WRITE FOR THE OCEAN
Write for the Ocean is a dynamic, interactive masterclass designed to help participants turn their words into powerful communication tools for the sea.
Write for the Ocean is a dynamic, interactive masterclass designed to help participants turn their words into powerful communication tools for the sea.
Why take a masterclass with The Ocean Advocate? Renée Bonorchis’ literary credentials began with winning national writing awards and being editor of her high school newspaper. She went on to major in English at Africa’s top-rated university and studied in other fields before working as a journalist for 30 years. Renée was a writer and news editor for South Africa’s biggest financial daily before joining the country’s most influential financial publication as its editor-at-large.
Renée co-hosted an evening radio show, won journalism awards, had short stories chosen for publication, mentored trainees and wrote a book. That was before being headhunted by Bloomberg News, the world’s biggest financial news agency, where she spent 15 years writing and editing for a global audience.
Renée, who has also devoted 25 years to exploring the underwater world on scuba and more than three years studying marine sciences, now works as a specialist consultant and writer and delivers a masterclass for ocean storytellers, advocates, activists, communicators, policymakers, scientists and sea-lovers in general.
To protect our special sea, we need to communicate clearly and with impact. We need to engage the public and hold their interest. We need to use our brave and authentic voices to convey the news, the science, the meaning, the consequences. If we’re going to ensure there’s hope for the ocean, communication is the key.
Even Mission Blue's Dr Sylvia Earle agrees, saying that ‘ignorance’ is the most pressing issue facing ocean conservation. At the same time, a global study by Back to Blue, which surveyed 3,500 respondents in 35 countries, found that 75% of 18-24 year olds are concerned about the state of ocean health, but almost half (47%) think the ocean is still healthy. And 50% of young people don't understand how the ocean impacts them and how they, in turn, impact the ocean. Further, a recent briefing by shareholder activism organisation, Just Share found that more than half of South Africa's 40 biggest listed companies don't have a single board director with a formal sustainability-related qualification. Only 5% of the 487 director positions are held by people with sustainability-related qualifications. From young to old, the lack of knowledge about the ocean is a crisis. To bridge that gap, the ocean desperately needs effective communicators.
Many people are intimidated by writing or feel they’re not very good at it. There’s nothing bad about that – we all take various paths in life and become experts in certain fields. The Ocean Advocate happens to be an expert when it comes to writing. This intensive session is about combining our strengths to save the sea.
In the masterclass, you’ll build confidence and skills. You’ll learn some of the most important tips and tricks that insiders use when they’re creating anything from a story to a press release, a blog, a newsletter or a social media post. Renée will show you a variety of story structures the pros use and she’ll then edit an article with you live before going on to also write a story with you in real time on the screen. There’s no better way to learn than by doing. Finally, you’ll be given ways to keep on growing as a writer along with access to an array of resources you can come back to again and again.
If this sounds like it’s for you, please send an email for more details.
Renée co-hosted an evening radio show, won journalism awards, had short stories chosen for publication, mentored trainees and wrote a book. That was before being headhunted by Bloomberg News, the world’s biggest financial news agency, where she spent 15 years writing and editing for a global audience.
Renée, who has also devoted 25 years to exploring the underwater world on scuba and more than three years studying marine sciences, now works as a specialist consultant and writer and delivers a masterclass for ocean storytellers, advocates, activists, communicators, policymakers, scientists and sea-lovers in general.
To protect our special sea, we need to communicate clearly and with impact. We need to engage the public and hold their interest. We need to use our brave and authentic voices to convey the news, the science, the meaning, the consequences. If we’re going to ensure there’s hope for the ocean, communication is the key.
Even Mission Blue's Dr Sylvia Earle agrees, saying that ‘ignorance’ is the most pressing issue facing ocean conservation. At the same time, a global study by Back to Blue, which surveyed 3,500 respondents in 35 countries, found that 75% of 18-24 year olds are concerned about the state of ocean health, but almost half (47%) think the ocean is still healthy. And 50% of young people don't understand how the ocean impacts them and how they, in turn, impact the ocean. Further, a recent briefing by shareholder activism organisation, Just Share found that more than half of South Africa's 40 biggest listed companies don't have a single board director with a formal sustainability-related qualification. Only 5% of the 487 director positions are held by people with sustainability-related qualifications. From young to old, the lack of knowledge about the ocean is a crisis. To bridge that gap, the ocean desperately needs effective communicators.
Many people are intimidated by writing or feel they’re not very good at it. There’s nothing bad about that – we all take various paths in life and become experts in certain fields. The Ocean Advocate happens to be an expert when it comes to writing. This intensive session is about combining our strengths to save the sea.
In the masterclass, you’ll build confidence and skills. You’ll learn some of the most important tips and tricks that insiders use when they’re creating anything from a story to a press release, a blog, a newsletter or a social media post. Renée will show you a variety of story structures the pros use and she’ll then edit an article with you live before going on to also write a story with you in real time on the screen. There’s no better way to learn than by doing. Finally, you’ll be given ways to keep on growing as a writer along with access to an array of resources you can come back to again and again.
If this sounds like it’s for you, please send an email for more details.
“The least I can do is speak out for those who cannot speak for themselves.”
Jane Goodall
Jane Goodall
