S u r f r i d e r F o u n d a t i o n
“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.”- Surfrider Foundation Mission Statement
Who is the Surfrider Foundation?
The Surfrider Foundation is a non-profit environmental organization dedicated to the protection and preservation of the world's oceans, waves, and beaches. Founded in 1984 by a group of local surfers in Malibu, California, it has since then grown to be a global network with roughly 200+ chapters and volunteers across the world, as well as over 100 active environmental capaigns. The foundation focuses on various initiatives such as beach cleanups, water quality testing, coastal preservation, and advocacy for policies that promote marine and coastline conservation. Through education, grassroots activism, and community engagement- Surfrider works to ensure the health, beauty, and sustainability of coastal ecosystems for both recreational enjoyment and ecologically conscious well-being.
The Surfrider Foundation is a non-profit environmental organization dedicated to the protection and preservation of the world's oceans, waves, and beaches. Founded in 1984 by a group of local surfers in Malibu, California, it has since then grown to be a global network with roughly 200+ chapters and volunteers across the world, as well as over 100 active environmental capaigns. The foundation focuses on various initiatives such as beach cleanups, water quality testing, coastal preservation, and advocacy for policies that promote marine and coastline conservation. Through education, grassroots activism, and community engagement- Surfrider works to ensure the health, beauty, and sustainability of coastal ecosystems for both recreational enjoyment and ecologically conscious well-being.
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Who am I?
My name is Lauren Dale, and I am a senior at Portland State University studying to get my B.S degree in Public Health with a focus in Community Outreach. I moved to Portland back in Fall of 2018, and have only recently had to relocate back to my hometown of Huntington Beach, CA- which is where the focus of my community work has been throughout this experience.
Why did I chose this work? When I first enrolled at Portland State University, my original passion and degree pursuit was in Environmental Science. When I was in high school, my family and I lived in Huntington Beach, California. I became very involved in the local environmental communities, and even got involved in leadership with my schools sustainability program. My mentor and teacher in this program was on the board of Surfrider, and encouraged myself and many of his students to get involved! Many positive memories were spent at beach clean-ups, and I found a great community of people that were bonded by one main aspect: our love for our ocean and environmental future. Moving back I was excited to reach back out. |
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Reflection
Why is this Work Important?
The work of the Surfrider Foundation is critically important as it serves as a guardian of our planet's oceans, waves, and beaches. Their main focus of action is working towards critical issues such as pollution, overdevelopment, and habitat destruction that threaten coastal ecosystems. The Surfrider Foundation also emphasizes the importance for economic sustainability in the communities it serves- as beaches and coastlines play a vital role in supporting tourism and local coastal communities. Moreover, the organization works towards environmental justice while ensuring equitable access and enjoyment to clean water and sustainable beaches for all, regardless of socio-economic background. All-in-all, they provide a safe space for people to involve themselves and connect with likeminded individuals in their communities.
The work of the Surfrider Foundation is critically important as it serves as a guardian of our planet's oceans, waves, and beaches. Their main focus of action is working towards critical issues such as pollution, overdevelopment, and habitat destruction that threaten coastal ecosystems. The Surfrider Foundation also emphasizes the importance for economic sustainability in the communities it serves- as beaches and coastlines play a vital role in supporting tourism and local coastal communities. Moreover, the organization works towards environmental justice while ensuring equitable access and enjoyment to clean water and sustainable beaches for all, regardless of socio-economic background. All-in-all, they provide a safe space for people to involve themselves and connect with likeminded individuals in their communities.
What I have learned through working with the Surfrider Foundation:
I think the biggest takeaway I took with me in this experience is that even in a post-COVID world, humans have an innate ability to band together for the greater good. Within this foundation, I met many individuals from many different kinds of backgrounds, identities, and ideologies. I watched how people were able to set any kind of biases aside to work together effectively and all contribute to effecting some kind of change in our missions. I also worried that since COVID it has become difficult for people get involved past being behind a computer screen, and seeing how many individuals are ready to connect in person and create a space for individuals who need that outlet has been incredibly inspiring. I felt how fulfilling human connection through acts of service can be.
I think the biggest takeaway I took with me in this experience is that even in a post-COVID world, humans have an innate ability to band together for the greater good. Within this foundation, I met many individuals from many different kinds of backgrounds, identities, and ideologies. I watched how people were able to set any kind of biases aside to work together effectively and all contribute to effecting some kind of change in our missions. I also worried that since COVID it has become difficult for people get involved past being behind a computer screen, and seeing how many individuals are ready to connect in person and create a space for individuals who need that outlet has been incredibly inspiring. I felt how fulfilling human connection through acts of service can be.
