It will also provide an opportunity for participants to meet one another. The intent of the session will be to provide anyone involved in the Sea Grant Program with professional training specifically geared to Sea Grant and the principles by which it operates. A Panel designed to highlight the importance of Congress to Sea Grant, identify who's who in Congress, and describe how best to cultivate Sea Grant-Congressional relationships. In July 2000, the SGA convened a Sea Grant Strategic Planning Retreat involving the Sea Grant Directors, the National Sea Grant Office staff, and members of the National Sea Grant Review Panel to develop a common vision for future growth of the Sea Grant Program, and specific action steps to make that vision a reality.
Much activity is already underway, but much remains to be done.
Time will be allowed for discussion. Discussion will include how each topic can be integrated into an overall improvement strategy for Sea Grant. Sea Grant Programs are strongly encouraged to have their programs represented in every breakout session. Participants will be given an opportunity to provide input to the review team. In the past year, various elements of the Sea Grant network have pondered the program's overall message and image.