With Ocean Robbins
“The struggle for justice is as old as tyranny itself, and the longing for a world guided by love is as old as the human heart. Thank you for joining in the ancient struggle to build a new world.”
— Ocean Robbins
In spite of, or perhaps in response to, the many pressing challenges of our times, a movement is afoot. It is alive in the hearts, spirits and actions of millions of people, of every religious, economic and cultural background, who are rising up to make a difference with their lives. Ocean Robbins has spent more than half his life collaborating with some of the outstanding leaders of our times, and working at the forefront of worldwide movements towards a thriving, just and sustainable future. His presentations are rich with stories of inspiration from his learning journey; reflections on the pivotal moment we face as a species; and an invitation to take action on behalf of what truly matters to us.
Through stories, humor, experiential exercises, and speaking from the heart, Ocean Robbins entertains, informs, inspires and empowers. His presentations address such topics as:
- Ocean’s intergenerational family story, from his grandfather’s founding of Baskin-Robbins to his father’s authoring of Diet for a New America to his own prodigious accomplishments, to learning about unconditional love from his special needs twins.
- The state of our planet, and what we can do to make a difference (including our consumption choices, food choices, lifestyle choices and social interactions).
- Racism, social justice, and building a world that works for all of us.
- Cynicism, hope, and the possible future.
- Inspiring stories of young people who are changing the world for the better.
- The work of YES!, and some of the key ingredients in the organization’s 20 years of success.
- Adventures in building bridges across cultures and movements.
- Leveraging privilege for social change: How we can unleash all that we have, and all that we are, on behalf of all that we love.
- How to bring sustainability and personal fulfillment into service.
Ocean’s presentations illumine the links between the vital issues of our times, and leaves audiences more connected to what matters most to them, and to others who care both in their community and all over the world.
Ocean Robbins is founder of YES! — “Helping Visionary Young Leaders Build a Better World”, which he launched in 1990, at age 16. Ocean has spoken in person to more than 200,000 people and facilitated many dozens of gatherings for young leaders from 60+ nations. Ocean is author of Choices for Our Future and of The Power of Partnership, and has served as a board member for Friends of the Earth, Creating Our Future, the Turning Tide Coalition, EarthSave International, and OmniCenter. In 2002, he was selected by Utne Reader as one of 30 “Young Visionaries” under age 30, and by Audubon and Time as among the heroes of the new millennium. He is a 2008 recipient of the Freedom’s Flame Award, and of the national Jefferson Award for Outstanding Community Service by an Individual 35 Years Or Younger. He and his beloved wife Michele are the parents of River and Bodhi Robbins, identical twin boys born in 2001.
To contact Ocean Robbins about bringing him to speak for a conference, college or event, click here
I could spend hours listening to Ocean Robbins, and so could the 450 attendees of our recent conference. Ocean is a brilliant speaker — funny, touching, and wise beyond his years. His talk was a moving and motivating experience. Our feedback questionnaires from guests after the conference frequently listed Ocean as their favorite speaker. We look forward to having him again at future conferences.
— Jeff Nelson, organizer, Healthy Lifestyle Expo
I coordinated a high school environmental conference which brought together nearly 300 students leaders and teachers from more than 20 schools throughout Wisconsin. Ocean Robbins was our keynote speaker and the student response to his presentation was tremendous. On the conference evaluations, many people cited his talk as the best thing about the entire event. Ocean is an insightful and dynamic speaker who inspires people of all ages to become more active on behalf of the environment and their communities. I would love to hear more from him any time.
— Deborah Engel-Di Mauro, Environmental Education Resources Specialist, Wisconsin Center for Environmental Education
Ocean Robbins’ presentation at our environmental and social justice youth conference was the highlight of the weekend for many of our participants. His positive message and soulful, inspiring words reached deep into the hearts of the youth attendees. Numerous people told me that his talk was the most inspiring and moving thing they had ever heard. As conference organizer I couldn’t have been more pleased!
— Daniel Carr, Conference Coordinator, Deep Green Global Training
Students talked about Ocean’s presentation for months after his speech. He has a magical way of connecting with young people and his story deeply connects the social and environmental movement. Out of the 40 workshops and keynote speakers, Ocean made the greatest impact on the teenagers. Without hesitation, I recommend his service as a speaker or workshop leader. Wefound his participation to be an essential part of the conference’s success; we look forward to having him return as a speaker.
— Taylor Selby, Executive Director, Earth Care International, Santa Fe, NM
Ocean was our conference’s final plenary speaker and his message brought spirit into action in a way that was electrifying and inspiring to the room. Many of our participants listed his talk as a conference highlight on their evaluations.
— Laura Cornell, Founder and Director, Green Yoga Association
For more responses to Ocean’s presentations, click here.
