Become a community leader in the movement to protect our coasts and oceans:
Join the South Bay Chapter's Executive Committee!
What is the Executive Committee?
The Executive Committee (EC) is the team of volunteers responsible for leading a Surfrider Foundation chapter. EC members play a vital leadership role in bringing our organization’s mission to life. They help set direction, turn priorities into action, and ensure that our work continues to serve the people and places at the heart of our mission.
Chapters are required to elect five standard roles (Chair, Vice Chair, Volunteer Coordinator, Treasurer, and Secretary) and can add up to six ‘at-large’ EC members. A full description of the essential functions of the Executive Committee can be found in the "Additional Information" section below.
As volunteers, perfection is not expected, but dedication and passion for the mission is important, and there are many ways someone's skills and experience can support the chapter.
How do I join the Executive Committee?
Each year, Surfrider chapters host Executive Committee elections. EC members are elected for a two-year term by a vote of active members in November.
For the 2026/27 election, we are looking for 1 new member to join the South Bay Chapter's Executive Committee. We're actively recruiting for the following position:
At-Large Member
Roles and Responsibilities include:
Any chapter member in good standing may nominate themselves between October 1st and November 13th. A chapter member in good standing is defined as any member of the Surfrider Foundation in the South Bay chapter who has attended at least three (3) chapter events in the twelve (12) months preceding the election. BIPOC and members of the LGBTQ+ communities are encouraged to apply.
Please self-nominate by completing this Google form. Provide your full name, any specific roles you're interested in, and a brief (500-word max) summary of why you want to join the executive committee. Please include any relevant skills and experience!
Questions? Email the Southern California Regional Manager, Michaela, at mcoats@surfrider.org.
Additional Information
Surfrider Foundation chapters are led and run 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 to spend somewhere from 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. Our current and past EC members come from a variety of professional backgrounds and have a number of skill sets. Most importantly, we seek self-directing and self-motivated types 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, such as the annual California Chapters & Student Club Conference, which is in Santa Cruz in 2027.
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 programs that are ongoing.
* Involve 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
At-Large Member Roles & Responsibilities: