A FREE virtual program for youth worldwide!

 

Overview

This super-collaborative online Youth 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.

Next four-week training program in October and November!

Save the Dates! 

The next free online Youth Advocacy Training Program will be held on four Saturdays in October (26) and November (2, 9, and 16). More information coming soon!

Click here to watch the recordings for a special mini 2-week session held in JulyIn collaboration with the Sustainable Ocean Alliance, the Deep Sea Conservation Coalition, and the High Seas Alliance, we held a 2-week Youth Advocacy Training. This program covered many of the same advocacy principles as our standard four-week program, with a focus protecting the deep seas and the high seas, two largely unexplored and under-protected regions of our  world ocean. Participants learned how to take action for a deep sea mining moratorium, and push for the ratification of the High Seas Treaty. 

Get connected with the global youth movement!

Since 2022, these training programs have drawn approximately 2000 youth from more than 120 countries around the world. This year, 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.