The New England Coastal Wildlife Alliance (NECWA) seeks to protect and preserve coastal marine wildlife through collaborative scientific studies. The organization is a volunteer-driven nonprofit dedicated to the stewardship of coastal ecosystems and their protection for future generations. To achieve this goal, NECWA mentors young professionals through various internship programs and engages community members by encouraging involvement in our programs. NECWA works hard to protect environmental ecosystems through educational outeach and engagement of community members. Each person has a role to play and has much to offer if they are provided a voice and a seat at thte table. By including community members and encouraging their participating, they understand the issues and concerns that are facing wildlife found in their backyard. It becomes personal and imperitive to protect the Nature that is around you for you understand and value its presence within your community.