Surfrider Foundation: The Last Hurrah?
After more than a decade of running the local chapter and fighting for coastal causes, such as clean beaches and protection against offshore oil drilling, the current Surfrider leadership is ready to step down. And the organization faces a crossroads: Do they let:
1. An almost entirely whole new board steps up to take the reigns or
2. We ‘mothball’ the chapter until some fresh blood feels the need to reboot?
On Jan. 11, we invite anyone who’s interested in taking a larger role to please come out and learn more. Don’t think you’re capable? Please: None of us knew what we were doing 15 years back when we literally restarted the chapter from ashes – plus, you’ll have our experience to lean on. (We’re not going away; we’re just stepping back.) Don’t know the issues? Bring your own! We’ve been focused on offshore drilling, but there’s lots to tackle moving forward from cigarette butts to water quality.
We know we tried this once back in June, but summer craziness tends to limit participation. We’re hoping that slower months will allow for a smoother transition. Again: our goal is to help a new board learn the ropes and support new efforts — not pass a baton and leave them hanging.
Not interested? No time? But always been a supporter? Then come out and celebrate a job well done. And we go lots to celebrate: 15 years ago, beach litter was something folks just accepted – today, our Adopt A Beach Program has a waiting list and Beach Sweep and TrashFest our community fixtures. Ten years ago, we couldn’t get any municipality to say the words “offshores drilling.” Today, every town is vocally opposed, and commissioners make regular trips to Raleigh and DC to fight for our coast. That doesn’t include thousands of dollars raised for local college students, miles marched in local parades and — of course — 26 paddle races. None of this was possible without an engaged community.
