Appreciating the Power of Passion: A Non-Profit, Non-Governmental Organization’s Road Map to Influencing Policy Change and Organizing Volunteers

Abstract

With a continued focus on the UN Sustainable Development Goals, we recognize the impact of poor ocean environments on human health. This is particularly relevant given the large number of weather-related disasters along the increasingly dense coastline. In order to ensure continued access to vital ocean resources, we need to develop early warning triggers to alert for potential issues before they become unmanageable. The Ocean’s “Canary” is the Shark; who serves as an integral part of the ecosystem by ensuring the entire ocean remains balanced. Specifically, my Doctoral Engagement in Leadership and Translation for Action (DELTA) project was to create translational knowledge to support the global effort in policy change, specifically related to shark conservation. Utilizing the Kingdon “Multiple Streams Policy Framework,” I offer Shark Angels, a non-governmental organization focused on shark conservation, with a method of preparing to more adeptly influence policy change at any level. By delving into each aspect of the framework, and specifically applying it to the issue of shark conservation, Shark Angels can now better assess their internal organizational gaps and prepare for a future window of opportunity to open. In addition, my work offered me a unique perspective into Shark Angels’ internal processes. This provided me with some insights that may be hindering their organizational capacity, but may also be adapted to a variety of other organizations. The result is to offer Shark Angels with some areas for consideration, which have the potential to greatly enhance their organization’s capacity for future growth and subsequently improve their ability to influence policy change.