How does this work relate to our Senior Capstone?
The Surfrider Foundation's portrayal of inclusivity reflects PSU University Studies Program's theme of fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion. Through advocating for equal access to clean water and sustainable coastlines for all communities- regardless of race or socioeconomic status, the Foundation represents the principles of social justice that are central to our university's mission. It also displays how these themes bleed into all aspects of activism, and how environmental justice is still a form of social justice. Communication is another theme widely displayed through the work done at the Surfrider Foundation. Communication is vital for the foundation to portray the importance of coastal conservation issues to a range of audience, such as policymakers and the local communities. Utilizing several ways of communication, such as social media, educational programs, public events, and partnerships with media outlets, the Surfrider Foundation is able to convey information about the current threats facing oceans and beaches, what kind of conservation efforts can be made, and inform about opportunities for public involvement. Through open dialogue and mobilized support, the organization engages their communities in collective action to protect our coastal environments.
The Surfrider Foundation's portrayal of inclusivity reflects PSU University Studies Program's theme of fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion. Through advocating for equal access to clean water and sustainable coastlines for all communities- regardless of race or socioeconomic status, the Foundation represents the principles of social justice that are central to our university's mission. It also displays how these themes bleed into all aspects of activism, and how environmental justice is still a form of social justice. Communication is another theme widely displayed through the work done at the Surfrider Foundation. Communication is vital for the foundation to portray the importance of coastal conservation issues to a range of audience, such as policymakers and the local communities. Utilizing several ways of communication, such as social media, educational programs, public events, and partnerships with media outlets, the Surfrider Foundation is able to convey information about the current threats facing oceans and beaches, what kind of conservation efforts can be made, and inform about opportunities for public involvement. Through open dialogue and mobilized support, the organization engages their communities in collective action to protect our coastal environments.
Goals
What I have accomplished through this community:
In the past, Surfrider had allowed me to start up a community garden and recycling program at the high school I had attended, and with that we built a large sustainability education outlet for the youth of Huntington Beach. That was back in 2015, and since then the Green Team at Huntington Beach High School has flourished. Coming back 9 years later, and no longer a teenager- I wanted to get involved with the program that taught me what community engagement really looks like from a more adult standpoint. Since being back in the program, I have involved myself on the ground level, going to organized volunteer events so I can better know the community I could potentially be serving. I have also put in great efforts to establish relationships with some of the leadership members, as many of them are itching for new ideas and new perspectives. Becoming involved in this organization has allowed me to tap back into a larger community in our post-COVID world, and has shown me how to spread this outlet for others who may need it as well.
In the past, Surfrider had allowed me to start up a community garden and recycling program at the high school I had attended, and with that we built a large sustainability education outlet for the youth of Huntington Beach. That was back in 2015, and since then the Green Team at Huntington Beach High School has flourished. Coming back 9 years later, and no longer a teenager- I wanted to get involved with the program that taught me what community engagement really looks like from a more adult standpoint. Since being back in the program, I have involved myself on the ground level, going to organized volunteer events so I can better know the community I could potentially be serving. I have also put in great efforts to establish relationships with some of the leadership members, as many of them are itching for new ideas and new perspectives. Becoming involved in this organization has allowed me to tap back into a larger community in our post-COVID world, and has shown me how to spread this outlet for others who may need it as well.
What I hope to accomplish going forward:
As previously mentioned in my first presentation on this work, I am still currently looking into a potential position available on the board for the Southern Orange County Chapter with the Surfrider Foundation. If I were to go through with a leadership opportunity, I would be taking charge in facilitating the monthly beach clean-ups, as well as expanding Surfrider's "Ocean Friendly Restaurants" program by reaching out to community business owners. Overall, as I am reconnecting with my new space and rediscovered community, I would love to take an inititive to get more younger folks involved with Surfrider, as I know it was an amazing space for me to flourish and find passion when I was in my adolescence.
As previously mentioned in my first presentation on this work, I am still currently looking into a potential position available on the board for the Southern Orange County Chapter with the Surfrider Foundation. If I were to go through with a leadership opportunity, I would be taking charge in facilitating the monthly beach clean-ups, as well as expanding Surfrider's "Ocean Friendly Restaurants" program by reaching out to community business owners. Overall, as I am reconnecting with my new space and rediscovered community, I would love to take an inititive to get more younger folks involved with Surfrider, as I know it was an amazing space for me to flourish and find passion when I was in my adolescence.