One Hundred Miles Presents the 7th Annual Choosing to Lead Conference

One Hundred Miles (OHM), the nonprofit organization that protects and preserves Georgia’s 100-mile coast through advocacy, education and citizen engagement, is excited to announce the return of its annual conference, Choosing to Lead, on Saturday, October 21, 2023, at the Jekyll Island Convention Center. This year's theme, Leading from the Inside-Out, underscores the importance of community and environmental action (out) while emphasizing the need for individual self-reflection and motivation (in). Scholarship opportunities are available to ensure access for all who wish to attend. Early bird registration is open through September 30 at $75 for members and $100 for non-members; high school, college, and graduate students are $35. Beginning October 1, regular registration rates are $100 for members, $125 for non-members, and $40 for students. It is recommended to reserve a spot before October 13, to guarantee a spot for lunch. Registration is available at onehundredmiles.org/conference.

The keynote speaker of the conference is Dr. Edith "Edie" Widder, an internationally-renowned scientist, deep-sea explorer, and founder of the Ocean Research & Conservation Association (ORCA), a scientific-based conservation nonprofit. Dr. Widder's contributions to marine biology are unparalleled. She has completed more than 250 submersible dives and her work has been featured across the globe with BBC, PBS, Discovery Channel and in National Geographic productions.

Dr. Widder's groundbreaking work includes the invention of devices to detect deep-sea light and bioluminescence. Her invention, ORCA’s Eye-in-the-Sea camera system, led to the discovery of a new species of giant squid, capturing its first-ever footage of this creature’s incredible natural habitat in 2012. A recipient of the prestigious Explorers Club Citation of Merit in 2018, Dr. Widder released her memoir, Below the Edge of Darkness, in 2021.

“We are so excited to host our Choosing to Lead conference,” noted Megan Desrosiers, president and CEO of One Hundred Miles. “This year’s conference aims to equip attendees with strategies for resilience, promote equitable access to the natural world, and emphasize the protection of vital resources. Our Georgia coast is a fragile ecosystem and important in everyone’s daily lives. Highlighting key areas that we as Georgians should all be aware of, help us remain good stewards for our great state.”

Key areas of focus for the Choosing to Lead conference include:

• Empowering coastal enthusiasts with tools to amplify their voices, from beginners to seasoned advocates.
• Strategies for community resilience in the face of a changing climate, including resources for parents, educators, and caregivers who are helping young people to navigate climate change.
• The significance of access to natural areas for holistic well-being of our Georgia citizens.
• Addressing systemic racism and injustice impacting our environment, resource access, decision-making, and public health.
• Harnessing the power of storytelling for conservation.
• Reflections on Georgia’s conservation movement through the ages.

“We encourage anyone who works on conservation issues across the state – as a volunteer or professional – or anyone who has an interest in Georgia’s 100-mile coast to attend the Choosing to Lead conference,” said Megan Desrosiers. “This includes wildlife enthusiasts, environmental educators, seasonal researchers, faith leaders, garden club members, elected officials, students, teachers, nonprofit leaders, neighborhood advocates, and many others. In short: if you are inspired by our one-of-a-kind coast, this conference is for YOU.”

The Choosing to Lead conference includes breakout sessions, lunch and a keynote address. Attendees will also be able to visit with local nonprofits and other organizations in the exhibit hall where they can learn more about opportunities to get involved across the coast.

The location for the conference at the Jekyll Island, Georgia, Conference Center, is located on Jekyll Island, one of Georgia’s four barrier islands accessible by car. Jekyll Island is the perfect backdrop for this exciting event. The LEED-certified oceanfront conference center provides a comfortable space for the day’s keynote reception, lunch and breakout sessions. A variety of hotel accommodations are available on the island and in nearby downtown Brunswick and St. Simons Island for out-of-town attendees. The Hampton Inn and Suites Jekyll Island is offering a discounted room rate for Choosing to Lead attendees through October 6; booking information is available on the OHM website at onehundredmiles.org/conference.

For more details on the conference schedule, speakers, workshops, and to reserve your spot, visit onehundredmiles.org.

The conference is made possible thanks to the support of sponsors including National Parks Conservation Association, Ryam Pure Natural Pure Science, Ellis Painter Attorneys at Law, South Coast Bank, Tybee Island Marine Center, Georgia Interfaith Power & Light, Northern Trust, Caretta Research Project, Coastal WildScapes, Glynn Environmental Coalition, UGA Marine Extension & Sea Grant, Trust for Public Land, and Tybee Clean Beach.

One Hundred Miles is a 501(c)3 coastal advocacy nonprofit organization with a mission of protecting, preserving, and enhancing the thriving communities, beautiful landscapes, and diverse wildlife of Georgia’s 100-mile coast. Led by a dedicated staff and committed Board of Directors, OHM conducts advocacy, coalition-building, and public education throughout the state. To learn more and get involved, visit onehundredmiles.org or follow on Facebook or Instagram @onehundredmiles or Twitter (X) @100MilesGA.