The Executive Committee is a group of volunteer leaders who oversee the activities and governance of a Surfrider Foundation chapter, in this case it would be the San Diego County Chapter. They ensure that the chapter aligns with Surfrider's mission of protecting the world's oceans, waves, and beaches.
Join Our Executive Committee
The San Diego Chapter is now accepting applications for our 2026 and 2027 Executive Committee term.
The Surfrider Foundation is a grassroots non-profit environmental organization dedicated to the protection and enjoyment of our ocean, waves, and beaches, for all people, through a powerful activist network.
The San Diego County Chapter is home to the world's largest and most active chapter, with over 2,500 members, four dedicated staff, eight committees, and hundreds of dedicated volunteers who protect over 72 miles of coastlines and have achieved over 46 coastal victories.
The Executive Committee
We are looking for dedicated members, supporters, and community stakeholders to run as candidates for the two-year 2026 and 2027 Executive Committee term.
Our Executive Committee is the equivalent of an organization's Board of Directors. Because the Surfrider Foundation has a Board at the national level, we call chapter-level Boards "Executive Committees." The committee is comprised of 5-9 elected volunteers (depending on # of applicants) and has the legal responsibility and authority to oversee the efforts and activities of the San Diego County Chapter. Together, its members establish the Chapter’s preservation and conservation priorities, internal policies, and develop and implement the budget. Their essential work enables our chapter to carry out the Surfrider Foundation mission.
The Surfrider Foundation is committed to seeking a diverse pool of candidates who fully represent San Diego County. Black, Indigenous, People of Color, and LGBTQ+ community members are strongly encouraged to apply.
Responsibilities
The San Diego County Chapter Executive Committee is a working board of the chapter’s most dedicated leaders, advocates, fundraisers, and supporters. All members are expected to devote sufficient time and energy to the tasks at hand.
All members are expected to:
- Represent and promote the San Diego County Chapter and its mission, programs, campaigns, and policies to various public audiences
- Attend quarterly Open House meetings, monthly Executive Committee meetings, and important related meetings, such as planning retreats and national Chapter training
- Support the planning of and attend at least two key events annually
- Act as a liaison to a specific committee, program, campaign, or initiative to streamline communications and provide a support system to the programs; or hold a particular leadership position (ex. Chair, Vice Chair, Treasurer)
- Bring in new funding opportunities or build partnerships with like-minded organizations that strengthen our Chapter’s mission, impact, and effectiveness
- Recruit new volunteers, get to know Chapter leaders and other committee members, and build working relationships that fuel collaboration
- Commit to special projects and/or pop-up projects that suit your skillset as needed
- Stay informed about committee matters, prepare well for meetings, review and comment on minutes and reports, use Slack and regularly check their Surfrider emails
Applicants interested in serving should be:
- Able to think strategically, critically, and creatively about various coastal, environmental, and social justice issues,
- Able and willing to commit 2 to 5 hours weekly to duties,
- Able to attend mandatory monthly meetings on the 4th Wednesday of the month from 6-8pm,
- Able to attend the Annual Leadership Retreat on January 9-11, 2026 (evening of 9th through morning of the 11th),
- Able to attend Surfrider CA Chapter and Club Leadership Conference, TBD but usually late-February (Chapter sponsors select volunteers),
- An active Surfrider Foundation Member, and
- Able to fulfill a 2-year commitment
Applicant Requirements
- Applicant has attended at least one chapter event or meetings within the last 12 months
- Applicant must be a current Surfrider member in good standing before taking seat January 2026
As of this 2023, all donations made over $5 to the San Diego chapter of the Surfrider Foundation qualify as a membership donation. Renew your membership HERE - Applicant must be a San Diego County resident
- Applicant must be over 18 years of age
Applications due by 10/15/2025.
Please email the Chapter Chair, Tom Cook, at chair@sandiego.surfrider.org with questions.
Election Timeline
- Applications open through 10/15/2025 at 4pm
- Surfrider Foundation San Diego County Members vote for top 3 choices 10/17/2025 - 10/30/2025
- New candidates announced first week of November
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Typical roles include:
- Chair/Co-Chairs: Lead the chapter and manage overall operations.
- Vice Chair: Supports the Chair and may lead in their absence.
- Secretary: Manages chapter records and communication.
- Treasurer: Oversees the chapter's finances and budget.
- Volunteer Coordinator: Focus on specific areas like volunteer coordination, campaigns, or events.
- Member-at-Large: Provide assistance across different areas of the chapter's work, filling in where needed, such as helping organize events, leading campaigns, or supporting outreach efforts.
For the 2026 and 2027 term we will be in need of a Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary, a Members-at-Large. Positions are voted on within the newly elected Executive Committee.
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The Chapter’s members elect Executive Committee (EC) members, but not for specific positions. After the election, the new EC members meet with the current and outgoing members to discuss the responsibilities of each role. Based on interest and time commitment, the roles for the upcoming year are assigned.
