What is your name, your current role with the Surfrider Foundation, and when did you get involved?
I’m Patrice "Tree" Foronjy and I’m the Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Coordinator for the Eastern Long Island Chapter.
Many years ago my mother gave me the MOM: Music for Our Mother Ocean album (which benefits Surfrider). Inside was a card to sign up, which I did because I love the beach. I started volunteering and eventually became the Volunteer Coordinator of the Eastern Long Island Chapter. Now I'm focusing on our J.E.D.I work.
What are some local environmental issues that you have witnessed?
Living on Long Island, we have severe beach erosion and outdated septic systems that threaten drinking water, cause harmful algae blooms, and lead to beach closures. I have had to buy or boil water to drink it, and I have had to skip swimming quite a few times due to unhealthy beaches.
What Surfrider projects have you been involved with? How have these projects impacted your community?
Beyond the beach cleanups and tabling events, I have participated in numerous Coastal Recreation Hill Days in D.C., New York is Not Disposable Lobby Day in Albany, and promoted plastic reduction and septic upgrades here in Suffolk County. We have gotten "Skip the Stuff" passed in East Hampton which reduces single-use plastic pollution.
Have you had any personal experiences when the social justice and environmental movements have intersected?
Going to the beach and concerts are very healing and promote a sense of joy for me. I love that Surfrider provides clean drinking water stations and a plastic-free environment at the Sea Hear Now music festival and fundraising opportunities at Stoked for the Summer in Asbury Park. I love participating at these events — shout out to our sister chapter, Jersey Shore!
What can Surfrider do to foster an inclusive and welcoming environment?
Keep welcoming all people, and fighting for all to have clean drinking water and access to beaches.
What is the most important thing you tell others about Surfrider?
Surfrider is for everyone! You don't have to be a surfer, you can be a disabled musician like me who just loves the beach! We have opportunities to volunteer in our Ocean Friendly Gardens, participate in our Ocean Friendly Restaurant program, lobby with us for plastic reduction, beach access, septic upgrades, test water quality with the Blue Water Task Force, and endless possibilities to connect with our community!
What has been the highlight of your Surfrider experience?
The love we have for the ocean, our earth, and each other. Water is life. Surfrider welcomed me into the family and helped me use my passion for good while forming friendships for life!
Thanks so much, Tree! Is there anything else you would like to add?
I want to thank my Eastern Long Island Chapter for always making me feel welcome and for their endless hard work to protect this beautiful island!! Also, save the date for our Surf Movie Night fundraiser in Southampton this Friday, September 18!