The Beacon
Oceana U: Report from Connecticut College
Last semester (for those of you who still think in those terms), I started working with a young and dedicated oceans advocate at Connecticut College. Check out her story below:
Hi! My name is Olivia and I’m a sophomore at Connecticut College. I’m from Newport Beach, California and was fortunate enough to be introduced to the remarkable work that Oceana does to protect our oceans.
I was so shocked by how little I knew about the devastating statistics and lack of governmental enforcement to protect the sea creatures that are very close to extinction, so I felt a need to find a way to participate. After volunteering for their Sea Change event in Laguna Beach, I contacted a member of Oceana about starting a college branch. I was the first student to approach them with this idea and they were very excited to get started!
In October 2009, Melissa Groher and I got the Oceana club passed by our school board, received a budget and found a group of very intelligent and active members. Some are studying zoology or marine science; all are environmentally aware and want to make a difference.
Our first attempt to help Oceana spread awareness about the oceans was to conduct a fundraiser. We made posters of facts to put up all around campus, baked cookies with the sea turtle cookie cutter, and raised money through the stuffed animals for the “Adopt-A-Sea Creature” Campaign.
We were able to complete all of this the week before finals and raised $110 in 3 days of fundraising. I was amazed to see how much people were willing to donate and learn about the harmful practices used by fisheries.
For our first fundraiser, I am really pleased with how much we raised for such a small campus and on such short notice. We will definitely have another fundraiser in the spring; along with many other ways we can spread awareness. We may only be a bunch of college students but we have been given the opportunity to really make a difference for our health and a chance to help the oceans flourish.”
It has been great to work with Olivia, getting out the Oceana message on a grassroots level. Keep up the good work, Connecticut College Wavemakers!
2 Comments
February 16, 2010 - 23:53
CT College chapter of Oceana
Tonight I went to my first Oceana meeting ever at CT College. I've always been intrigued by the ocean and have supported various causes like preserve the sound, and others. I spent my winters out in San Diego and was an advocate for Seal Beach in La Jolla. The wealthy home owners in the area have been trying for ever to kick the seals off the beach. Like there's not enough beaches in So Cal. I Grew up in Guilford, CT and owned a landscaping business. I've always been conscious of the green way of life. Persuaded my customers to use organic instead of chemical fertilizers, due to the run-off into the ocean, but I've always wanted to do more. I'm so glad that you stood up and started this initiative, it's a noble effort, and for that I give you my gratitude and support. Extremely happy I went to the meeting this evening, it's the wake up call I needed. See you there next Tuesday :)
emily
February 17, 2010 - 10:42
great!
I'm glad you are getting involved, Christopher! If you haven't already, you can also become an online supporter at oceana.org/join to receive updates on how to take action for the oceans. Thanks to you and the rest of the CT College chapter for making a difference.