given me much knowledge and has also improved my leadership skills to organize events in my country."
Deonisio, age 23
Deonisio, age 23Timor-Leste
"As an engineering student, I have been trying to learn more about the effects of human activities on environment, and ways to help create change. Without a doubt, I can claim that these Zoom sessions have been a great experience for me, as I got to know about fundraising, greenwashing, etc. I especially found the campaign organizing session very informative and enlightening. I'm looking forward to attending more sessions!"
Yatharth, age 21
Yatharth, age 21India
"Thank you so much for having such wonderful sessions! I'll take as many actions as I can in Japan from now on too!"
Eitoru, age 16
Eitoru, age 16Japan
"Getting involved with your local officials has a bigger impact than you think. I feel very inspired to contact my representatives."
Anne, age 18
Anne, age 18USA

Register for the upcoming training cycles:

The program schedule is as follows: 
 

2025 Cycle #2: October/November

Session 1 – The Ocean-Climate Connection: Saturday, Oct 18, 2025 at 11am PST/ 2pm EST/ 6pm GMT

Session 2 – Social Media & Communications: Saturday, Oct 25, 2025 at 11am PST/ 2pm EST/ 6pm GMT

Session 3 – Event Planning & Fundraising: Saturday, Nov 1, 2025 at 11am PST/ 2pm EST/ 6pm GMT

Session 4 – Campaign Organizing: Saturday, Nov 8, 2025 at 11am PST/ 2pm EST/ 6pm GMT

Click here to register for all four sessions!

 

2026 Cycle #1: February/March

Session 1 – The Ocean-Climate Connection: Saturday, Feb 28, 2026 at 3pm PST/ 6pm EST/ 10pm GMT

Session 2 – Social Media & Communications: Saturday, Mar 7, 2026 at 3pm PST/ 6pm EST/ 10pm GMT

Session 3 – Event Planning & Fundraising: Saturday, Mar 14, 2026 at 3pm PST/ 6pm EST/ 10pm GMT

Session 4 – Campaign Organizing: Saturday, Mar 21, 2026 at 3pm PST/ 6pm EST/ 10pm GMT

Click here to register for all four sessions!

 

Click here to watch recordings of the most recent Youth Advocacy Training programs, webinars, and more.  

Click here to join the email list with all upcoming opportunities for youth.

Get connected with the global youth movement!

Since 2022, these training programs have drawn approximately 3000 youth from more than 130 countries around the world. For 2025, we will be working to help connect youth, both geographically and by issue area, to create even more synergies for the seas!

Explore the Four Sessions

Session 1:​

Focuses on understanding the crucial role that advocating for ocean conservation plays in addressing the climate crises. Emphasizes the challenges and explores potential solutions to bridging the gap in understanding and awareness of this connection to decision makers and the public.​

Session 2:

Focuses on demonstrating what it takes to plan an event or campaign - from recruiting the right people to your team, where to look for funding and how to get it, and engaging with your community for a lasting impact. Learn tangible principles, tips, and how-tos on planning and funding effective events.

Session 3:

Focuses on how to develop proper messaging for conservation campaigns including formulating calls-to-action for social media, writing op-eds, letters, and other types of communication. Learn how to effectively communicate campaign goals and progress, and strategies for utilizing various platforms to connect with different audiences.

Session 4:

Focuses on the importance of organizing campaigns and events in partnership and collaboration with others. Attendees will walk away with a better understanding of how to build collective power within a movement, with the capacity to make a bigger impact than if individuals acted on their own.

Click here to subscribe to the monthly for-youth by-youth Rising Blue Network Newsletter, to receive info about global events, opportunities, and announcements about upcoming training programs and webinars. The newsletter goes out the first week of each month.

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All information, materials, and resources on this site and associated with World Ocean Day are free to use to those who are celebrating World Ocean Day as a way to bring about a healthier ocean and a better future.

The Ocean Foundation is the fiscal sponsor for World Ocean Day (EIN: 71-0863908)