What does TIDAL Toolkit offer?
Opportunity network
Searching for volunteering or job opportunities but unsure where to start looking? Looking for mentorship programs or youth programs? Check out our network.
prepare for success
How do I balance pursuing conservation with work & school? How do I approach people for volunteer opportunities or go on interviews? Our guides & example interview questions can give you some tips on presenting yourself and your skills with confidence.
Career Resources
Writing resumes, CV’s, cover letters, and cold emails from scratch can be really overwhelming. Our templates provide you with a starting point so you can build your own easily.
Questions? Check out our FAQ below!
FAQs
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TIDAL Toolkit is a specialized online hub dedicated to providing career resources, guides, and an opportunity network tailored for BIPOC youth interested in pursuing a future in ocean conservation.
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While TIDAL Toolkit is available to all, our resources are specifically designed for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) youth who are passionate about ocean conservation and looking for guidance and opportunities in the field. Read more about BIPOC underrepresentation in conservation spaces here.
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TIDAL Toolkit offers a comprehensive array of resources, including resume & cover letter templates, educational guides, networking tips & tricks, and an opportunity board for volunteering or job postings.
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TIDAL Toolkit started as an Ocean Bridge project through the Ocean Wise Conservation Association! Ocean Bridge is a 20-week part-time program for Canadians aged 19–30. This experiential initiative empowers ocean ambassadors through coaching, learning journeys, and online workshops. Participants design and implement local or national ocean and freshwater action projects. Learn more here.
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Stay connected by following us on our Instagram page! We regularly share updates, success stories, and new opportunities to keep you informed and inspired.
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Absolutely! We welcome contributions, whether it's sharing your story, providing insights, or suggesting resources. Contact us through our Instagram to learn more about how you can contribute to the TIDAL Toolkit community.
About ME
Hello, my name is MJ Herrin (she/her) and I am an Ocean Bridge 2023 Ambassador with Ocean Wise Youth and the creator of TIDAL Toolkit! As a Filipino & 2SLGTBQIA+ individual, I am passionate about creating safe, diverse, and inclusive spaces for under-represented and marginalized groups, especially in the areas of ecology, conservation, & restoration.
I recently completed my Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of British Columbia in Vancouver. While I initially focused on molecular biology & genetics and even completed co-op placements in the biotechnology industry, I eventually started exploring my love for the ocean by studying at the 2022 Fall Program at Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre. This led me to become an undergraduate researcher at a microbial ecology lab studying sugar kelp microbes & their effects on diatoms.
I want to take time to recognize that Black and Indigenous people are more impacted by systemic racism than other groups. While I have done my best to try and structure these resources for BIPOC youth, my perspective & experiences are certainly not reflective of all groups that fall under the umbrella of BIPOC and I am always open to conversation & suggestions about how to grow and improve!
I wanted to create TIDAL toolkit because it is something that I wish I had access to when I first started looking for opportunities and trying to break into the world of research/conservation. My hope for TIDAL Toolkit is that it encourages all young ocean enthusiasts to start exploring what their unique perspective can bring to the table and what they can accomplish for themselves and their communities!
TIDAL Toolkit is an Ocean Bridge 2023-2024 project brought to life on the ancestral and unceded traditional territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations in Vancouver, BC, Canada.