History

Week of the Ocean, Inc., a marine education program based in Fort Lauderdale,Florida, has spearheaded more than two decades of learning and caring for the ocean. Its grassroots program to appreciate, protect and use the ocean wisely has been recognized by the
National Marine Educators Association.

Week of the Ocean offers four ocean awareness concepts: the Campus Event, the School Marine Fair, the Community Festival and the Local Chapter. Outreach programs include National Week of the Ocean and the sharing of such marine education programs as Mr. and Mrs. Fish and seachanteyman Tom Callinan with South Florida.

Each of the Week of the Ocean programs can operate independently but are most effective linked together to produce a unique learning experience which unites all citizens, ages and endeavors in the common goal of appreciation and protection of the ocean. As Week of the Ocean expands, it uses its own experiences as pilot programs providing ideas and guidance for other organizations and communities.

The Week of the Ocean learning concept is directed by a non-profit, tax-exempt citizens corporation. Officers include Cynthia Hancock, president; Dane Hancock, vice-president and treasurer; and Marie Sigler, secretary. The board of directors also includes Marcy Decker, Dolph Du Mont, Paul Hammond, Joe Hessmann, Lee Kalvaitis, and John McLaughlin.

The following paragraphs trace the history of the organization:

THE CAMPUS EVENT

In 1977, co-founders Cynthia and Dane Hancock attended the Oceans '77 Conference in Los Angeles. At educational sessions there they became concerned about the lack of ocean awareness still existing in the U.S. and the need for a strengthened ocean study curriculum
at the K-12th grade levels.

They proposed a pilot campus program to American Learning Systems in Fort Lauderdale, Florida which could later expand into a community observance. In 1979, the American Academy and American Heritage Schools observed Ocean Week involving 1,000 students
and staff. The week included a poster contest for four grade levels and a lesson plan
contest for instructional staff.

In 1980, the campus event included 13 subject areas. In 1982, it inspired a pilot program of its own, an international event at Newcastle University and St. Mary's Infants School in England. Florida Oaks School was matched with St. Mary's and a dialogue on the ocean opened
between two countries.

A Campus Event kit describing how to conduct such an event is
now available to help others plan for the best educational experience.

THE SCHOOL MARINE FAIR

In 1979, co-founder Lee Kalvaitis designed the School Marine Fair as the opening event of the first Fort Lauderdale area community festival. The competition areas were seafood cooking, posters, science projects, lesson plans and arts and crafts. In 1981, creative writing and photography became additional categories.

In 1982, Cynthia and Lee combined the campus event and school marine fair concepts into kits for other educators to use in their communities. Thousands of teachers have requested information on the kits since that time.

In 1983, thirty-nine Broward schools participated in the fair. In 1984, this figure rose by 78 percent. As many as 80 Broward schools have been involved sending more than 1,000 finalist entries to the competition. It is estimated that 775,000 Broward students have participated in the program to date. (See separate history)

THE COMMUNITY FESTIVAL

Co-founders Dr. Florence Smith and Ian Koblick served as Fort Lauderdale's first festival task force chairs. Their committee included co-founders Beverly Burris-Kennedy, Cynthia Hancock, Lee Kalvaitis, Tonya Koblick, Dr. George Lawniczak, John Morgan, Frank A. Raia, Nancy Tyrer Lawniczak and Sally Upstill. A nine-day festival was planned patterned on the 1979
National Oceans Week held in Alexandria, Virginia.

The 1980 festival included the School Marine Fair, a film and lecture series, a sea turtle release, a swim-a-thon, a beachwalk and art show. In 1982, the festival settled into a late April/early May timeframe.

In 1983, the festival served as a pilot for a new Week of the Ocean-sponsored event - National Week of the Ocean. Three events were added: a symposium, an international seafest and an Outstanding High School Marine Students Day.

In 1984, the fifth annual festival, now eleven days long, included 30 events co-sponsored by over 70 non-profit groups and businesses. The 1985 fest involved 80 schools. This event also inspired a festival in Carteret County, NC at Duke University Marine Lab. It was directed by national co-chair Tap Pryor, his wife Pamela and area groups.