Open Roles for 2026-2027:
Surfrider San Diego is currently seeking a Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary, a Member-at-Large.
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Terms are two years. We are looking for members for 2026 and 2027.
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No, Executive Committee positions are voluntary. Members commit their time and effort to support Surfrider’s mission as unpaid volunteers.
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The San Diego Chapter EC meets every 4th Wednesday of the month from 6-8pm to discuss current projects, events, strategies, and more. EC members meet in-person at the Surfrider office in Hillcrest.
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While the Executive Committee manages local chapter activities, it works under the broader guidelines set by Surfrider’s national office. There is coordination to ensure that campaigns and advocacy efforts are aligned with Surfrider’s overall mission.
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Your service on the Executive Committee provides you with valuable skills and opportunities, especially within the context of your environmental advocacy work with Surfrider and related causes. Here are some of the key takeaways:
Skills Learned Through Volunteering:
- Leadership:
- Organizing events and initiatives.
- Managing and leading volunteer teams.
- Taking initiative in various projects.
- Communication:
- Interacting with diverse groups of people, including business leaders, politicians, fellow volunteers, and Surfrider staff.
- Public speaking and presentation skills.
- Writing project updates, sponsorship proposals, and social media materials.
- Project Management:
- Planning and executing activities and events.
- Budgeting and resource allocation.
- Time management and meeting deadlines.
- Teamwork:
- Collaborating with others towards common goals.
- Building and maintaining effective working relationships.
- Conflict resolution and negotiation.
- Problem-Solving:
- Navigating challenges and finding creative solutions.
- Critical thinking and decision-making.
- Adaptability and resilience.
Professional Development:
- Enhanced Resume: Demonstrates a commitment to community and personal growth.
- Leadership Roles: Experience in managing projects and teams can lead to higher-level responsibilities in a career.
- Improved Soft Skills: Strong communication, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities are valued in any professional setting.
- Career Advancement: Networking opportunities can potentially open doors to new job prospects and professional connections.
- Broadened Perspective: Exposure to different challenges and environments can enhance critical thinking and adaptability in professional roles.
Additional Opportunities:
- Skill Diversification: Volunteering allows you to explore and develop skills outside your usual professional scope.
- Increased Self-Confidence: Successfully completing volunteer tasks and projects can boost self-confidence and self-esteem.
- Social Impact Awareness: Understanding the impact of the work can inspire more socially responsible behavior in your own professional and personal life.
Volunteer Resources and Support Provided by the Surfrider Foundation:
- Training and Orientation:
- Comprehensive onboarding sessions.
- Role-specific training programs.
- Ongoing skill development through our Learning Management Platform.
- Staff Guidance:
- Access to expert staff members in the fields of organizing, legal and environmental among other areas.
- Direct Feedback from Regional Support Teams serving as a form of mentorship.
- Professional Development:
- Opportunities to attend Chapter Leadership Training Conferences, National Summits, workshops and webinars.
- Access to a host of online professional development courses and educational resources through Surfrider’s Learning Management Platform.
- Certificates and recognition for completed training.
- Networking Opportunities:
- Invitations to organizational events and meetings.
- Opportunities to connect with other volunteers from across the U.S. and Globe.
- Platforms to engage with community partners and stakeholders.
- Recognition and Rewards:
- Volunteer appreciation events and awards.
- Public recognition through newsletters and social media.
- Letters of recommendation and reference.
- Logistical Support:
- Reimbursement for approved travel and other expenses.
- Scheduling to accommodate personal commitments.
- Clear communication channels for questions and concerns.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) skills that volunteers can learn through their experiences in a chapter and training resources provided by Surfrider:
- Cultural Competence:
- Understanding and appreciating diverse backgrounds and perspectives.
- Effective communication across cultural differences.
- Bias Awareness:
- Recognizing and addressing personal and systemic biases.
- Implementing strategies to mitigate unconscious bias.
- Inclusive Leadership:
- Leading diverse teams with sensitivity and respect.
- Creating inclusive decision-making processes.
- Encouraging and valuing diverse viewpoints and contributions.
- Equitable Practices:
- Ensuring fair treatment, access, and opportunities for all.
- Identifying and addressing barriers to inclusion.
- Advocacy and Allyship:
- Supporting groups through advocacy.
- Educating others on the importance of DEI initiatives.
- Interpersonal Skills:
- Building trusting relationships with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
- Practicing active listening and empathy.
- Developing emotional intelligence
- Community Engagement:
- Collaborating with diverse community groups.
- Understanding community needs and responding effectively.
- Building partnerships that enhance community inclusion and equity.
- Education and Training:
- Facilitating DEI workshops and training sessions.
- Creating educational materials on DEI topics.
- Promoting continuous learning and awareness within the organization.
- Leadership: