March 28-29, 2025 at the Summit Environmental Education Center at Haw River State Park
The 2025 Ocean Advocacy Workshop (OAW) builds on the successes of prior OAWs, also supported by the Green Fund and highly rated by participants. This event will include short, TED-like talks and breakout sessions led by speakers that reflect the diversity and mindsets of North Carolina’s population. Motivated college students and community members will learn about the current state of marine fisheries and wetland loss in NC. Discussions of ecogrief allow for awareness of the emotional aspects of environmental awareness and productive ways to cope. Expert environmental advocates will equip students to become informed, engaged civic leaders through skills-building workshops.
Registration is required and includes all meals, snacks, and lodging for the duration of the event.
Schedule
Time
Description
Location
1:00 p.m.
Registration Opens
Main Lodge
2:00 p.m.
River Hike
Main Lodge
3:00 p.m.
Welcome and Introductions
Grove Auditorium
3:30 p.m.
North Carolina Wildlife Federation
Grove Auditorium
4:00 p.m.
Save Our Sounds
Grove Auditorium
4:30 p.m.
Emotional Resilience in Advocacy
Grove Auditorium
5:00 p.m.
Break
5:30 p.m.
Dinner
Cafeteria, Main Lodge
6:45 p.m.
Art in Advocacy – Paperhand Puppet Project
Grove Auditorium
7:45 p.m.
Trivia & Bonfire
Heron’s Roost (Trivia) Outside (Bonfire)
Time
Description
Location
7:30 a.m.
Breakfast
Cafeteria, Main Lodge
8:45 a.m.
UNCG Office of Sustainability
Grove Auditorium
9:00 a.m.
SOS Video Challenge
Grove Auditorium
10:00 a.m.
Marine Science and Fisheries
Grove Auditorium
10:30 a.m.
How Ideas Become Policy
Grove Auditorium
11:15 a.m.
Advocate Spotlight
Grove Auditorium
12:00 p.m.
Lunch
Cafeteria, Main Lodge
1:30 p.m.
Breakout Session 1 (Advocacy Skills Training) 101: Introduction to state legislature 201: SOS messaging and resolution strategy
2:40 p.m.
Breakout Session 2 (Putting Your Skills to Work) 101: Practice scenarios & advocacy action plan 201: Practice scenarios & plan chapter advocacy day
3:45 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Closing Ceremony followed by distribution of Certificates of Completion
The annual Ocean Advocacy Workshop brings NC Wildlife Federation, partner grassroots organizations, university students, researchers, and wildlife advocacy professionals together to equip the next generation of advocates with the network and skills they need to create change. Whether you are brand new to environmental advocacy, or are a seasoned volunteer and community organizer, all experience levels are welcome (ages 18+).
Registration is required and space is limited.
You may register at a discounted early bird rate through March 12.
