Join Our Executive Committee

The Executive Committee (EC) is a group of volunteer leaders who oversee the activities and governance of a Surfrider Foundation chapter, in this case it would be the Ventura County Chapter. The EC ensures that the chapter aligns with Surfrider's mission of protecting the world's oceans, waves, and beaches.

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. 

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.

Terms are two years. We are looking for members for 2026 and 2027.

No, Executive Committee positions are voluntary. Members commit their time and effort to support Surfrider’s mission as unpaid volunteers.

Executive Committee meetings on the 3rd Tuesday of the month from 6:30-8:00pm. These are usually in person with a Zoom / call in option.

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.

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:

1. Training and Orientation:
   • Comprehensive onboarding sessions.
   • Role-specific training programs.
   • Ongoing skill development through our Learning Management Platform.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. Recognition and Rewards:
   • Volunteer appreciation events and awards.
   • Public recognition through newsletters and social media.
   • Letters of recommendation and reference.
6. 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:

1. Cultural Competence:
   • Understanding and appreciating diverse backgrounds and perspectives.
   • Effective communication across cultural differences.
2. Bias Awareness:
   • Recognizing and addressing personal and systemic biases.
   • Implementing strategies to mitigate unconscious bias.
3. Inclusive Leadership:
   • Leading diverse teams with sensitivity and respect.
   • Creating inclusive decision-making processes.
   • Encouraging and valuing diverse viewpoints and contributions.
4. Equitable Practices:
   • Ensuring fair treatment, access, and opportunities for all.
   • Identifying and addressing barriers to inclusion.
5. Advocacy and Allyship:
   • Supporting groups through advocacy.
   • Educating others on the importance of DEI initiatives.
6. Interpersonal Skills:
   • Building trusting relationships with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
   • Practicing active listening and empathy.
   • Developing emotional intelligence
7. Community Engagement:
   • Collaborating with diverse community groups.
   • Understanding community needs and responding effectively.
   • Building partnerships that enhance community inclusion and equity.
8. Education and Training:
   • Facilitating DEI workshops and training sessions.
   • Creating educational materials on DEI topics.
   • Promoting continuous learning and awareness within the organization.