For many students in Surfrider’s Student Club Network, our lobby days are their first ever political action; an experience that helps them to feel empowered, energized, and informed. In 2025, our program engaged the highest number of students to date in direct, nonpartisan political action at the local, state, and federal levels. These volunteer opportunities inspire students with life-long skills that teach civic engagement, public speaking, advocacy, relationship building, and leadership development.
Surfrider’s lobby days do not require any previous experience or legislative knowledge, which makes these events a fun and accessible way for young leaders to learn how to be active participants in decision-making processes. All of Surfrider’s policy actions are nonpartisan.
Each student participant had the chance to speak in lobby meetings with legislators, network with fellow environmental activists, and learn how policy impacts critical issues affecting our coastlines. Some students also engaged in virtual trainings in prepreation for these events. With over 170 Surfrider Student Clubs across the United States and Puerto Rico, we have seen an increased demand from young people who are looking for the opportunity and resources needed to influence environmental policy.
We’d like to thank the Dillon Henry Foundation for their generous support that helped us to empower and train the next generation of coastal defenders.
State Lobby Days
Annapolis, Maryland (February 2025) :
For the first time ever, our student club and chapter network mobilized in Annapolis, Maryland to speak to their elected officials and rally support for the Maryland Bottle Bill. Fifteen students representing 5 different Surfrider clubs at the high school level were in attendance.
“It was an experience I’ll never forget and it gave me the confidence to speak out about the issues that matter to me.” - Ruby Dougherty, Broadneck High School Surfrider
Surfrider student volunteers and chapter leaders outside of the capitol building in Annapolis, MD
Tallahassee, Florida (April 2025) :
Four students from the Florida State University Surfrider Club joined Surfrider chapter volunteers at Florida Healthy Beaches Day to advocate for key coastal priorities. During this event, our grassroots network met with and visited over 40 legislative offices discussing bills related to water quality testing, nature based solutions, and plastic pollution.
“It’s amazing to be part of a movement that’s making such an important impact in preserving the natural beauty of our state for future generations.” - Ava Thompson, Surfrider FSU
Surfrider volunteers outside of the FL Capitol building for Florida Healthy Beaches Lobbying Day
Sacramento, California (May 2025):
Over 20 students from six different clubs at the college level participated in lobby meetings with state assembly members and senators during California Ocean Day. A few students were also able to speak in a meeting with the California Attorney General’s office!
During Ocean Day, Surfrider also hand-delivered over 1,500 handwritten postcards to legislative offices in support of the California Coastal Commission & Coastal Act as a part of our "Love Your Beach Tour.” This tour mobilized our grassroots network from across the state of California which included many student clubs. This year also marked the 20th Anniversary for California Ocean Day, which is co-organized by a handful of environmental organizations across the state.
“This experience reaffirmed my belief in the power of community-led environmental action, and I’m incredibly grateful to have had this opportunity to grow as a policy advocate and changemaker.” -Katy Fyvie University of California Santa Barbara Surfrider
Surfrider student volunteers pose with a CA state assembly staffer after their lobby meeting
Federal Lobby Day
Washington D.C. (May 2025, Virtual):
Surfrider’s 9th Annual Federal Coastal Recreation Hill Day received the highest level of participation ever. Students made up 39% of participants who represented our volunteer network, which encompassed 39 students from 28 different Surfrider clubs around the country.
Student participants went through virtual training sessions ahead of their lobbying meetings to learn about the federal legislative process, and took the time to prepare personalized nonpartisan talking points for their meetings. Surfrider’s 2025 federal priorities included protecting clean water through the EPA BEACH Act, defending NOAA, and preventing new offshore oil drilling.
“I am so grateful for the chance to hold productive conversations with Congressional representatives about coastal activism issues I am passionate about.” — Mary Brantley, University of Rhode Island Surfrider
The Surfrider delegation from North Carolina, including 2 students, pose with a legislative staffer after their lobby meeting for Coastal Rec Hill Day