February 2024: Session 4 - Campaign Organizing

Early in 2024, The Ocean Project will be running two of our annual super collaborative 4-week virtual “Youth Advocacy Training” programs, designed for youth ages 13-23. The first four-week training program, in January and February 2024, is open to youth who are associated with an aquarium, zoo, and/or museum (ZAM). 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: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/9517017341523/WN_ZHG0DVadTNyXNPgl-gKvQw#/registration To learn more about this program, click here: https://worldoceanday.org/youth-advocacy-training-for-ocean-climate-climate-action/ About this session: This session focused on the importance of organizing campaigns and events in collaboration with others. Attendees gained a better understanding of how to build collective power within a movement, with the capacity to make a bigger impact than from individual action alone. About our speakers: Katie Cubina, Senior VP, Mission Programs, Mystic Aquarium Katie Cubina oversees the mission-based initiatives at Mystic Aquarium, bringing together STEM and environmental education, youth development, research, exhibits, and ocean policy under the banner of conservation. With more than 25 years in the nonprofit sector and 17 years of aquarium-related experience, Katie is committed to creating a more inclusive and sustainable future where wildlife, ecosystems, and people thrive together. Katie ensures that the Aquarium’s conservation-focused research activities inform management and policy decisions at the local, regional, and national levels. She currently co-chairs the Aquarium Conservation Partnership, and serves as the project director on multiple federal grants and contracts. Katie holds a B.A. in Environmental Studies from Oberlin College and a M.Ed. in Science and Environmental Education from the University of Maine. Auriana Donaldson, Conservation Programs Coordinator, Zoological Society of Milwaukee With a background in primate ecology, Auriana works closely with other North American Zoos to sustainably manage the US bonobo population. In addition, Auriana supports the Pat Gives Back conservation program, partnering with communities in Belize to conserve jaguars, tapirs, migratory songbirds and other species endemic to the region. Auriana also coordinates local wildlife conservation research projects and campaigns to preserve top species of concern in the state of Wisconsin, including the endangered rusty patched bumble bee, poweshiek skipperling butterfly, and little brown bat. Through collaborative campaigns, including No Mow May and Leave the Leaves, we can make a difference for biodiversity in our backyards and across the globe.