finding
mentorship
& community
Finding mentorship and community has been the most rewarding part of my experience, but also often the most challenging. As someone who spent the majority of my life in a rural area (and a significant portion of my time in advocacy during a global pandemic), I’ve managed to curate a unique perspective and toolkit when it comes to finding mentorship and community, especially online. This following page contains all the information, tools, and advice I have found to be helpful over the years, as well as advice collected from other youth advocates along the way.
- Jasmine Rodman
Finding mentorship and community is the most important piece of creating change. Learning from those who have come before and continuing to collaborate and build on others’ ideas is essential to this work. Building a network of mentors and peers will take time and effort, but here’s a few ways to make it easier.
find people you admire
Connect on social media, Linkedin or via email - most advocates are happy to answer questions and give advice!
Be a mentor
Building community requires sharing your skills, talents and experiences. Your abilities and knowledge will create a more vibrant and supportive community for everyone.
Connect with community groups
Are there in-person groups or programming in your area? Reach out to them! If not, there are some fantastic online hubs for youth leaders. Check out this great map from The Ocean Project to find youth organizations in your area!
Join programming
This can look like connecting with a local or global initiative, joining a youth advisory council, or volunteering.
Here’s a list of fantastic resources To get you started
The Ocean Project’s Youth Initiative Map (various ages, worldwide)
Bow Seat Ocean Awareness Programs’ Opportunities Page (various ages, worldwide)
Bow Seat Ocean Awareness Programs’ Future Blue Youth Council (16-21, worldwide)
Bow Seat Ocean Awareness Programs’ Fellowship Program (13-22, worldwide)
Ocean Wise’s Youth to Sea Program (ages 15-18, various Canadian cities)
Ocean Wise’s Ocean Bridge Program (ages 19-30, Canada)
Ocean Wise’s Ocean Pathways Program (ages 19-30, Canada)
Rising Blue Network Newsletter (various ages, worldwide)
Sustainable Ocean Alliance Ocean Solutions Hubs (various ages, worldwide)
Girl Rising Future Rising Fellows (17-25, worldwide)
Society for Women in Marine Science Mentorship Program (various ages, worldwide)
Know of a community-building resource that is missing from this list?
Let us know with the form below! We’re always looking to expand our list of resources.