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 Santa Barbara County Chapter. The EC ensures that the chapter aligns with Surfrider's mission of protecting the world's oceans, waves, and beaches.
Join Our Executive Committee
The Santa Barbara County Chapter is now accepting applications for our 2027 / 2028 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 Santa Barbara County Chapter is led by volunteers who work to protect the coast with clean water and healthy beaches from Rincon to Point Sal with a focus on protecting the Gaviota Coast.
The Executive Committee
We are looking for dedicated members, supporters, and community stakeholders to run as candidates for the two-year 2027 and 2028 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 5-11 elected volunteers (depending on # of applicants) and has the legal responsibility and authority to oversee the efforts and activities of the Santa Barbara 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 Santa Barbara County. Indigenous, People of Color, and LGBTQ+ community members are strongly encouraged to apply.
Responsibilities
The Santa Barbara 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 Surfrider and its mission, programs, campaigns, and policies to various public audiences
- Attend monthly Executive Committee meetings, and important related meetings.
- Support the planning of and attend at least two 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)
- Help identify 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 skill set as needed
- Stay informed about committee matters, prepare well for meetings, review and comment on minutes and reports, 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 monthly Executive Committee meetings. These are usually in person with a Zoom / call in option on a day/time selected by the group.
- Able to attend a two-hour annual planning session in January.
- An active Surfrider Foundation Member, and
- Able to fulfill a 2-year commitment.
Applicant Requirements
- Applicant has attended at least five chapter events or meetings within the last 12 months
- Applicant must be a current Surfrider member in good standing before taking seat January 2027
All donations made over $5 to Surfrider Santa Barbara qualify as a membership donation. Renew your membership HERE - Applicant must be a Santa Barbara County resident
- Applicant must be over 18 years of age
Applications due by 11/16/2026 at noon.
Please email Bill (bhickman@surfrider.org) with any questions.
Election Timeline
- Applications open through 11/16/2026 at noon.
- Elections at the 11/19/2026 Chapter Meeting
- New EC member onboarding late November and December before new term starts January 1st.
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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.
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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 2027-2028: Chair, Vice-Chair, Secretary, Treasurer, Volunteer Coordinator, Members-at-Large.
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Terms are two years. We are looking for members for a 2027 and 2028 term.
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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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Executive Committee meetings are monthly. These are usually in person with a Zoom / call in option.
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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.
- Leadership: