The Surfrider Foundation is dedicated to the protection and enjoyment of the world’s ocean, waves, and beaches, for all people, through a powerful activist network.

Our volunteers are the lifeblood of the Surfrider Foundation. And being a surfer is NOT required to be a Surfrider activist!

If you’re passionate about the ocean, our coastline, clean water, or beach accessibility, Surfrider is the perfect place to find community and support around taking action!

Beach Cleanup Coordinator

The Beach Cleanup Coordinator is responsible for overseeing, managing, and coordinating all cleanup activities associated with the chapter’s Beach Cleanup Program. This role ensures high-quality, well-organized cleanups, supports volunteer engagement, maintains essential partnerships, and upholds Surfrider Foundation standards for safety, permitting, and data reporting. The Coordinator works closely with chapter volunteers, staff, community partners, and corporate groups to sustain and grow the program’s impact.

Volunteer type: Ongoing

Time commitment: ~10 hours per month 

How to get involved: Email Belle at brudd@slo.surfrider.org 

Climate/Energy Storytelling Team 

As a member of the Climate/Energy Storytelling Team, you'll tell the story of local climate solutions and the clean energy transition. Use photo, video, writing, or social media skills to capture moments, elevate voices, and inspire action across our community.

Interests good for this role: Storytelling, renewable energy, climate change.

Skills good for this role: writing, graphic design, social media, or photography skills.

Examples of tasks: 

• Write blog posts/newsletter articles about local climate issues/solutions
• Create shareable graphics
• Manage social media content related to the program
• Photograph events and climate impacts.

Volunteer type: Ongoing

Time commitment: Roughly 3 to 6 hours per month remotely plus a monthly check-in to collaborate with the team.

How to get involved: Email Jake: jmcnevin@slo.surfrider.org

Energy Choice Impact Researcher 

As an Energy Choice Impact Researcher, you'll help quantify impacts of energy consumption and production.

Interests that are good for this role: climate change, energy production, grid operations, ecology

Examples of tasks: 

• Find the direct and quantifiable relationship between atmospheric carbon concentration and ocean acidification
• Enumerate direct and quantifiable relationships between ocean acidification and ocean ecology or health
• Enumerate direct and quantifiable relationships between various types of gaseous pollution and ecology or health
• Enumerate direct and quantifiable relationships between global temperature change and ecology or health
• Establish the direct and quantifiable relationship between global temperature fluctuation or whiplash and extreme weather events or regional airidity

Volunteer type: Ongoing

Time commitment: Roughly 3 to 6 hours per month remotely plus a monthly check-in to collaborate with the team.

How to get involved: Email Jake: jmcnevin@slo.surfrider.org

Ocean Friendly Restaurants Coordinator

As part of the Ocean Friendly Restaurants team, you'll help to reduce plastic pollution and encourage sustainable practices by working with restaurants throughout SLO County to sign up as an Ocean Friendly Restaurant.

Interests good for this role: Plastics reduction, restaurants, talking with people.

Skills good for this role: Communication skills in person and online.

Volunteer type: Weekly / ongoing

Time commitment: 1-3 hours per week

How to get involved: Email Belle at brudd@slo.surfrider.org 

Other Areas to Contribute

• Event coordination
• Oceano Vehicle Free Beach campaign advocacy
• SLO Creek Estuary restoration
• Ocean protection
• Climate and clean energy
• Plastic pollution reduction

If you are interested in any of these volunteer areas, email Belle at brudd@slo.surfrider.org