Becoming an OFAA Member
- IAmWaterFoundation
- Jun 3
- 4 min read
How to Join a Growing Community of Ocean Advocates
What is the OCEAN FOR ALL Alliance (OFAA)?
The OCEAN FOR ALL Alliance (OFAA) is a global initiative by I AM WATER, born from over a decade of work in Cape Town, OFAA was developed to share a proven model with others doing vital work in similar contexts around the world. Through this initiative, I AM WATER shares its knowledge and collaborates with a growing global community passionate about ocean education.
Through training in I AM WATER’s Ocean Connection Methodology, the OCEAN FOR ALL Alliance equips like-minded initiatives with a starter pack, including equipment, and offers ongoing support to help them implement Ocean Connection Workshops in their own communities. By empowering these initiatives with the tools, knowledge, and confidence to take action, the Alliance is growing local leadership in ocean conservation and education where it’s needed most, creating real, local impact with global reach.
The OCEAN FOR ALL Alliance (OFAA) is built for impact at scale, without requiring organisations to start from scratch. Partners gain immediate access to a complete, flexible programme that can be adapted to fit their community’s unique needs, resources, and realities. By leapfrogging the years of trial and error, local initiatives can get started on impactful ocean connection work from day one.
What is Included in the OCEAN FOR ALL Alliance (OFAA) Training?
The OCEAN FOR ALL Alliance (OFAA) training is structured into three core components, designed to guide local organisations from foundational knowledge to hands-on implementation, with continued support:
1. Online Learning Module
Before the in-person experience begins, participants take part in an online component designed to build a strong foundation. This section:
Introduces the core theory and philosophy of ocean connection.
Covers key topics such as marine ecology, safety in the water, facilitation techniques, and environmental stewardship.
Ensures that all alliance members start with a shared understanding, regardless of location or previous experience.
2. In-Person Training
During the in person training, participants come together for an immersive, hands-on experience designed to equip them with the skills and confidence to bring ocean connection work to their own communities. The training includes:
Practical, hands-on sessions such as beach-based learning and snorkeling to apply theory in real-world contexts and build comfort and confidence in the water.
Facilitation practice focused on guiding children through safe, transformative ocean experiences.
Workshop-style learning that explores how to design and deliver ocean connection workshops and train additional coaches, tailored to each participant’s unique local context.
A strong emphasis on child safeguarding, ensuring all activities and engagements are grounded in best practices for safety, care, and respect.
This in-person training is both educational and inspiring. It connects participants to the ocean on an emotional level, often reflecting the very journey they’ll go on to share with others.
3. Post-Training Support
After the in-person training, the relationship doesn’t end. The OCEAN FO ALL Alliance (OFAA) provides:
Ongoing mentorship and support to help alliance members put what they’ve learned into action.
Resources, guidance, and logistical help as members integrate the program into their existing operations.
A community of practice where alliance members can share learnings, challenges, and successes.
Why it Works
What makes the OCEANS FOR ALL Alliance (OFAA) model powerful is its adaptability. It’s built with the understanding that every community is different, and that ocean connection looks different depending on where you are in the world and who you’re working with.
The ocean connection methodology has been evaluated through both short-term and long-term impact studies, conducted by the University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW), with ongoing evaluation ensuring that the model continues to grow and adapt to the needs of the communities it serves.
Across all locations, one thing is consistent: a shift in the hearts and minds of young people. Children who once feared the ocean begin to feel a deep sense of curiosity, confidence, and belonging. They emerge with not just knowledge, but a strengthened commitment to protecting their local marine ecosystems.
And when this happens on a local level, it ripples globally.
"When I dip my toe in the ocean here in Cape Town, and someone dips theirs in India or Argentina—we are connected. The ocean binds us, and this alliance connects our efforts across the world." - Hanli Prinsloo
Join the OCEAN FOR ALL Alliance (OFAA)
If you’re part of an organisation working in a coastal or under-resourced community, and you believe in the power of nature, education, and connection to create meaningful change, we’d love to connect. Join the OFAA network and help grow ocean connection where it’s needed most.
By joining, you will receive:
Professional Training
Gain the skills to create and facilitate ocean connection and education experiences through our in-person training based on the I AM WATER Ocean Connection Methodology.
Connect with a Global Network
Join an international community of change-makers and ocean advocates, sharing knowledge and celebrating each other's successes.
Access Ongoing Support
Benefit from continuous mentorship and shared learnings.
How to Become an OCEAN FOR ALL Alliance (OFAA) Member
We strive to make membership and training opportunities accessible for our beneficiaries, empowering grassroots organisations to lead ocean education and connection in their own communities.
To apply:
Express Your Interest: Reach out to us at chryssea@iamwaterfoundation.org or claire@iamwaterfoundation.org to learn more about becoming an alliance member.
Note: For more detailed information on the OCEANS FOR ALL Alliance (OFAA), including training information and member testimonials, please refer to the OFAA page on the I AM WATER website.
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