Who's Leading Our Chapters?

All around the country, Surfrider chapters are making waves through community programs and coastal advocacy campaigns. From cleanups to water testing, to helping pass legislation at the local and state level. But who's behind these efforts? 

Surfrider Foundation Chapters are strategically driven by volunteer-led teams, referred to as Executive Committees. These volunteers are members of their communities; living, working, building families and connections, and wanting to see the coast that they are passionate about protected and cared for.

So, how do you get involved with an Executive Committee, and what is it? Read below to learn more and find out!

Every November, Surfrider chapters across the country host elections for our volunteer Executive Committees, allowing the opportunity for fresh ideas and grassroots growth.

What is an Executive Committee?

The Executive Committee (EC) is a group of volunteers responsible for running a Surfrider Foundation chapter. They are the most involved members of the chapter who step up to serve in fun and rewarding leadership positions that require consistent efforts through a two-year term. Chapters are required to elect five standard roles (Chair, Vice Chair, Volunteer Coordinator, Treasurer, and Secretary) and can add up to six additional EC members if they choose. EC members meet regularly to lead and guide decisions for the chapter, discuss and manage chapter business and finances, support events and fundraising efforts, and to build a thriving chapter community of environmental leaders to protect and enjoy our ocean, waves, and beaches! 

Excited to Join the Executive Committee? 

Find your local chapter here and get involved today!

Photo Credit: Caitlin Manley

Who's in the Mid-Atlantic?

The Mid-Atlantic Region for Surfrider includes New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, and Washington DC. There are currently nine volunteer-led chapters in the region, supported by Surfrider staff. They are always looking for new folks to get involved and want to hear from the community, so find one near you below and reach out to say hi!

Surfrider Eastern Long Island

Surfrider Central Long Island

Surfrider New York City

Surfrider Jersey Shore

Surfrider South Jersey

Surfrider Delaware

Surfrider Annapolis

Surfrider Washington DC

Surfrider Ocean City (Maryland)

Photo Credit: Benito Woodward

Additional Information

Surfrider Foundation chapters are led by a small group of incredibly dedicated volunteers. Running a chapter should be fun, but it’s important to remember that every chapter is a direct extension of the nationwide network of Surfrider chapters and thus should seek in every way possible to conduct business in a professional manner. How the chapter conducts itself will determine how we are perceived in your community.

As an Executive Committee member you can expect:

• Spending about 2 to 5 hours a week on Surfrider communications and tasks, depending on your specific role, the time of year and how active the chapter is.

• Connecting with a variety of folks in the community - current and past EC members come from a wide array of professional backgrounds and and bring their own uniqueness to add to the strength of the chapter. Surfrider chapters should reflect the community that they're involved in.

• To utilize your unique skillsets! We seek self-directed and self-motivated people who care deeply about the protection and enjoyment of our coasts, recognize the power of grassroots action to effect change, and enjoy learning as they go.

Volunteering as an Executive Committee Member in a Surfrider Foundation Chapter offers numerous benefits and skill-building opportunities for individuals. One key benefit is personal growth, as volunteering fosters a sense of fulfillment and purpose by contributing to our mission for clean water and healthy beaches for all people. You also get invitations to special events and learning opportunities, such as the annual Mid-Atlantic Chapters & Student Club Conference.

General Functions of a Surfrider Foundation Chapter:

• Identify and work on mission-related issues in the chapter’s geographic area. This means running campaigns, to win a decision in favor of the environment, and facilitating ongoing programs.
• Engage chapter members through regular communications, meetings, and by giving them mission-related ways to volunteer.
• Grow chapter membership, including retaining current members.
• Cultivate, train, and mentor volunteers.
• Identify new leaders and prepare them for leadership positions.

Executive Committee Essential Functions:

• Prioritize and support chapter campaigns and programs.
• Attend monthly Executive Committee meetings in person and/or Zoom.
• Organize and staff community outreach events.
• Organize and plan fundraising and awareness events.
• Coordinate and support volunteers. Mentor volunteers and recruit future Executive Committee members.
• Participate in and co-lead subcommittees, i.e. campaign, program or event committees.
• Communicate regularly with and be responsive to Regional and National Staff.
• Communicate regularly with, and be responsive to, chapter membership.
• Conduct annual chapter planning early each year, including rough sketches of campaigns and budgets. Implement the annual plan during the year.
• Ensure that chapter funds are raised, spent, and accounted for properly.
• Meet minimum requirements for chapter operation and comply with Surfrider Chapter Bylaws.

Are you ready to take the next step and commit to protecting your local beach, coast or waterway? Connect with your local chapter today!

Thank you to Sara Heintzelman, Surfrider's Northern California Regional Manager, for the inspiration of this blog!

Photo Credit for Blog Header: Michelle Moser