On June 2nd 2019, eco-warriors on 5 different continents will unite across distant-but-connected waters for our 8th annual Paddle for the Planet relay. The Paddle for the Planet relay is a one-day event following seasons of awareness efforts put fourth by conservationists and watermen.
Paddle for the Planet events are can be organized in groups of any size, on any variation of waterway. The event collects small registration fees from participants and donations from local community supporters and sponsors. The funds from the event are used to support clean up organizations and research project, which you can read more about on our website.
I know what you’re thinking… “Rallying people, soliciting donations, and planning an event: sounds like a lot of work.” We promise the event CAN be easy to organize, so we’re sharing some tips on how you can partner with others to organize an event in your free time.
- Collaborate with a local environmental group.
Environmental groups like Surfrider, Riverkeeper and even university clubs have local chapters all over the world. These groups usually already an electoral board and following who are experienced in event leadership. Connecting and collaborating with a local group allows you to co-organize a P4P event, without taking on the work alone. - Partner with a local waterman’s organization.
Many coastal and waterside communities are home to people who value the coastal ecosystem, and therefor are willing or passionate about keeping it clean and healthy. Canoers, Paddleboarders and Kayakers usually see firsthand how pollution and trash impacts our coastal ecosystems. Working with these groups allows you have more reach in your awareness efforts and more impassioned people to share the planning efforts with. If you find a paddle board or kayak company who’s willing to sponsor the event, they might even donate the use of their rental fleet so people who don’t have access to boards or boats can still participate! - Partner with a local scout group.
Most girl and boy scout groups or troops complete badge projects or community service projects before bridging to their next level. Recruiting troops to raise awareness and participate on the day-of would be a great way to spread the man/woman power out and reach a broader audience. Plus, these kids probably will be accompanied by their parents, so you’re potentially even doubling your attendance! - Don’t worry about going all-out.
We mean it! If Paddling for the Planet is something you want to participate in, grab your friends and have a good time while making an impact. Paddle for the Planet events can be as large or small as you want them to be! Even three people getting on the water, cleaning up rubbish and spreading the message makes an impact. At Paddle for the Planet we recognize and are truly grateful for each and every event’s organized, no matter the size or location!