On Saturday, April 14, 2018, chapter leaders on two different coasts came together for a day of networking, sharing, and learning to build community amongst chapters regionally and strengthen their respective individual chapters.
Great Lakes
The second-ever Great Lakes Chapters workshop was held in Shorewood, Wisconsin on what turned out to be a blustery wintry weekend. With sustained 45 mph winds, 12 foot plus waves, 34 degree water and air temps, and every form of precipitation possible, it made for a good setting to cozy-up inside and focus on connecting with one another, sharing priority projects and best practices, and discussing elevation of Surfrider's work in the Great Lakes region.
Seven chapter leaders representing all five of our Great Lakes chapters (Minnesota, Milwaukee, Chicago, Lake Michigan, and the newly forming chapter in Ohio) plus three staff gathered 'round a living room, which made for a comfortable, initimate setting in which to connect. The day of workshopping was led by introductions and round robin updates from each chapter about their current goings-on and projects. We then covered high level organization-centric topics such as the strategic plan and branding, including discussions about how to translate the Surfrider Foundation brand in the Great Lakes region. Over lunch we bantered on the subjects of challenges and solutions, incorporating those specific to member and volunteer recruitment and retention. We wrapped up by talking about important work on the clean water and plastic pollution initiatives, and strategizing how we could best work together in those areas.
At the end of the day's sessions, Mitch McNeil, Chair of the Chicago Chapter, was applauded for his achievements that led to being named the winner of the Chapter Leadership - East Wavemaker award. Each year, via the Wavemaker awards, Surfrider Foundation recognizes outstanding individuals in service of advancing our mission to protect and enjoy oceans, waves and beaches. Mitch has been integral to the chapter's efforts to defend surf access in Chicago, in passing Chicago's original bag ban, and in engaging the chapter in the regional effort to Shut Down Line 5 (an aged oil pipeline that crosses Lake Michigan and Lake Huron). Most recently, Mitch has led the effort to investigate, organize around, and take action on pollution in Lake Michigan stemming from the Northwest Indiana industrial corridor.
After the workshop, we took a short trek over to nearby Atwater Beach where we were summarily rain- and sand-blasted and decided that anyone would be lucky to make it down to the beach with their board still in tow, let alone paddle out. We then rolled on down to Good City Brewing Company where we enjoyed some eats and brews together, followed by a stint at Landmark Lanes where our teambuilding activities transpired.
Workshop attendees agreed that it was terrific to get together and create this space for connecting, and that we should work to make this an annual event. In the meantime, we identified some vehicles for continuing conversations and working together across the region. We look forward to next year's workshop!
Southern California
Over 50 Surfrider leaders from chapters in Southern California met in Ventura for a one-day workshop. We kicked off the day with guest speaker Michael Blum from Sea of Clouds who talked about the importance of protecting special places through his working getting Malibu recognized in the U.S. registry of historic places.
Staff from Surfrider HQ came to talk about our legislative work and efforts to reduce plastic pollution. Jennifer Savage and Mandy Sackett talked about the California Coastal Commission and Local Coastal Plans. Trent Hodges covered our work on plastic pollution from Ocean Friendly Restaurants to Rise Above Plastics to statewide legislation in Sacramento.
Caroline Canter from the San Diego Chapter and Graham Hamilton from the Los Angeles Chapter participated in a panel discussion talking about various best practices for chapters. Plan For Success was the theme of the day emphasizing how important it is to have a plan for campaigns, program, events, fundraising, social media, etc.
The San Diego Chapter provided an update on their climate change efforts to wrap up the morning. During a vegetarian lunch people joined breakout groups where they could have deeper conversations with other chapter leaders on topics such as climate change, plastic pollution, the enjoyment factor of our mission, Ocean Friendly Gardens and more.
After lunch was the highlight of the day as each chapter provided an update to the group on their local efforts. San Diego continues to waive the white flag our their efforts to eliminate sewage from the Tijuana River that leads to beach closures in Imperial Beach and Coronado. The South Orange County talked about their efforts to save Strands from overdevelopment. Newport Beach talked about their awesome cleanup efforts. Long Beach gave an update on Sink The Breakwater. South Bay (LA) talked about their local efforts. The Los Angeles Chapter had the most people attend and talked out their killer new Sunset cleanups. Ventura talked about their efforts then two students from UCSB talked about what the Isla Vista Chapter on campus is doing.
The workshop session concluded with an update on Matilija Dam and Surfers’ Point in Ventura from the legendary Paul Jerkin. Paul discussed the latest updates on bringing down the obsolete Matilija Dam, something that he has been working on for over 20 years. It’s a really important project to help bring more natural sediment through the Ventura River to Surfers’ Point. Paul also discussed the managed retreat protect at Surfers’ Point and offered a guided tour of the site!
The activities wrapped up for many folks with a glassy afternoon surf session at Surfers’ Point with fun waves. Casual discussions continued at Leashless Organic Brewery over a pint and some tasty food. In all, it was a great day that left me and others more inspired to help protect the coast!