Volunteer Opportunities
Regions
Statewide Campaigns - Volunteer Opportunities
The Special Places Campaign is focused on protecting special coastal and ocean places through the establishment of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), including fully-protected Marine Reserves. Community Organizers are volunteers that work to build support in their community for establishing real habitat protections for Oregon's Ocean (http://www.surfrider.org/specialplaces/index.htm). To volunteer contact Pete Stauffer pstauffer@surfrider.org
Activities May Include: (choose what interests you!)
- Write letters to the editor in local newspaper
- Attend public meetings and provide comments on behalf of Surfrider
- Gather petition signatures from local residents
- Host home screening of Common Ground film (guest speakers provided)
- Develop Action Alert for website
- Secure endorsements from city council members
- Outreach to local surfers, windsurfers, kayakers, fishermen on topic
- Participate in local ocean action teams (e.g. Port Orford)
Pete Stauffer
Oregon Policy Coordinator, Surfrider Foundation
(503)887-0514
pstauffer@surfrider.org
Wave Energy
Wave Energy planning is moving forward quickly on the Oregon Coast. Proposed projects include Newport (2), Florence, Reedsport, Winchester Bay, Coos Bay, and Bandon. Surfrider's interested role is to make sure that wave energy development in Oregon happens in a responsible way and that concerns related to environmental impacts, public safety, ocean recreation, etc are substantively addressed.
Volunteer opportunites include:
- Participate in local stakeholder planning procceses
- Technical reveiw (e.g., EMFs, wave height extraction)
- Educate surfers and other citizens on the issue (e.g. presentations)
- Legal research support
To volunteer: contact Pete pstauffer@surfrider.org
North Coast and Portland Volunteer Opportunities
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Jocelyn Gary is the Portland Chapter and North Coast volunteer coordinator. While many of the contacts for volunteer opportunities differ below, Jocelyn can always help coordinate your inquiries with all opportunities in the right direction garyjocelyn@gmail.com.
Cinco de Mayo Marine Debris Presentation with Ximena at the Ecotrust Building
Please join us for beer and Hot Lips Pizza and a presentation given by Ximena on the growing problem of Marine Debris.
When: May 5th, 2008
Where: Ecotrust Building
Interested in helping with promotions and getting fliers out? Contact Stiv Wilson at stivjwilson@gmail.com.
Kona Brewing and The Surfrider Foundations presents: PINT NIGHT
Please join us for an evening of pints, drinks, fantastic food, and get to know Surfrider and our mission here in the various regions of Oregon.
Where: Backspace, 115 NW 5th (between Couch and Davis)
When: Wednesday June 21st from 5-10 p.m.
Interested in helping out with tabling and/or want more information? Contact Jocelyn Gary at garyjocelyn@gmail.com.
Interested in helping with promotions and getting fliers out? Contact Stiv Wilson at stivjwilson@gmail.com.
Blue Water Task Force: Oswald West to Seaside
The Portland chapter has officially moved our water quality lab to Astoria High School. In the coming months the chapter will be looking for north coast volunteers to help collect samples and transport samples along the north coast from Oswald West State Park to Seaside. Our sampling days are Mondays. This would include collecting ocean samples and taking them to the lab drop off site to be tested. Interested in helping with sampling, contact Mark "Finger" Taylor finger@coldwatersurf.com. If interested in helping with Astoria High School's lab and students contact Tim Roth at dignenpdx@hotmail.com.
Snowrider Project
Snowrider is a mountain watershed awareness and educational program that participates in a variety of activities from mountain cleanups to tabling and outreach. Current Snowrider Events are:
Mt. Hood Climb: Timberline/Whiter River Glacier Route
When: next good weather window.
Where: meet at Timberline Logde
What: Please join The Snowrider Foundation and CRAG Lawfirm on a liesure climb up Mt. Hood!
Mt. Hood Ski Bowl Clean Up
Date: TBDAS (to be determined after snow melts: leading towards end of May/beginning of June).
Where: Mt. Hood Ski Bowl
Please join the Snowrider Foundation in helping Mt. Hood Ski Bowl in cleaning up the slopes after the snow melts. Interesting articles of equipment are always found and enjoy helping out our local ski resort in helping to keep our mountain watershed clean!
Interested in finding out more, check out the Snowrider Project Website at http://snowriderpdx.wordpress.com/, and contact Michael Halle at michael@mhalle.com.
Clean Water Classic
Surfrider Chapters in Oregon, Washington, and Vancouver B.C. have joined forces once again for the annual surfing contest held in Westport, WA. Event volunteers are needed for tabling booths, AV Specialists, Silent Auction Volunteers, Registration Room Volunteers, Set-up/Clean-up Volunteers, Raffle Volunteers, and Beach Volunteers. For more information contact Matty Darcy at rimquiv108@comcast.net.
SOLV Spring Cleanups April 19th
The Portland Chapter is joining our local kyaking groups and we're looking for Volunteers to for zonedclean up the banks of the Clackamas River with SOLV on April 19th.
Where: Meet at the Carver Boat Ramp (off Hwy 224 in Clackamas OR)
When: April 19th, 2008, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Who: people who care about our rivers and our watersheds; 12 years old or older.
What To Bring: there are two groups: 1) Folks who float the river and get out along the way to pick up trash, and 2) Folks who want to clean up the park (the park rangers will be handling this crew).
The floating is funa nd this section of the river has very few rapids so you could float it on a surfboard.
If you plan to float you will need: 1. clothing to keep you warm in the chilly water, 2. Gloves (work or latex), 3. A US Coast Guard approved PFD (pdx kyakers can get some loaned if you need on just contact Melissa below), and 4. shoes/footwear that you would walk on sometime steep, vegetated and sometime slippery banks.
There are plans to get food and drinks afterwards at the Carver Hanger afterwards! Hope to see you there! -Melissa
If your interested contact Melissa Bearns at melissa@melissabearns.com.
Portland: Storm Drain Marking (May-September)
Portland Chapter volunteers install "Dump No Waste" permanent curb markers with The City of Portland during the summer months. This reminds people that storm drain catch basins are for rainwater only. Contact John Thompson SurfAeronca@Hotmail.com to learn more about stormdrain marking. Currently we mark on the 3rd Thursday of every month.
Volunteer Opportunities include:
*Event Announcing and Recruitment: Announce event monthly and help encourage volunteer participation.
*Storm Drain Volunteers: Participate in monthly stormdrain marking. Training Time: 10 minutes. Time Commitment: 1-2 hours monthly. Prior Experience: None.
First Saturdays at Short Sands - Beach Cleanups - Summer/Fall
We are currently planning our summer beach cleanup program. We're looking for a volunteer to step up as a coordinator for these cleanups and volunteers! Please check out our calendar of events later this spring for more information (http://www.surfrider.org/oregon/events.html).
City of Beaverton's 2008 Neighborhood Summit
The City of Beaverton is holding their annual neighborhood summit and we have been asked to table a booth with information regarding Surfrider and how local residences can get involved with our non-profit. The event is Saturday April 19th, from 9am-noon at the Beaverton Library. If your interested contact Jocelyn Gary at garyjocelyn@gmail.com.
Clean Water Festival
We are looking for a volunteer to help with the Clean Water Festival on April 24th at Portland Community College Sylvania Campus (http://www.cleanwaterfestival.org/). We’re signed up to table this event and need at least two volunteers to plan and cover this Festival. This would be tabling with kid friendly activities for children to participate in! If your interested contact Jocelyn Gary at garyjocelyn@gmail.com.
Educational Beach Cleanups
Teachers, students and camps welcome! For school and camp groups we have educational beach cleanup scavenger hunts to keep you’re your kids having fun while they learn and develop stewardship skills. Give us a couple of weeks notice and we’ll provide everything you need to make your trip to the beach respectful and fun! Contact Charlie at cplybon@surfrider.org. Other educational materials also available.
Tabling and other Events
Want to learn more about Surfrider, make some new friends and help promote our message, then tabling events might be just for you! Tabling involves hanging out in cool places like surf contests, concerts, the beach, or festivals. Warning: oftentimes tabling events involve (although do not require) listening to killer bands, exhaustive dancing and consumption of alcohol…be prepared to have fun.
Cinco de Mayo Marine Debris Presentation with Ximena at the Ecotrust Building
Please join us for beer and Hot Lips Pizza and a presentation given by Ximena on the growing problem of Marine Debris.
When: May 5th, 2008
Where: Ecotrust Building
Interested in helping with promotions and getting fliers out? Contact Stiv Wilson at stivjwilson@gmail.com.
Kona Brewing and The Surfrider Foundations presents: PINT NIGHT
Please join us for an evening of pints, drinks, fantastic food, and get to know Surfrider and our mission here in the various regions of Oregon.
Where: Backspace, 115 NW 5th (between Couch and Davis)
When: Wednesday June 21st from 5-10 p.m.
Interested in helping out with tabling and/or want more information? Contact Jocelyn Gary at garyjocelyn@gmail.com.
Interested in helping with promotions and getting fliers out? Contact Stiv Wilson at stivjwilson@gmail.com.
Blue Water Task Force: Oswald West to Seaside
The Portland chapter has officially moved our water quality lab to Astoria High School. In the coming months the chapter will be looking for north coast volunteers to help collect samples and transport samples along the north coast from Oswald West State Park to Seaside. Our sampling days are Mondays. This would include collecting ocean samples and taking them to the lab drop off site to be tested. Interested in helping with sampling, contact Mark "Finger" Taylor finger@coldwatersurf.com. If interested in helping with Astoria High School's lab and students contact Tim Roth at dignenpdx@hotmail.com.
Snowrider Project
Snowrider is a mountain watershed awareness and educational program that participates in a variety of activities from mountain cleanups to tabling and outreach. Current Snowrider Events are:
Mt. Hood Climb: Timberline/Whiter River Glacier Route
When: next good weather window.
Where: meet at Timberline Logde
What: Please join The Snowrider Foundation and CRAG Lawfirm on a liesure climb up Mt. Hood!
Mt. Hood Ski Bowl Clean Up
Date: TBDAS (to be determined after snow melts: leading towards end of May/beginning of June).
Where: Mt. Hood Ski Bowl
Please join the Snowrider Foundation in helping Mt. Hood Ski Bowl in cleaning up the slopes after the snow melts. Interesting articles of equipment are always found and enjoy helping out our local ski resort in helping to keep our mountain watershed clean!
Interested in finding out more, check out the Snowrider Project Website at http://snowriderpdx.wordpress.com/, and contact Michael Halle at michael@mhalle.com.
Clean Water Classic
Surfrider Chapters in Oregon, Washington, and Vancouver B.C. have joined forces once again for the annual surfing contest held in Westport, WA. Event volunteers are needed for tabling booths, AV Specialists, Silent Auction Volunteers, Registration Room Volunteers, Set-up/Clean-up Volunteers, Raffle Volunteers, and Beach Volunteers. For more information contact Matty Darcy at rimquiv108@comcast.net.
SOLV Spring Cleanups April 19th
The Portland Chapter is joining our local kyaking groups and we're looking for Volunteers to for zonedclean up the banks of the Clackamas River with SOLV on April 19th.
Where: Meet at the Carver Boat Ramp (off Hwy 224 in Clackamas OR)
When: April 19th, 2008, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Who: people who care about our rivers and our watersheds; 12 years old or older.
What To Bring: there are two groups: 1) Folks who float the river and get out along the way to pick up trash, and 2) Folks who want to clean up the park (the park rangers will be handling this crew).
The floating is funa nd this section of the river has very few rapids so you could float it on a surfboard.
If you plan to float you will need: 1. clothing to keep you warm in the chilly water, 2. Gloves (work or latex), 3. A US Coast Guard approved PFD (pdx kyakers can get some loaned if you need on just contact Melissa below), and 4. shoes/footwear that you would walk on sometime steep, vegetated and sometime slippery banks.
There are plans to get food and drinks afterwards at the Carver Hanger afterwards! Hope to see you there! -Melissa
If your interested contact Melissa Bearns at melissa@melissabearns.com.
Portland: Storm Drain Marking (May-September)
Portland Chapter volunteers install "Dump No Waste" permanent curb markers with The City of Portland during the summer months. This reminds people that storm drain catch basins are for rainwater only. Contact John Thompson SurfAeronca@Hotmail.com to learn more about stormdrain marking. Currently we mark on the 3rd Thursday of every month.
Volunteer Opportunities include:
*Event Announcing and Recruitment: Announce event monthly and help encourage volunteer participation.
*Storm Drain Volunteers: Participate in monthly stormdrain marking. Training Time: 10 minutes. Time Commitment: 1-2 hours monthly. Prior Experience: None.
First Saturdays at Short Sands - Beach Cleanups - Summer/Fall
We are currently planning our summer beach cleanup program. We're looking for a volunteer to step up as a coordinator for these cleanups and volunteers! Please check out our calendar of events later this spring for more information (http://www.surfrider.org/oregon/events.html).
City of Beaverton's 2008 Neighborhood Summit
The City of Beaverton is holding their annual neighborhood summit and we have been asked to table a booth with information regarding Surfrider and how local residences can get involved with our non-profit. The event is Saturday April 19th, from 9am-noon at the Beaverton Library. If your interested contact Jocelyn Gary at garyjocelyn@gmail.com.
