User:Stephenfreitag/World oceans day ottawa

World Oceans Day Ottawa
On June 8th 2010, Ottawa will host its first annual United Nations "World Oceans Day Rally" centering around a rally on Parliament Hill.

World Oceans Day Ottawa is a member of the World Ocean Network.

History
The event was envisioned and is being founded by Ms. Laura Bridgeman, of Ottawa, who noting that June 8th 2009 was the first officially designated United Nations, "World Oceans Day" - and there were no significant festivities or community turn out in Ottawa: decided to do take action and begin the process of setting up a non-profit group who's sole focus was to organize any and all (peaceful, educational, social awareness raising, and co-operative) events for "World Oceans Day" in Ottawa, centering around a rally and events on Parliament Hill, starting at 12:00 noon.

Everyone attending a World Oceans Day event anywhere on June 8th, should be wearing blue clothing, as is the norm at other World Oceans Day events worldwide. For those going the extra mile, blue body paint is in order, and would compliment the theme of the day nicely. As this is intended to be an annual family event tastefulness and decency are in order.

To honor this special day, and to help raise awareness of the critical threats to the health of our worlds oceans, and our collective dependence on the health of the oceans; events planned for the "1st Annual World Oceans Day Ottawa" celebration include, but are not confirmed as these are all potential activities:

Activities
1) The presentation of a declaration by the Mayors Office, that June 8th is World Oceans Day in Ottawa. 2) A co-operative art exhibit from local area students. 3) The passing around of petitions to be signed urging Parliament to take a leading role in strengthening legal protection of the oceans on behalf of all Canadians. 4) The playing of marine sounds and music created by musicians specifically for the occasion. 5) Guest speakers, TBA. 6) Ensuring the lights on Parliament Hill changed to blue for the entire week. 7) Booths and tables with educational and outreach materials, staffed by other NGO's, sponsors, and Government Agencies, such as the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries.         8) Possibly a free concert at the end of the afternoon (TBA). 9) A showcase of events celebrating World Oceans Day happening simultaneously around the world.

Future Events
Future events for World Oceans Day Ottawa could include a fundraising gala at the National Art Gallery or the Museum of Civilization, Leadership seminars for high school and university activist leaders.

Partners
World Oceans Day Ottawa is seeking to partner with established NGO's, and will have a comprehensive list of its partners posted as they commit support for this event.