MERS Marine Education and Research Society

### Context Profile for MERS Marine Education and Research Society

1. **Organization Mission & Cause**:
   - **Mission**: The MERS Marine Education and Research Society is dedicated to marine conservation through education, research, and response efforts. Their primary focus is on the study and protection of marine wildlife, particularly whales, and their habitats.
   - **Cause**: MERS aims to foster a deeper understanding of marine ecosystems and promote sustainable practices to protect these vital resources.

2. **Type of Activities**:
   - **Wildlife Watching Trips**: MERS organizes excursions, such as the "MERS Fundraising Trip 2025 - Port McNeill," where participants can observe marine wildlife, particularly Humpback Whales, while learning about ongoing research efforts.
   - **Educational Programs**: They provide educational resources and experiences aimed at increasing public awareness and understanding of marine life.
   - **Research Initiatives**: MERS conducts scientific research to monitor and protect marine species and their habitats.

3. **Tone of Voice**:
   - The tone of the website and communications is **friendly**, **informative**, and **inspiring**. It aims to engage the audience with a sense of excitement about marine life and conservation efforts. The language is accessible, aiming to connect with a broad audience, from casual participants to serious supporters.

4. **Emoji Usage**:
   - The website and communications do not prominently feature emojis. The tone remains professional and straightforward, focusing on clear communication about events and initiatives without the use of informal symbols.

5. **Key Facts**:
   - **Founding Info**: Specific founding details are not provided on the website, but MERS has established itself as a key player in marine education and research.
   - **Scale**: MERS has a total of 13 forms and 13 email campaigns, indicating an active engagement with their community.
   - **Impact Metrics**: While specific metrics are not detailed, the organization highlights the importance of funds raised for their education and research work.
   - **Volunteer Info**: Information on volunteer opportunities is not explicitly stated, but the organization likely engages volunteers in their events and research activities.

6. **Writing Guidelines**:
   - **Style**: Use a friendly and engaging tone that invites participation and conveys enthusiasm for marine conservation.
   - **Structure**: Keep content clear and organized, using headings and bullet points where appropriate to enhance readability.
   - **Call to Action**: Include strong calls to action that encourage readers to participate in events, donate, or learn more about marine conservation.
   - **Personalization**: Use personalized greetings in communications (e.g., addressing recipients by name) to foster a connection with the audience.

This context profile serves as a foundational guide for creating tailored content that aligns with MERS Marine Education and Research Society's mission, activities, and communication style.

All proceeds from this workshop go to MERS. We would be extremely grateful for any additional donations if you wish to extend your support.

General admission

Join MERS and Natasha van Netten for an afternoon of creativity at the MERS office! You will discover interesting approaches to drawing whales using ink and water in this two- hour workshop. Artist Natasha van Netten will guide you through a collection of short projects designed to help you loosen up, get your creativity flowing and boost your confidence in your innate ability to draw whales. This workshop will include a brief introduction to drawing whale anatomy, demonstrate techniques for drawing with ink and will show you how to draw lively whales that are full of character and personality. You will also create a meditative, free-form whale pattern. At the end of this workshop, you will go home with a small collection of artworks.  This adult-orientated workshop (16+) is suitable for all levels and all supplies are included. While you draw whales... you will also be helping them! 100% of proceeds from this workshop will support the work we do here at the Marine Education & Research Society. MERS staff will be on hand to answer your whale questions, as well! Coffee and a light snack will be included. About Natasha:Natasha van Netten’s art practice is influenced by zoology, oceanography and cetology (the study of whales). As a multidisciplinary artist, she explores science-based concepts and ideas in a variety of ways, including installation, drawing, painting and sculpture. A personal curiosity towards the natural world is central to her work. Natasha received a Diploma of Fine Art from the Vancouver Island School of Art in 2016. She was honoured to be a recipient of the Robin Hopper Legacy Award from the Victoria Visual Arts Legacy Society, an Award of Excellence at the Sooke Fine Art Show and was selected as a finalist for the 2021 Wildlife Artist of the Year Award by Sketch for Survival (London, UK). Natasha teaches at the Metchosin International Summer School of  the Arts and the Vancouver Island School of Art. Her work has been exhibited in Canada, the Czech Republic, Finland, Iceland, New Zealand, Norway, the Russian Federation, the United Kingdom and the United States. Learn more at <a href="http://www.natashavannetten.com" style="text-decoration-color:initial;user-select:auto;box-sizing:inherit">www.natashavannetten.com</a>

Hi <span contenteditable="false" data-custom-variable="{{firstname}}" fr-original-class="fr-deletable styled-tag-chip" fr-original-style style="background-color:rgb(248, 248, 255);border:1px solid rgb(191, 191, 255);border-radius:4px;color:rgb(42, 42, 196);padding:1px 8px;font-size:11px;display:inline-block;margin:0px;overflow-wrap:anywhere;user-select:none;box-sizing:inherit">First name , Thank you for registering for our Drawing Whales with Ink event and supporting MERS. The workshop will be March 15th from 1-3pm at our Port McNeill office (#19-1705 Campbell Way). We look forward to hosting you for this afternoon of creativity with artist Natasha van Netten. You can learn more about her at www.natashavannetten.com. If you have any questions for Natasha before the workshop, she has offered her email address: <a href="mailto:tasha_van_netten@hotmail.com" style="text-decoration-color:initial;user-select:auto;box-sizing:inherit">tasha_van_netten@hotmail.com</a>.  You can also connect with our team at <a href="mailto:info@mersociety.org" style="text-decoration-color:initial;user-select:auto;box-sizing:inherit">info@mersociety.org</a> or (604) 413-6963. See you soon! Caitlin BirdsallExecutive Director

Join MERS and Natasha van Netten for an afternoon of creativity at the MERS office! You will discover interesting approaches to drawing whales using ink and water in this two- hour workshop. Artist Natasha van Netten will guide you through a collection of short projects designed to help you loosen up, get your creativity flowing and boost your confidence in your innate ability to draw whales. This workshop will include a brief introduction to drawing whale anatomy, demonstrate techniques for drawing with ink and will show you how to draw lively whales that are full of character and personality. You will also create a meditative, free-form whale pattern. At the end of this workshop, you will go home with a small collection of artworks.  This adult-orientated workshop (16+) is suitable for all levels and all supplies are included. While you draw whales... you will also be helping them! 100% of proceeds from this workshop will support the work we do here at the Marine Education &amp; Research Society. MERS staff will be on hand to answer your whale questions, as well! Coffee and a light snack will be included. About Natasha:Natasha van Netten’s art practice is influenced by zoology, oceanography and cetology (the study of whales). As a multidisciplinary artist, she explores science-based concepts and ideas in a variety of ways, including installation, drawing, painting and sculpture. A personal curiosity towards the natural world is central to her work. Natasha received a Diploma of Fine Art from the Vancouver Island School of Art in 2016. She was honoured to be a recipient of the Robin Hopper Legacy Award from the Victoria Visual Arts Legacy Society, an Award of Excellence at the Sooke Fine Art Show and was selected as a finalist for the 2021 Wildlife Artist of the Year Award by Sketch for Survival (London, UK). Natasha teaches at the Metchosin International Summer School of  the Arts and the Vancouver Island School of Art. Her work has been exhibited in Canada, the Czech Republic, Finland, Iceland, New Zealand, Norway, the Russian Federation, the United Kingdom and the United States. Learn more at <a href="http://www.natashavannetten.com">www.natashavannetten.com</a>

MERS Marine Education and Research Society

Drawing Whales with Ink Workshop with Artist Natasha van Netten

1705 Campbell Way #19

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General admission

$75