Clean Water Festival
We are looking for a volunteer to help with the Clean Water Festival on April 24th at Portland Community College Sylvania Campus (http://www.cleanwaterfestival.org/). We’re signed up to table this event and need at least two volunteers to plan and cover this Festival. This would be tabling with kid friendly activities for children to participate in! If your interested contact Jocelyn Gary at garyjocelyn@gmail.com.
Educational Beach Cleanups
Teachers, students and camps welcome! For school and camp groups we have educational beach cleanup scavenger hunts to keep you’re your kids having fun while they learn and develop stewardship skills. Give us a couple of weeks notice and we’ll provide everything you need to make your trip to the beach respectful and fun! Contact Charlie at cplybon@surfrider.org. Other educational materials also available.
Tabling and other Events
Want to learn more about Surfrider, make some new friends and help promote our message, then tabling events might be just for you! Tabling involves hanging out in cool places like surf contests, concerts, the beach, or festivals. Warning: oftentimes tabling events involve (although do not require) listening to killer bands, exhaustive dancing and consumption of alcohol…be prepared to have fun.
Jack Johnson: St. Helens OR August 20th 7:00 PM
Interested in tabling a booth at Jack Johnson's concert here in St. Helen's OR? Watch an amazing performer and spread the word about how locals can help perserve our local fresh and salt water habitats!
Want to learn more or participate in an upcoming event, contact Jocelyn Gary at garyjocelyn@gmail.com.
More Information about Volunteering with Surfrider
If you like to check out our Volunteer Menu Book from our Nationals, you can read further about opportunities at mailto:http://www.surfrider.org/files/Volunteer_Menu_Book.pdf.
Interested in learning more about beach conservation and how you can sustainably keep our beaches green? Check out our "20 Simple Things You Can Do For Cleaner Oceans, Beaches, and Waves" at mailto:http://www.surfrider.org/files/Twenty_Ways_2006.pdf.
More Information about Volunteering with Surfrider
If you like to check out our Volunteer Menu Book from our Nationals, you can read further about opportunities at mailto:http://www.surfrider.org/files/Volunteer_Menu_Book.pdf.
Interested in learning more about beach conservation and how you can sustainably keep our beaches green? Check out our "20 Simple Things You Can Do For Cleaner Oceans, Beaches, and Waves" at mailto:http://www.surfrider.org/files/Twenty_Ways_2006.pdf.
Central Coast Opportunities
Beth Wiley is the Volunteer Coordinator for the Newport/Central Coast Chapter. While many of the contacts for volunteer opportunities differ below, Beth can always help coordinate your inquiries with all opportunities in the right direction (wileybe@onid.orst.edu).
Blue Water Task Force
Sampling water quality and research is one of the primary focal points of the Newport/Central Coast Chapter. We sample 4-8 sites, some on a monthly frequency and others on a weekly frequency. We are always in need and recruiting new volunteers to help collect samples, participate in research and support our local water campaigns through grassroots advocacy. As with most volunteer opportunities there are many levels of commitment. Listed below are some of the easier introductory opportunities. Please contact Beth at wileybe@onid.orst.edu.
Otter Rock Sampler: Collect monthly water quality samples from otter rock and transport to Oregon Coast Aquarium drop box.
Training Time: 1-2 hours maximum
Time Commitment: 1-2 hours monthly
Prior Experience: None
Nye Beach/Agate Beach and South Beach Sampler: Collect monthly water quality samples from either Nye Beach area or South Beach area and transport to Oregon Coast Aquarium drop box.
Training Time: 1-2 hours maximum
Time Commitment: 1-2 hours monthly
Prior Experience: None
Nye Creek Research and Campaign Workgroup
For the past several years, the Central Coast Chapter has been meeting with the city to discuss concerns that have been raised regarding contaminated water along Newport's Nye and Agate Beaches. This workgroup’s agenda includes water quality improvement through source ID, extended monitoring and research and solution discussions with the city of Newport. The Chapter needs people to be involved in this important program. Contact Beth at wileybe@onid.orst.edu.
Beach Cleanups
Beach cleanups are fun, easy and you can never do too many! Going to the beach? Why not do a beach cleanup with your group. Coming alone or with just a few friends, participate in one of our scheduled cleanups. See our calendar of events: (http://www.surfrider.org/oregon/events.html) or contact Beth at wileybe@onid.orst.edu.
