A Conservation Revolution

HOW CHANGEMAKERS ARE EMPOWERING YOUNG PEOPLE TO PROTECT OUR PLANET

ABOUT

The Conservation Project International (TCPI) is a platform designed to support and mentor young conservationists and future environmental leaders. Their dedicated programme offers mentorship opportunities with leading conservation experts, research projects working with international organisations and membership to a large community of motivated young conservationists.   

The organisation was founded by Harry Wright in 2016 in response to the severe lack of support for young conservationists once they leave education. As conservation remains a very elitist and privileged profession, TCPI’s mission is to break down the barriers to entry for people from all backgrounds and empower the next generation of conservationists to become world leaders in the field.  

TCPI works across three critical areas of conservation – oceans, climate change and wildlife trafficking – and partners with internationally recognised universities including the University of Oxford, University of Plymouth and St Louis University, USA 🌎

HOW WE MAKE CHANGE

The Conservation Project International was looking for volunteers to help them with Fundraising, Finance, Design, Marketing and Web Development in order to grow their impact and build a community of young conservationists.

Here is how ChangeMakers helped 🙌

“IT HAS GIVEN ME CONFIDENCE THAT MY EXPERIENCE IN COMMUNICATIONS CAN CONTRIBUTE TO GLOBAL CONSERVATION EFFORTS”

Emma Goodacre 🇬🇧

‘My name is Emma Goodacre, I am from Cheltenham, England and now I live in Edinburgh, Scotland. I studied Drama at the University of Exeter and I have a masters degree in Event Management. My professional experience the past seven years has been in marketing and communications, specialising in the performing arts.

At TCPI I have used my background in marketing and public relations to develop all aspects of the organisation’s communications strategy. I am currently responsible for all social media content and am working on organic strategies to increase our followers. I have also improved the website's search engine optimisation and will continue work on this to attract more visitors to the site. I have developed a communications plan for Vaquita Hacks - a hackathon project to save the vaquita from extinction - and am working with other volunteers and partner organisations to implement these plans.

My experience of volunteering with The Conservation Project International has given me the chance to meet so many interesting and inspiring conservationists. It has given me confidence that my experience in communications can contribute to global conservation efforts. It has given me motivation and enthusiasm for a new project, which is especially valuable at a time when it isn't always possible to enjoy our usual leisure activities.’

“I HAVE ALWAYS FELT PASSIONATELY ABOUT PROTECTING THE ENVIRONMENT AND BIODIVERSITY BUT DIDN’T THINK I HAD THE KNOWLEDGE TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE”

Michael Goodacre 🇬🇧

‘My name is Michael Goodacre, I am from Kenilworth, England but currently live in Edinburgh, Scotland. I studied Economics at the University of Exeter and am a chartered accountant. I work full time as the financial planning and analysis manager for a cyber security firm. I decided to volunteer as I wanted to use my finance knowledge and planning skills to amplify the work of a cause that I cared about. This organisation turned out to be The Conservation Project International.

At TCPI, I have been working closely with co-founder Harry Wright to analyse potential sources of income and develop a growth model for the organisation. I have been focusing on corporate fundraising to help fund Vaquita Hacks - a hackathon designed to save the vaquita from extinction. I have also developed a proposal for a conservation mentoring scheme, which will hopefully provide valuable income for The Conservation Project International and give young people the change to develop their career in conservation.

Since volunteering for The Conservation Project International, I have had the opportunity to meet a community of inspiring conservationists, develop new skills such as corporate fundraising and use my finance skills to help further an amazing cause. I have always felt passionately about protecting the environment and biodiversity but didn't think I had the knowledge to make a difference. It has been gratifying to know that my skills are of value to The Conservation Project International and gives me the motivation to volunteer as much time as possible to help the organisation grow.’

RESULT

“It has been a fantastic experience being a member of We Make Change. Through our membership, we have been introduced to some great volunteers who have been developing our comms, social media and fundraising strategy and providing professional and vital expertise. I would definitely recommend We Make Change to any social enterprise looking for help to build and scale their own operations. A big thank you to James and the team for all your help.”

HARRY WRIGHT,
CO-FOUNDER, THE CONSERVATION PROJECT INTERNATIONAL

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