2025 Blue Water Exchange Application
The Blue Water Exchange (BWE) is a six-month transformative journey to inspire and equip emerging environmental leaders. It offers participants immersive, hands-on experiences in conservation, cultural preservation, and community engagement, blending virtual learning sessions with on-the-ground adventures in California and Hawaiʻi. Through this experience, participants engage with indigenous communities, gain practical skills in environmental stewardship, and develop leadership capabilities. The program emphasizes personal growth, cultural sensitivity, and a deep connection to the land, fostering a new generation of environmentally conscious leaders.
• Immersive Journey: Embark on a six-month journey to explore landscapes, connect with different cultures, discover conservation careers, and engage in impactful dialogues on community issues.
• Collaboration: Collaborate with conservationists through development workshops and conversations. Receive guidance from regional leaders and local stewards who apply modern environmental strategies alongside indigenous practitioners from Hawaiʻi and California.
• Virtual Sessions: Join virtual bi-monthly sessions with guest speakers on connection to ʻāina (the land), respect for indigenous wisdom, sustainability, and community building.
• Place-Based Learning: Experience a four-week immersive adventure in California and Hawai'i. Immerse yourself in Indigenous perspectives, address vital issues, and witness on-the-ground change.
• Personal Growth: Celebrate and highlight the deep connection between individuals and ʻāina (the land). This holistic approach serves as a source of inspiration and personal growth.
• Cultural Preservation: Cultivate a deep appreciation for and recognition of indigenous cultures’ invaluable traditions, wisdom, and customs. These traditions form the bedrock for comprehending the significance of land stewardship and fostering personal growth.
• Leadership Skills: Promote sustainable practices, environmental responsibility, and the conservation of natural resources as central pillars of the program's mission. Sustainability is essential for a healthier planet and future generations.
• Community Engagement: Prioritize building strong, supportive communities and emphasize the importance of contributing to the well-being of these communities. Community engagement is fundamental to personal development and positive societal impact.
• Experience: Experience in an environmental program (6+ weeks).
• Training: Cultural awareness, conservation practices, and leadership development.
• Commitment: Leadership in your local community, applying program experiences beyond the exchange.
• Career Focus: Genuine interest in environmental conservation or community building.
• Learner Mindset: Willingness to expand knowledge and collaborate with a diverse team.
• Representation: Readiness to represent California, Hawaiʻi, and other Pacific Island regions.
• Physical Ability: Capable of hiking over rough terrain with a loaded backpack.
• Mental Resilience: Ability to stay focused and motivated despite fatigue, weather conditions, or long-distance travel.
• Outdoor Skills: Self-supported adventure experience, including dry camping without access to utilities like water or electricity.
• Physical Endurance: Discipline, stamina, and perseverance for physically rigorous activities in remote or undeveloped areas.
• Commitment to a six-month program with an open mind and open heart.
• Participate in virtual meetings every other week and complete 4-6 hours of monthly project work.
• Availability for travel to program destinations, including up to 14 days in California and up to 14 days in Hawaiʻi between June and August 2025 (specific dates to be determined).
• Complete a capstone project that narrate your personal experience through a presentation or group project.
• Ability to participate in outdoor activities including but not limited to camping, hiking, and environmental restoration projects. Participants must be able to lift and carry up to 25 pounds while hiking or during work projects.
BWE will cover the cost of airfare, ground transportation, lodging, a partial gear package, and meals while traveling. Exceptional teachers, mentors, coaches, and facilitators will be provided to guide your journey.
• Residents of Hawaiʻi, California, or other US Affiliated Pacific Island.
• Able to participate in outdoor activities, including but not limited to camping, hiking, and environmental restoration projects, with the physical ability to lift and carry up to 25 pounds.
• Can work and temporarily reside in a remote setting with limited or no cell phone service.
• Able to work and temporarily reside in a remote setting with little to zero cell phone service.
I have read the above program eligibility requirements and can confirm that I meet all requirements.
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I have read the above program eligibility requirements and can confirm that I meet all requirements.
• Highly encouraged to attend Info Session Nov. 13, 2024: 12:00pm HST / 2:00pm PST Dec. 11, 2024: 5:00pm HST / 7:00pm PST
Jan, 15, 2025: 12:00pm HST / 2:00pm PST
• Priority Deadline: January 31, 2025 (applications will remain open until 10 positions are filled)
Email
[email protected] for more information or visit our website
malamaaina.org/bwe.
