What is the EC?

The Executive Committee (EC) is a group of volunteers responsible for running a Surfrider Foundation chapter. It’s a fun and rewarding position that requires 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 on two or four at large EC members if they choose. In 2023, Surfrider Ventura has a seven-person EC and is seeking to keep this size for 2024. As volunteers, perfection is not expected, but dedication is important. Each month, EC members meet separately from the general chapter meeting (the first Tuesday of each month) to discuss chapter business and finances, along with engaging in regular communication via Surfrider officer emails. In 2023, EC members met on the third Tuesday of each month for 1.5 - 2 hours in the evening (6:30 pm - 8/8:30 pm).

Election Process

Executive Committee members are elected for a two-year term by a vote of active members in November. The top vote-getters will become part of the EC for 2024 and 2025 starting in the new year. Each year there are typically 2-3 open positions to help ensure some consistency and institutional knowledge on the EC. During our December EC Meeting (Tuesday, December 19th) we will have all current and newly elected EC members meet together. Potential open positions for 2024 include:

Secretary: The Secretary is primarily responsible for preparing each month’s EC meeting agenda, keeping minutes and notes during the EC meeting, and sharing agendas with EC members. 

Volunteer Coordinator: The Volunteer Coordinator is responsible for recruiting new chapter members and volunteers and placing volunteers within Surfrider’s various programs and volunteer opportunities. The Volunteer Coordinator builds chapter membership, increases member and volunteer satisfaction, and leads backend volunteer organization and communication. This role has an active voting role on the EC. We can’t emphasize enough how important this role is in supporting and sustaining chapter growth!

At-Large: The At-Large position attends EC meetings and has an active voting role on the EC. This position is critical in providing general support to the EC as it is needed throughout the year. This may include supporting campaign development, public events, volunteer recruitment strategies, following local policy developments, etc.

The chapter general body elects EC members; it does not elect specific positions. After the election, the new EC members will meet with the current and outgoing EC members to discuss the duties of the various positions to determine, based on interest, experience and time commitment, who will perform those duties in the coming year.

Nomination Process

Any chapter member in good standing may nominate themself between October 1st and November 3rd. A chapter member in good standing is defined as any member of the Surfrider Foundation in Ventura County who has attended at least three chapter meetings or three chapter events in the twelve months preceding the election. 

Please self-nominate yourself through this form. You will be asked to provide information on why you are interested in joining the Executive Committee, your qualifications, and to specify the EC position that you are particularly interested in being considered for. Please submit the form by November 3rd, as late nominations will be not be considered.

 BIPOC and members of the LGBTQ+ communities are strongly encouraged to apply.

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. 

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, and 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 Members' Essential Functions:

• Prioritize and support chapter campaigns and programs
• Organize and staff community outreach events
• Organize and plan fundraising and awareness events 

• Coordinate and support volunteers
•  Participate in and co-lead subcommittees, i.e. campaign, program or event committees.
•  Communicate regularly with and be responsive to Regional or 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