Giving Tuesday 2023

A Message from our President

Dear NMEA Members and Friends,

Even though the season changes, my respect and gratitude for our family of marine educators remains the same. I am thankful for all of your dedication and support of NMEA.

In 2023, NMEA’s Annual Conference returned to the West Coast in beautiful Bellingham, WA. Thanks to the Northwest Aquatic and Marine Educators (NAME), the gorgeous Gathering at the Salish Sea was a conference to remember. I look forward to a Wicked Good time in 2024 for the NMEA conference in Boston, MA, hosted by the Massachusetts Marine Educators (MME).

NMEA remains an Ocean Decade U.S. Nexus organization and is steadfast in its Ocean Literacy work with the UN Ocean Decade, including our work in USA Blue Schools Network. The Ocean Literacy, other NMEA committees, and members continue to be involved in various aspects of the UN Ocean Decade.

Additionally, NMEA began our strategic planning this year through a committee that is focused on ways our organization can me more welcoming, inclusive, and equitable, while remaining relevant and supportive to marine and aquatic science educators everywhere.

We cannot continue to do all of this and more without the dedication of the NMEA Board, our committees, and our supportive members like you! In this season of giving, please consider supporting NMEA’s efforts by making a tax-deductible donation of any amount. Your generous donation—whether $20, $60, $100, or more!—will help us fund scholarships for our Equity & Belonging and Traditional Knowledge committees, sponsor annual memberships for educators in need, support members working to increase national and international awareness of ocean literacy, and help keep our annual conference an affordable opportunity for educators to share ideas and gain inspiration.

Thank you for considering a gift towards marine education expansion and “making known the world of water both fresh and salt.” We are thankful for you.

 

Many Thanks,

Lindsay Patterson
2023-2024 NMEA President
lpatterson@georgiaaquarium.org

Our Vision:

  • Every woman, man and child understands and values the ocean and all watersheds.

  • Marine and aquatic education is a fundamental part of every student’s education – it is part of the curriculum, and is integrated into state and national standards, tests, and texts. 

  • Marine and aquatic-related federal and state agencies work closely with federal, state and local departments of education and informal education organizations to ensure marine and aquatic education become part of the curriculum. 

  • National recognition of the importance of marine and aquatic literacy leads to increased funding and resources. 

  • Marine and aquatic education and knowledge drive responsible behavior change, as people apply their understanding to better our environment. 

  • All people recognize their personal connection to all water resources, including the ocean, and make responsible resource decisions concerning the fragility and interconnectedness of all species. 

  • Consistent, appropriate messages about the ocean and all watersheds are seen everywhere. 

  • The benefits and resources of the ocean and all watersheds are available to all for sustainable uses. 

Giving Tuesday is November 28, 2023. Here's how you can help us in our mission to make known the world of water:

Give your Voice

Share your passion for our ocean, lakes, rivers, and seas with your students, friends, and colleagues

Give your Time

Volunteer for one or more of NMEA’s hard-working committees or present about Ocean Literacy

Give your Money

Your donations help fund our on-the-ground efforts to make known the world of water

Give Goods

Share teaching materials and resources with co-workers or donate to new educators who are just starting out

Inspire Others

When we share our generosity, we inspire others. Share how you are taking action on social with #GivingTuesday

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