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 to six ‘at large’ EC members if they choose. As volunteers, perfection is not expected, but dedication is important. EC members typically meet separately from the general chapter meeting once a month to discuss chapter business and finances, along with engaging in regular communication via Surfrider officer email.
Election
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 2025 and 2026 starting in the new year. Each year there are typically 3-5 open positions to help ensure some consistency and institutional knowledge on the EC. For the 2024/25 election we are looking for 2-4 new members to join us. We’re actively recruiting for the Chair, Vice Chair, Treasurer, Volunteer Coordinator, Secretary and At-Large positions.
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 and time commitment, who will perform those duties in the coming year.
Nominations
Any chapter member in good standing may nominate yourself between October 1st and November 15th. A chapter member in good standing is defined as any member of the Surfrider Foundation in South Orange County who has attended at least three (3) chapter meetings or 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 yourself through this form: https://forms.gle/167T6jp8akwp5AyR8
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 Monterey in 2025.
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
Primary Chapter Chair Role and Responsibilities:
- The Chair acts as the link between the chapter and Surfrider Foundation Headquarters.
- Acts as the main administrator & leader of the chapter
- Chairs monthly chapter meetings
- Chairs monthly Executive Committee meetings
- Be a signer on the chapter bank account
- Be the lead spokesperson for the chapter.
- Field media calls or delegate them out
- Calls for votes among the chapter’s Executive Committee
- Leads annual, strategic, and operations planning for the chapter
- Makes sure the chapter is in compliance with all governance procedures
Vice Chair
- Runs meetings in the Chair’s absence
- Performs other duties of the Chair as needed
- Ideally chairs a committee of the chapter, either event, program, member development. or campaign committee
Secretary
- Prepares each month’s Executive Committee meeting agenda in Google Docs
- Takes notes during the EC meeting and emails them to the EC after the meeting.
- Provides general support for the Executive Committee
Treasurer
- Manages chapter bank account, record-keeping, reconciliations, reports, and basic payment processing.
- The Treasurer serves as the financial custodian for the chapter, safeguarding the chapter’s funds and ensuring their responsible management.
- They adhere to all Surfrider Foundation Chapter Financial Guidelines, Bylaws and Requirements ensuring ethical and responsible use of funds raised on behalf of the Surfrider Foundation.
Volunteer Coordinator
- This includes managing volunteer opportunities, communication, tracking, program development, and basic volunteer support.
- The coordinator is not responsible for identifying all the volunteer needs of the chapter, but works in coordination with the Executive Committee to provide volunteer opportunities with the chapter.
- The Volunteer Coordinator plays an important role in attracting, engaging, and supporting volunteers, ultimately contributing significantly to the chapter’s success in achieving the mission.
- A Volunteer Coordinator thrives with a blend of organizational skills, interpersonal strengths, and a passion for bringing people together to create positive change.
At-Large
- Attends EC meetings and has an active voting role on the EC
- Provides general support to the EC as it is needed throughout the year.
- We are specifically looking for someone to be our Events Coordinator to take a lead role in coordinating with the Chair to organize logistics for chapter meetings, planning tabling opportunities at community outreach events, etc.