So Jackie, what is your current role with the Surfrider Foundation?
I’m the Volunteer Coordinator for the Cape and Islands Chapter!
When and why did you choose to get involved?
I got involved with Surfrider almost two years ago during my sophomore year of college. I had always known about the organization through my dad who wore a Surfrider sweatshirt many days of the week, but I never lived close enough to a chapter to participate.
When the Massachussetts Chapter posted that a Cape and Islands Chapter was starting I knew I had to be a part of it! I chose to get involved because I grew up surfing and sailing and the ocean has always been a huge part of my life.
Living near the marsh, I’ve seen firsthand how climate change is impacting our coastal environment. Now, as an Environmental Science major, I’m passionate about making a difference at both the community and policy levels. Being part of Surfrider lets me do that while also connecting with amazing people and spending time in the places I love!
What are some local environmental issues that you have witnessed?
At the beach where I grew up, I've seen significant erosion, with dunes shifting dramatically and flooding becoming more frequent in our area. Coastal storms seem to have a bigger impact each year, and you can really see how rising sea levels are changing the shoreline.
Another issue is all of the trash on the beaches, especially after big events. One of the main things I’ve cleaned up is fireworks debris, especially following July Fourth celebrations on the Cape. People leave behind firework shells, plastic casings, and other waste that washes into the ocean or gets buried in the sand. Often when I find firework waste the next day, the debris is still hot!
Another issue I've witnessed is the rise in cold-stunned turtle strandings. One winter, I helped to rescue about 10 turtles just on the beach by my house, while the average number of stranded turtles on the Cape is around 739. With increasing ocean temperatures, the turtles get confused and stay in Cape Cod Bay for too long, then the water temps drop dramatically and they are stuck in the hook of the Cape.
Alongside this, the growing presence of white sharks has become a major topic of debate in my community. As waters warm, the ocean off the Cape is becoming more hospitable for these sharks, and they’re staying in the area longer. While it’s their natural habitat, their increasing numbers have sparked conversations about beach safety and conservation.
More recently, the failure of one of the turbines from the Vineyard Wind 1 Project has become a major discussion. Debris from the turbine washed up in multiple locations, and during a beach cleanup on Nantucket, we saw Vineyard Wind 1 employees combing the shore for debris. It was a reminder that even well-intended renewable energy projects come with challenges, and our coastline continues to face both natural and human-made threats.
What Surfrider projects have you been involved with? How have these projects impacted your community?
Since our chapter is still new, much of my involvement has been focused on getting it established and integrated into the community! I run our social media pages and write our newsletters, which I’ve loved doing.
One of the projects I’ve been a part of is a series of beach cleanups in Nantucket in partnership with a local surf school, ACK Surf School. These have been incredible experiences, especially getting to know the surf school staff and community members. The Nantucket High School’s football team has come out multiple times to help, which has been amazing to see. I also helped to organize a volunteer celebration after one of our cleanups in ACK at a local art gallery run by Nantucket local, Dan Lemaitre. It was such a rewarding way to connect with community members and recognize everyone’s hard work.
I’ve also been involved in planning our winter film series, which I’m really excited about. Hosting events in the off-season is important because Cape Cod has such a divide between locals and tourists in the summer. This series will be a great opportunity to bring more year-round residents together and keep the momentum going for Surfrider’s mission!
Lastly, a project I’m super stoked to be helping with is our first campaign, Skip the Stuff. It’s been incredible to collaborate with the local government and community to build support for reducing single-use plastics. Seeing real progress in my own town has been so rewarding, and it has been super cool to learn how this whole process works!
Do you have any personal experiences or campaigns/issues where the social justice and environmental movements have intersected?
Not directly with Surfrider, but one way I’ve seen the social justice and environmental movements intersect is through my work with the Tufts Food Rescue Collaborative at my university.
We collect surplus food from our dining hall and redistribute it to communities in need, including Haitian refugees. All of the labeling on the rescued food is in Haitian Creole, which highlights how deeply environmental issues are tied to social justice — food insecurity disproportionately affects marginalized communities, and language barriers can make access even more difficult. Agriculture is a huge part of environmental justice — farming requires massive amounts of water, land, and energy, yet so much food is wasted while many people struggle with food insecurity. The fact that fresh, nutritious food is often expensive and inaccessible to those who need it most is a direct result of systemic inequities.
What can Surfrider do to foster an inclusive and welcoming environment?
I think the most important thing is making sure everyone feels like they are truly part of the team. Meetings and events should be welcoming and accessible, so new members don’t feel like they’re stepping into a space where everyone else already knows each other. I also think it's really important to ensure that leadership and volunteers reflect the broader community, showing that Surfrider is a place where everyone belongs. Representation matters, and when people see themselves reflected in an organization, they’re more likely to feel included and encouraged to participate.
Most importantly, we need to keep everything we do tied to fun. At the end of the day, we’re all here because we love the ocean, and fostering that shared passion is what keeps people coming back. Whether it’s through social events, group surf sessions, or just creating an energetic and positive atmosphere at meetings, keeping that stoke alive is key to making Surfrider a place where people feel excited to be involved!
What is the most important thing you tell others about Surfrider?
Everyone I have met through this organization have been the kindest, most grounding, and authentic people. I’ve had the chance to connect with people from all walks of life, of all ages, and from all over the world — yet we’re all brought together by our shared love for the ocean. It’s so amazing to see how this common passion creates such a welcoming and inspiring space!
What has been the highlight of your Surfrider experience?
I have two: Hill Day in 2024 and the Super Summit in Long Beach, California. Hill Day was an incredible experience, and I feel so grateful for the opportunity to speak with key legislators and have my voice heard. It was eye-opening to see firsthand how advocacy works at that level, and I learned so much from the experience.
The Super Summit was just as amazing in a different way. Getting to connect with the greater Surfrider community, share ideas, and build relationships with people who are just as passionate about protecting our oceans was truly inspiring. I walked away with so many valuable connections and fresh ideas, and it reinforced just how special this organization is.
Thanks so much Jackie! Is there anything else you would like to add?
I’d just say get involved! Even if you feel like you don’t have a ton of time, just showing up to a beach cleanup or helping out in a small way can make such a difference. The awesome thing about Surfrider is that you only have to commit to what you want, so you really can tailor it to what you have time for! Plus, spending time outside with amazing people who care about the same things as you is good for the soul. You’ll walk away feeling good about what you did — and probably with a few new friends too!