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Join Our Executive Committee

The Chicago Chapter is now accepting applications for our 2026-2027 Executive 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 Great Lakes Region consists of a volunteer network from chapters across the Great Lakes committed to protecting the fresh water coastlines in the US.  The Chicago Chapter is home to dedicated volunteers who protect the shores, waters, and waves of Lake Michigan.

 

The Executive Committee

We are looking for dedicated volunteer members, supporters, and community stakeholders to run as candidates for the two-year 2026-2027 Executive Committee term.

Our Executive Committee develops and leads the vision and priorities of the Surfrider Foundation Chicago Chapter, which is developed and carried out in conjunction with chapter members and supporters. The Executive Committee's essential work enables our chapter to carry out the Surfrider Foundation mission.

The committee will be comprised of 9 elected volunteers, including: Chair, Vice Chair, Executive Coordinator, Treasurer, Volunteer Coordinator, Social Media Coordinator, Beach Cleanup Coordinator, JEDI Coordinator (Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion), and At Large.

The Surfrider Foundation is committed to seeking a diverse pool of candidates and encourages members from any geographical region, background, race, gender, or age over 18 to apply.

Executive Committee members are elected by chapter members in good standing to serve in their chapter leadership roles.

Responsibilities

The Chicago Chapter Executive Committee is a working volunteer board of dedicated leaders, advocates, fundraisers, and supporters. All Executive Committee members are expected to carry out the responsibilities associated with their respective role, and also to devote sufficient time and energy to contributing to team discussions and decision-making.

All members are expected to:

  • Hold a particular leadership position (ex. Chair, Vice Chair, Treasurer)
  • Represent and promote the Chicago Chapter and its mission, programs, campaigns, and policies to various public audiences
  • Attend chapter meetings, monthly Executive Committee meetings, and important related meetings, such as planning retreats and national chapter training
  • Support the planning of and attend key events annually
  • 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, and regularly check 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 and willing to check email regularly, 
  • Able to attend required monthly team meetings to stay coordinated,
  • An active Surfrider Foundation Member, and
  • Able to fulfill a 2-year commitment
Specific Roles:
(Note: all hours estimates include monthly team meetings and regular chapter meetings)
 
  • Chair – Responsible for leading the team, facilitating meetings, serving as local figure-head and primary point of contact with Surfrider Foundation HQ. Keeps chapter organized and moving forward. Lead organizer for chapter general membership meetings and Executive Committee meetings. Time commitment: ~4-6 hrs per week
  • Vice Chair – Supports the Chair and acts as Chair in the absence of the Chair. Leads a chapter mission-based project (i.e. campaign or program as selected by the chapter.) Time commitment: ~4-6 hrs per week
  • Executive Coordinator – Responsible for organizing chapter meetings and keeping meeting minutes and transmitting those to Executive Committee members, chapter members, and Surfrider Foundation HQ.  The Executive Coordinator will be responsible for drafting a monthly newsletter with Hubspot and sending email reminders for events and meetings. Time commitment: ~4 hrs weekly
  • Treasurer - Responsible for administering the chapter's finances including deposits, disbursement of payments, budgeting, tracking expenses and receipts, and quarterly financial reporting. Time commitment: ~ 3 hrs per week
  • Volunteer Coordinator - Responsible for fielding incoming volunteer inquiries and helping to recruit volunteers for chapter priority projects. Maintains a list of volunteer opportunities on the Golden platform. ~4 hrs per week
  • Social Media Coordinator - Leads on chapter marketing efforts via chapter social media accounts. Maintains a marketing calendar. Works with project leads and Volunteer Coordinator to identify and coordinate timely marketing needs. Creates or curates written copy and marketing graphics. Time commitment: ~4 hrs per week
  • Beach Cleanup Coordinator - Leads chapter beach cleanups ~once per month during cleanup season. Secures permission/permits and completes insurance request form. Brings chapter supplies to cleanups and sets up tent and table. Provides orientation to the beach cleanup to volunteers. Guides litter data collection efforts and enters data in beach cleanup database to track trends and impact. ~10 hrs monthly
  • JEDI Coordinator (Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion) - JEDI Coordinator (Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion) - leads implementation of Surfrider Foundation's justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion principles and commitments (https://www.surfrider.org/justice-equity-diversity-inclusion). Helps to facilitate an inclusive volunteer experience and build partnerships with organizations to advance mutual goals related to equity and inclusion, beach access, and environmental justice. Time commitment: ~3-4 hrs weekly.
  • At Large - This member brings a broader perspective to the table, representing the interests of the general public and membership. Encouraged to lead and/or contribute to a chapter priority project as determined with the Executive Committee team. Time commitment: ~4 hrs weekly.
Apply to Executive Committee
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Applicant Requirements

  1. Applicant should have attended at least one chapter event within the last 12 months
  2. Applicant must be a current Surfrider member in good standing
    All donations made over $5 to the Chicago of the Surfrider Foundation qualify as a membership donation. Renew your membership HERE
  3. Applicant must be a resident of greater Chicagoland
  4. Applicants must provide the name of a current chapter Executive Committee member or chapter member to second their nomination.
  5. Applicants should provide a short background summary and prepare a brief (less than 2 minute) stump speech about their interest and qualifications for the role they seek to be delivered at the January election.
  6. Applicant must be over 18 years of age

Applications due by 1/12/2026.

Apply by filling out this form.

Please email Sarah Damron with questions.

Election Timeline

1. Applications open through 1-12-2026

2. Candidates are announced

3. Surfrider Members vote in-person at chapter meeting on January 14, 2025 (Location TBD - RSVP here)

 
Apply to Executive Committee

FAQs


What is the Surfrider Foundation Chicago Chapter Executive Committee?

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 Chicago Chapter. They ensure that the chapter aligns with Surfrider's mission of protecting the Great Lakes, oceans, waves, and beaches.


How long is the term for an Executive Committee member?

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

Do Executive Committee members get paid?

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

What is the relationship between the Executive Committee and Surfrider's national organization?

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.

Who can vote in the Executive Committee election?

Paid members are allowed to vote in the election.

When and where will the Executive Committee election be held?

The election will be held at ___ at _____.

 

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.

Volunteer Resources and Support Provided by the Surfrider Foundation:

  1. Training and Orientation
  2. Staff Guidance
  3. Professional Development
  4. Networking Opportunities
  5. Recognition and Rewards
  6. Logistical Support