I’ve been thinking about doing a blog for several weeks. Here we go…

I’ve been personally redefining where I am going. Covid has left me with so much time to reflect and to think about what is coming in my future–especially since I can’t go into schools. Where do I want The Whalemobile to go? What do I want to accomplish? These are questions I’ve asked myself over and over, and I’m certainly getting clearer.

* I want to cultivate a new generation of ocean advocates.

* I want kids to think, “Wow, whales are so cool!”

* I want to inspire kids to take action to help protect whales, or at least take that first step.”

* I want to connect kids all around the country to the ocean and whales.

* I want to encourage, recognize and honor kids that are making a difference in their part of the world.

Small actions, like starting to recycle or committing to not using plastic water bottles are a first step. Each step is incredibly important because every new action builds on the last. The more kids, the more small steps, the greater the benefit for our planet.

It might seem like a stretch to think that recycling helps whales, so I made this “thought bridge” to help visualize it. The first step to creating a lifetime of taking action to protect our planet is just that–a first step. We need to start somewhere, and what better place than our back yards! So, as I take my first step and begin writing blogs posts, I hope you join me in taking a first step and think about what you can do. There is a blank “thought bridge” at the bottom. Will you take a second to fill in actions you can take?

At The Whalemobile, we believe people protect what they understand—so we bring ocean science to life through stories, hands-on learning, and by bringing a life-sized whale in schools and libraries. To learn more about our programs, visit our website at www.thewhalemobile.com.