Today, the Fort Lauderdale-area festival includes a three-month celebration beginning with the Marine Industries Association of South Florida’s annual Marine Waterways Cleanup and culminating in Ocean Watch Foundation’s Reef Sweep. It has inspired a
ballad by Tom Callinan entitled "Mother Ocean."

National Week of the Ocean, Inc. prides itself on its high
quality programming and finely-tuned budget.

Sample festival programs are available for other communities to
use as guidelines for the nominal price of $5.00.

NATIONAL WEEK OF THE OCEAN

In 1984, a resolution sponsored by Congressman E. Clay Shaw and Senator Paula Hawkins was written into Public Law 98-274. The law represents a four-year program launched by Cynthia Hancock in an Oceans '81 abstract presented at Oceans '82 and endorsed by the National Marine Educators Association in 1982.

The nation is invited to participate annually in the April National Week of the Ocean by observing moments as casual as an evening reading the classic Moby Dick or penning an editorial to the local paper on marine issues. Organizations, schools and businesses are encouraged to plan a special event which can attract the attention and support of the whole
community. The ongoing theme "Exploring Mother Ocean" offers many possibilities
to spotlight the ocean's rich heritage and promise.

National co-chairs do caution us, however. Carpenter warns that "Life on dry land is dependent on the ocean and if the ocean dies, we die." Baker reminds us that the ocean serves both a practical and aesthetic purpose. "The ocean is refreshing to the soul," he says. "We must allow the oceans to balance and grow at their normal rate. Overpopulating the earth may damage the food source for future generations."

Rechnitzer concludes that NOW is the appropriate time for man to demonstrate his stewardship of what may prove to be one of mankind's greatest remaining resources.
All agree that endeavors such as Week of the Ocean are important ways in which to
educate and interest the public.

A full-color, 24 x 36" poster is available for $10 plus
$2.95 shipping & handling.

THE LOCAL CHAPTER

Early in its history Week of the Ocean realized that manpower and resources were needed to continue its programming. In 1981, one hundred citizens formed the charter membership. By 1982 memberships were being offered to individuals, families, sponsors, benefactors, corporations and honorees. The non-profit/educational category set up for schools, groups, museums and marine programs doubled by 1983. In 1984, overall membership doubled and new categories were offered to students, youth, educators and small businesses. Week of the
Ocean membership now includes 37 affiliates representing several thousand people, many from areas other than Florida.

Members receive periodic newsletters and an annual membership directory. Activities have included oceanic programs, socials, field trips and, most importantly, the opportunity to initiate and direct local and national ocean projects.

MEMBER RECOGNITION & CONTRIBUTIONS

Week of the Ocean is particularly proud of members who step forward when special help is needed such as Dr. Ray McAllister who secured a tax umbrella during its formative years before receiving the 501C3 status with the help of Emily Rushin and Attorney Charles S. Dale; Joe Hessmann who initiated the manatee burgee project; Deborah Mazuk who was instrumental in the organization's growth and Paul Hammond who initiated our website,
www.national-week-of-the-ocean.org.

Whether a person or organization joins to influence the lives of others; to meet and make good friends; to network or develop leadership skills or to learn more about the sea, each member adds something to keep the concept alive and to strengthen the ocean's chances for survival. A most recent example is volunteer Hazel Florence Pisini for whom a Memorial Education Fund has been established to commemorate the pride she took in our programs and the more than 20 years of service she gave.

Anyone wishing to make a contribution to the Hazel Pisini Memorial Education Fund
please make your check payable to:

National Week of the Ocean, Inc.
P.O. Box 179
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33302

for more information call:
Cynthia Hancock, Co-Founder and President * 954-462-5573
or e-mail
nwoto@att.net

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National Week of the Ocean Website
Paul S. Hammond, Studio 41 of Boca Raton, Inc. - 561-368-8724 Fax: 561-347-8484
www.studio41design.com