Partners as Leaders

The Ocean Project's primary mission is to serve our partner network - zoos, aquariums, museums, nature centers and other conservation education organizations.

We aim to help staff, docents, and volunteers at these educational institutions and organizations to do even better in reaching the public. As someone who works at a conservation-related organization, you are looked upon by your visitors, members, and the public at large as a leader in conserving our planet and protecting it for the future.

In many ways, each staff member and volunteer at a zoo, aquarium, museum, or conservation organization serves as a role model for the public. It may be a child, a neighbor, a colleague, or a stranger at the next dinner party... but to them, you are an expert.

In our own individual way, each of us is also a conservation communicator. As educators, we encourage families to learn more and change their lifestyles to help protect the planet for the future; as scientists we aim to highlight the complexities of animals and ecosystems; as integrated marketers we illustrate our fascination with our ocean world; as executives, we need to convince our boards and donors of the importance of our conservation missions.

So... challenge yourself! How can your institution or organization become an even stronger leader for conservation and a sustainable society? How can you, personally, change your daily lifestyle and habits to better care for our blue planet? It's important that we all remember to "walk the talk" or, maybe more appropriately, "run the talk" because life is too short! If each of us doesn't lead, who will?

The Ocean Project hopes that our website and other resources and inspiration will help you and our other partners embrace a true conservation ethic. Please check out this entire site, including the "Take Action" pages and the Seas the Day initiative. It was created to empower staff and volunteers at our partner institutions to do even better work to effectively reach millions of visitors and members to help them make a real difference. The content is there for you to use; please let us know if you find it helpful (our continued funding depends on it!).

There are many small and fairly easy things we each can do at home, the office, and everywhere in between. Taken individually these actions may seem inconsequential; taken collectively, with all The Ocean Project partners participating and helping reach your millions of visitors and members, we can make a powerful difference in our lifetimes. Thank you!