Water is a right, not a luxury.

But for too many of us especially those in landlocked communities water has been held just out of reach. The ocean. Swim safety. Marine science. Healing practices that reconnect us with our bodies and the natural world.

Iwosan Collective is changing that.

Through our three core programs Critter & Coastline Youth Scuba Education, Direct Compassionate Communication, and Healing Waters we're building pathways for landlocked communities to access the healing, learning, and liberation that water offers.

This fall, we're raising $50,000 to:

• Bring marine science education to 500+ landlocked youth
• Hire more team members to fulfill the mission
• Fund virtual and in-person Critter & Coastline programming
• Support underwater research trips for curriculum development
• Provide Direct Compassionate Communication training for families and organizations
• Offer Healing Waters experiencessomatic healing, breathwork, and water-based wellness
• Publish a children's book about self-compassion and ocean connection
• Cover operating costs so we can do this work sustainably

Why This Matters

Geographic and economic barriers have kept entire communities cut off from water—from the safety of knowing how to swim, from the wonder of seeing marine life, from the healing that happens when we reconnect with nature and our own bodies.

We're not just teaching about the ocean. We're returning water to the people who've been denied access to it the longest.

This is about equity. This is about healing. This is about the next generation knowing that water—and all it offers—belongs to them too.

What Your Gift Does

When you give to Return the Water , you're funding:

• Education: Marine science curriculum, virtual sessions, and hands-on learning for landlocked youth
• Access: Discover Scuba experiences, swim safety, and water confidence building
• Healing: Trauma-informed communication training and somatic healing practices
• Storytelling: A children's book that centers self-compassion, ocean wonder, and belonging
• Sustainability: Fair pay for educators, facilitators, and program staff

This campaign runs through December 31, 2025.
All donors will receive their rewards including our self-compassion  picture book in February 2026 at our book release and virtual Critter & Coastline event.

💰 DONOR TIERS & REWARDS

💧 Water Keeper – $25

• Digital thank you
• Your name listed on our website donor page
• Social media shout-out
• Invitation to February book release event (virtual)

💧 Ocean Ally – $50

Most popular tier

• Everything above, PLUS:
• Signed copy of our children's picture book (33 pages, featuring a self-compassion seahorse—shipped in February)

💧 Critter Champion – $150

• Everything above, PLUS:
• Exclusive critter art print or postcard set (from book illustrations)
• Your name in the book's acknowledgments (if donated by Nov 15)
• Priority access to future Iwosan Collective programming

💧 Healing Waters Partner – $500

• Everything above, PLUS:
• Invitation to private donor circle gathering (virtual, hosted by Myisha T. Hill)
• Personalized thank you video from the founder
• Featured recognition on our website and in impact reports

💧 Coastline Visionary – $1,000+

• Everything above, PLUS:
• Name a critter in our curriculum or book materials
• Premier recognition across all platforms (website, social media, campaign materials)
• One complimentary 60-minute Direct Compassionate Communication coaching session (virtual, with Myisha T. Hill)
• Founding donor status—your support launches this work