Building in Bethany: 2026 Mid-Atlantic Chapter Conference Recap

This past weekend, volunteer leaders representing all nine chapters across the Mid-Atlantic Region gathered with Surfrider staff in Bethany Beach, Delaware, for our annual Mid-Atlantic Chapter Conference. Bringing together volunteers from New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, and Washington, DC, the weekend was filled with connection, collaboration, and inspiration as we continue working together to protect our coastlines and waterways.

Each year, the conference gives volunteer leaders an opportunity to connect in person, learn from one another, and gain new tools and insights from Surfrider staff. Through a series of interactive sessions and conversations, this year's conference focused on strengthening our programs, growing our grassroots movement, and turning shared priorities into meaningful action.

Volunteers learning about climate action and resiliency from our staff

Learning and Taking Action

The weekend kicked off with a State of Surfrider session led by our CEO, Dr. Chad Nelsen, offering an opportunity to reflect on the organization's work and look ahead at what's next. From there, sessions focused on several key areas of Surfrider's work, including our Climate Action Program and Clean Water Initiative, along with strategies for building stronger, more engaged chapters.

One of the highlights was a session on direct action organizing, where volunteers learned about and practiced ways to leverage Surfrider's programs to advance legislative change. Participants also explored how to better engage members and create meaningful opportunities for people to get involved in their local chapters.

Just as valuable as the sessions themselves were the experiences shared by volunteer leaders throughout the region. Nearly every session featured volunteers sharing their chapter's successes, challenges, and lessons learned. From building membership and growing the Ocean Friendly Gardens program to strengthening the Blue Water Task Forces and advancing climate action, these conversations offered practical ideas and inspiration that chapters can bring home to their communities.

A mock City Council meeting to pass a construction dust ordinance

The Power of In-Person

While the conference offered plenty of opportunities to learn new skills and exchange ideas, one of the most meaningful parts of the weekend was simply being together.

With all nine chapters represented from across the region, the conference created space to build relationships that extend beyond individual chapter boundaries. Each chapter brings unique experiences, local knowledge, and strengths. By connecting in person, volunteers can learn from one another, share resources, identify common challenges, and find new opportunities to collaborate on the issues that affect our coastlines and waterways.

In an increasingly digital world, there is something special about gathering in person with people who share a commitment to protecting our oceans, waves and beaches. The energy, encouragement, and connections that come from spending time with fellow volunteers are a powerful reminder of what makes the Surfrider community so special.

Volunteers seeing dunes in action in Bethany Beach, DE.

Looking Towards 2027

As chapters begin looking ahead to 2027, the energy and ideas generated during this weekend will carry forward into an important season of planning. Between now and March, chapters will be developing their annual plans, setting priorities, and identifying opportunities to grow their programs and strengthen their local impact.

The conversations, shared experiences, and practical tools from this conference will help inform that work. Just as importantly, the relationships built this weekend will help foster continued collaboration throughout the region in the year ahead. 

A huge thank-you to all the volunteers and Surfrider staff who made this year's conference possible, and especially to the volunteer leaders who shared their time, knowledge, and experiences. We left Bethany Beach feeling energized and ready to turn this weekend's inspiration into meaningful action in our communities.

Here's to carrying this energy into 2027, building stronger connections across the Mid-Atlantic! 🩵

Our incredible Mid-Atlantic team!

📷 All photos taken by Kayla Huff, Mid-Atlantic Regional Manager