August 9, 2011
During an impetuous visit to the Monterey Bay Aquarium on Shark Days, I was introduced to Christopher Chin, the founder of the Center for Oceanic Awareness, Research, and Education. We spoke for a while about our passions for the ocean, as well as our favorite marine species. From the get-go, I could tell that this man's passion for sharks far exceeds that of the common visitor to the Monterey Bay Aquarium. He excited me more than I realized about Chondrichthyes, and next thing I knew, I was on the volunteer list.
When the opportunity arose to work alongside Christopher Chin at World Oceans Day, this summer, I seized it immediately. We spend hours speaking to the general public, communicating the our passions for the oceans as well as shark conservation to anyone who would listen, and were quite successful in gathering signatures of California residents who supported bill AB 376.
I am proud to have worked with Mr. Chin, and would work again with him in a heartbeat.
When the opportunity arose to work alongside Christopher Chin at World Oceans Day, this summer, I seized it immediately. We spend hours speaking to the general public, communicating the our passions for the oceans as well as shark conservation to anyone who would listen, and were quite successful in gathering signatures of California residents who supported bill AB 376.
I am proud to have worked with Mr. Chin, and would work again with him in a heartbeat.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
Working with COARE educated me about sharks more than I had expected. Dialogue with Christopher Chin not only informed me, it inspired me.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
I would expand this organization, if only to reach and educate more of the general public.
More feedback
Would you volunteer for this group again?
Definitely
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
A lot
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Very Well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Definitely
What one change could this group make that would improve your volunteer experience?
Definitely volunteer tee-shirts.
Did your volunteer experience have an effect on you? (teaching you a new skill, or introducing new friends, etc.)
Not only did my love for sharks grow tenfold, but it reignited my activist flames, which combined well with my recent passion for education. All in all, it inspired me to keep talking to people, and to keep the conversation alive.
How did this volunteer experience make you feel?
I felt proud and accomplished after volunteering with COARE. I am inspired, and driven even more to protect our oceans.
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2011
MY ROLE:
Volunteer & I initiated conversations with the general public about the oceans and shark conservation, and educated them about shark finning with the goal of receiving signatures from registered California voters who support bill AB 376.