Dear MARMAM subscribers, The American Cetacean Society Student Coalition(ACSSC) is the first student chapter of the American Cetacean Society (http://acsonline.org/), the world's oldest whale conservation organization. After 44 years, ACS continues to be a leader in the field of cetacean education, conservation, policy, and education. In a time where activism is characterized by extreme rhetoric that is often counterproductive, we use science and reason based action to effectively protect cetaceans and their habitats. The ACSSC believes that research and advocacy can work in tandem, and that there is a need for an open and productive dialogue between marine mammal researchers and those who engage in advocacy. The Coalition aims to provide a much-needed niche within the world of cetacean conservation, research, education, and policy for students with the support of the American Cetacean Society. The ACSSC works to provide students of all ages everywhere with an opportunity to feel inspired, engaged, and empowered among an active community. We aim to create this community through a web of regional student groups across the country. One of the benefits of joining the ACS National Student Coalition is the ability to network and collaborate with your peers in different disciplines, backgrounds, and institutions to address the challenges that whales, dolphins, and porpoises face in today’s complex world. Leading your own ACS student coalition group can be very rewarding and fun. ACSSC groups have participated in water quality testing, cetacean research, hosted guest speakers, organized panels, screened numerous documentaries, lobbied for ocean conservation, organized fundraisers, and had social events such as marine themed parties. ACSSC groups have implemented campaigns focusing upon issues such as sustainable seafood and its impacts upon cetaceans, marine debris and entanglement, captivity, and more. ACSSC groups have successfully engaged with their local communities on region specific issues as well. We invite US high school and university students to lead their own coastal or landlocked groups. For more information regarding what is involved in starting your own student coalition check out our website: ACSSC website <http://acsscnational.wordpress.com/> Like us on facebook to see our latest updates and campaign activities: ACSSC facebook <https://www.facebook.com/pages/American-Cetacean-Society-Student-Coalition-ACSSC/177540238954065> If you are interested and would like assistance in starting your own group, email us at: acssc.national@gmail.com Please refer interested students that you may know. -- *Sabena Siddiqui * president American Cetacean Society National Student Coalition (ACSSC) *"P**rotecting whales, dolphins, porpoises, and their habitats through public education, research grants, and conservation actions.*" ACSSC facebook page <http://www.facebook.com/pages/American-Cetacean-Society-Student-Coalition-ACSSC/177540238954065> ACSSC website <http://acsscnational.wordpress.com/>