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Underwater 4 All, Inc.

Help Make Underwater Recreation Accessible in NYC

$0.00

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$12,000.00

About Underwater 4 All (U4A)

Underwater 4 All, Inc., formerly DIVERS-ity Initiative, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to breaking down systemic barriers between humans and the underwater world, affirming that safe access to it is a fundamental right, not a privilege. This organization is built on four pillars: decolonizing diving to honor cultural connections to water, democratizing access and education to ensure everyone can safely enjoy underwater activities, deconstructing outdated dive industry norms, and diversifying participation to reflect our global community. 


Our Journey So Far:

We have been at the forefront of advocating for accessible and safe underwater recreation. Our mission is to open the underwater world to all, irrespective of their background, and to instill a sense of responsibility and stewardship towards our aquatic environments and the culture of safety surrounding them.


In the past year alone, we've achieved milestones that seemed like distant dreams when we first started. We've organized regular community pool sessions, offering free and safe access to underwater recreation, provided free equipment for the shore and underwater beach cleanups we organize - earning us a mention in AP news, and actively participated in several conferences and seminars aimed at attracting new demographics and advocating for change within the dive industry. In line with U4A's mission, we've also collaborated with the NY Dept. of Labor to make "Underwater Instructor" an apprenticeable trade, addressing long-standing issues regarding the education and exploitation of dive professionals. We have been hard at work, paving the way for more people to enjoy (and benefit from) the underwater world - at all levels, from accessible entry-level education to viable career opportunities! 


Our Vision for 2024:

As we step into 2024, we're ready to dive deeper and reach further. But to continue our work and expand our impact, we need your support. Here's what we're raising funds for:

  • Continue Hosting Community Pool Sessions: Between pool rental, staffing costs, and other expenses, a community pool night can cost anywhere from $300-600. If we budget $500 per month, it would cost $12,000 to host these programs for our community for a year. 
  • Continue Hosting Beach Cleanups and Providing Scuba Equipment: Continuing to host community pool sessions is at the heart of what we do. These sessions not only provide a safe space for individuals to learn and practice freediving but also foster a community of water enthusiasts committed to conservation and safety. Funds also help us keep dive equipment accessible and maintained.
  • Grant Writing: To sustain and expand our initiatives, we need to secure funding through grants. The funds raised will support the dedicated effort required for writing and submitting grant proposals to ensure the longevity of our programs.
  • Attending Conventions and Special Events: Attending and organizing conventions and special events are crucial for promoting our mission, sharing knowledge, and rallying support. These platforms allow us to connect with like-minded individuals, organizations, and potential sponsors passionate about underwater education and conservation. During these conventions, we also share educational resources and host seminars geared towards attendees to make their activities safer.
  • Creating & Sharing Aquatic Education: Promoting access to aquatic education is fundamental to our mission. We aim to create and distribute educational materials, organize workshops, and provide training that emphasizes the importance of water safety, environmental conservation, and the joy of freediving.
  • Hosting annual "Make Waves Weekend": "Make Waves Weekend" is an innovative global event inspired by the collaborative spirit of game jams and hack-a-thons, designed to empower individuals and communities around the world to take action in the realm of underwater recreation and conservation. This unique initiative invites enthusiasts, experts, and activists alike to host local events or join forces online, creating a worldwide network of creativity and action focused on the aquatic environment. Over the course of a weekend, participants will dive into intensive project sprints, leveraging their collective skills and passion to develop solutions that address challenges facing our oceans and waterways. By fostering a global community of change-makers, "Make Waves Weekend" aims to demonstrate the incredible impact we can achieve when we come together, organized and motivated, to protect and enhance the world beneath the waves.


How You Can Help:

Your contribution to this fundraiser will directly support these initiatives, helping us make a tangible difference in the lives of many and the health of our aquatic ecosystems. No amount is too small, and every donation brings us closer to our goals.


Join me in celebrating another year by giving back to the underwater world that brings us so much joy and wonder. Together, we can ensure that Underwater 4 All, Inc. continues to thrive and expand its reach in 2024 and beyond.


Thank you for your support, kindness, and belief in our mission. Let's make a wave of positive change!



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