Wednesday, August 10, 2011

Announcing the 2011 Youth Ocean Conservation Summit!

Around the world, our planet’s oceans and their inhabitants face many challenges. As human impacts continuously threaten the health of our marine ecosystems, both locally and globally, it is imperative that we involve youth in a campaign to solve these problems.

The “Stow It-Don’t Throw It” Project invites you to join us for our first Youth Ocean Conservation Summit on November 12th, 2011 at Mote Marine Laboratory in Sarasota, FL. This event, for middle and high school age youth, is designed to allow participants to learn from marine scientists and conservationists about the current threats facing marine ecosystems, both locally and globally. Participants will learn what other youth are already doing to help tackle some of these issues, and they will be given a chance to work with their peers to develop action plans for their own ocean conservation projects. Finally, after developing their action plans, participants will take part in workshops focused on topics which include working with the media, forming a non-profit organization, fundraising, using technology to further a cause, and ways to recruit project supporters. These workshops will be developed to give them the knowledge they need to successfully implement their newly planned projects. Many of these workshops will be taught by other student conservation leaders who will share their personal experiences and advice with the youth participants.

Registration forms for the event are due October 31st, 2011 and a $10 registration fee includes lunch and all program materials for participants!

For more details, registration forms, and sponsorship information visit: http://www.stowitdontthrowitproject.org/!