Educational Beach Cleanups
Teachers, students and camps welcome! For school and camp groups we have educational beach cleanup scavenger hunts to keep you’re your kids having fun while they learn and develop stewardship skills. Give us a couple of weeks notice and we’ll provide everything you need to make your trip to the beach respectful and fun! Contact Charlie at cplybon@surfrider.org. Other educational materials also available.
South Beach Stewardship Projects
The Central Coast Chapter has a formal partnership with South Beach State Park’s Adopt-a-Park Program. We participate in a variety of projects ranging from beach cleanups and water quality to invasive species removal and managing pet waste bag dispensers. If you’re interested in volunteering with this program, a variety of opportunities exist. Contact Joe at haxsoul@charter.net.
Adopt-a-Highway
The Central Coast Chapter is looking to recruit a new Adopt-a-Highway coordinator for our stretch of highway between Moolack and Beverly Beaches. Coordination requires little experience and a time commitment of 3-4 hours a month. Contact Craig at cdemott@charter.net.
Blue Water Task Force
Sampling water quality and research is one of the primary focal points of the Newport/Central Coast Chapter. We sample 4-8 sites, some on a monthly frequency and others on a weekly frequency. We are always in need and recruiting new volunteers to help collect samples, participate in research and support our local water campaigns through grassroots advocacy. As with most volunteer opportunities there are many levels of commitment. Listed below are some of the easier introductory opportunities. Please contact Beth at wileybe@onid.orst.edu.
Otter Rock Sampler: Collect monthly water quality samples from otter rock and transport to Oregon Coast Aquarium drop box.
Training Time: 1-2 hours maximum
Time Commitment: 1-2 hours monthly
Prior Experience: None
Nye Beach/Agate Beach and South Beach Sampler: Collect monthly water quality samples from either Nye Beach area or South Beach area and transport to Oregon Coast Aquarium drop box.
Training Time: 1-2 hours maximum
Time Commitment: 1-2 hours monthly
Prior Experience: None
Nye Creek Research and Campaign Workgroup
For the past several years, the Central Coast Chapter has been meeting with the city to discuss concerns that have been raised regarding contaminated water along Newport's Nye and Agate Beaches. This workgroup’s agenda includes water quality improvement through source ID, extended monitoring and research and solution discussions with the city of Newport. The Chapter needs people to be involved in this important program. Contact Beth at wileybe@onid.orst.edu.
Beach Cleanups
Beach cleanups are fun, easy and you can never do too many! Going to the beach? Why not do a beach cleanup with your group. Coming alone or with just a few friends, participate in one of our scheduled cleanups. See our calendar of events: (http://www.surfrider.org/oregon/events.html) or contact Beth at wileybe@onid.orst.edu.
Educational Beach Cleanups
Teachers, students and camps welcome! For school and camp groups we have educational beach cleanup scavenger hunts to keep you’re your kids having fun while they learn and develop stewardship skills. Give us a couple of weeks notice and we’ll provide everything you need to make your trip to the beach respectful and fun! Contact Charlie at cplybon@surfrider.org. Other educational materials also available.
South Beach Stewardship Projects
The Central Coast Chapter has a formal partnership with South Beach State Park’s Adopt-a-Park Program. We participate in a variety of projects ranging from beach cleanups and water quality to invasive species removal and managing pet waste bag dispensers. If you’re interested in volunteering with this program, a variety of opportunities exist. Contact Joe at haxsoul@charter.net.
Adopt-a-Highway
The Central Coast Chapter is looking to recruit a new Adopt-a-Highway coordinator for our stretch of highway between Moolack and Beverly Beaches. Coordination requires little experience and a time commitment of 3-4 hours a month. Contact Craig at cdemott@charter.net.
South Coast Volunteer Opportunities
Port Orford: Water Sampling (Blue Water Task Force)
Surfrider, Pacific High School and the Port Orford Ocean Resource Team have partnered to form a Blue Water Task Force water quality testing and monitoring program. We need people to help collect samples in the Port Orford and Winchester Bay areas. Specific needs are listed below. Contact: Charlie Plybon CPlybon@surfrider.org
- Program Coordinator: liaison between laboratory field staff (3 hours/month)
- Water sample collectors: collect freshwater samples around Port Orford or Winchester Bay (1 hour/month)
Port Orford: Special Places Campaign
There are open positions on this Advisory Team relevant to Port Orford-area residents: Contact: Charlie Plybon CPlybon@surfrider.org or Leesa Cobb at the POORT office poort@carrollsweb.com or 541.322.0627
Ocean Recreation: assist POORT's projects by providing ocean recreation needs and perspective
Member-At-Large: assist POORT's projects by providing general community needs and perspective
