Every year, our chapter holds elections for the volunteer Executive Committee (EC) — the core team that guides our mission to protect our ocean, waves, and beaches. The EC makes decisions, supports events and campaigns, and connects with volunteers and community members. Terms are two years, and meetings happen monthly (plus additional duties at events).
Our current Executive Board has done a fantastic job keeping the chapter the respected voice of local surfers, environmentalists, and beach-rights advocates that it has been for over a decade. They’ve volunteered countless hours with no pay or reward other than the satisfaction of a job well done.
Now, we’re inviting a new crew to step forward. Whether you’ve been volunteering, attending clean-ups, or just care deeply about our coastlines, we’d love to hear from you. You’ll receive full support and mentorship from outgoing EC members who can help streamline any situation you face.
Here are the specific EC roles we’re recruiting for (with estimated time and key skills):
What: The Chapter Chair is responsible for the overall leadership and direction of the chapter. This includes:
Ensuring the chapter fulfills the organization’s mission
Serving as the chapter's lead spokesperson
Promoting annual planning and governance compliance
Supporting and guiding the Chapter Manager
Time: 4-8 hrs/week
Skills: Previous experience on the Surfrider Eastern LI EC or another volunteer board is appreciated. Leadership, communication, and initiative are needed to succeed in this role.
What: The Vice Chair fulfills two main roles: supporting the Chair & Chapter Manager and stepping in when needed. The Vice Chair is the right-hand person to the chair and provides support with:
Planning
Acting as a liaison with committees
Taking on delegated tasks
Stepping in to run chapter meetings, represent the organization
Time: 4-8 hrs/week
Skills: Previous experience on the Surfrider Eastern LI EC or another volunteer board is appreciated. Leadership, communication, and initiative are needed to succeed in this role.
What: The Secretary serves as a vital hub for efficient internal communication and record-keeping within the chapter. They play a critical role in the chapter’s core operational functions by:
Taking and distributing meeting minutes
Maintaining official records & correspondence
Supporting the chair with tracking action items, supporting elections, and
technology.
Time: 2–5 hrs/week
Skills: Ability to understand chapter needs & respond to emails, quantitative ability, access to PO Box/Mailbox
What: The Blue Water Task Force (BWTF) Coordinator will assist the Chapter Manager in leading BWTF volunteers, collecting samples, processing samples, and managing the ELI BWTF website and database.
Attending and supporting BWTF collection & processing days
Assisting with BWTF data collection, processing, and entry
Filling in for the Chapter Manager on any BWTF-related events that they cannot attend
Time: 1–6 hrs/week, usually on Mondays and Tuesdays
Skills: Interest in science, previous experience as a volunteer in the BWTF program, ability to work in-person and attend in-person events.
What: The At-Large position is a role within the chapter that doesn’t hold a
specific officer title. This member brings a broader perspective to the table, representing the interests of the general public and membership rather than a particular committee or function by:
Attending and participating in EC meetings
Supporting the development of the chapter’s annual planning
Supporting advocacy and outreach efforts
Time: 1–4 hrs/week
Skills: Ability to understand membership needs, community wants, and must be willing to take initiative in projects of their interest.
What: The Ocean Friendly Business (OFB) Coordinator will assist the Chapter Manager in organizing and leading OFB volunteers, registering new OFBs, supporting existing OFBs, and organizing OFB-related events.
Lead the volunteer committee on OFBs
Work with the Chapter Manager and Chair to develop a strategy for OFB Recruitment & Retention
Support and fill in for the Chapter Manager on any OFB-related events that they cannot attend
Time: 2-4 hrs/week
Skills: Interest/understanding of plastic pollution and sustainability, previous experience in the OFB program, ability to attend in-person events.
What: The Fundraising Coordinator will work with the Chapter Manager and Chair to develop a strategy for fundraising in 2027 and 2028, allowing the Chapter to continue working to protect our oceans, waves, and beaches.
Work with the Chapter Manager and Chair to develop a fundraising plan for 2027 & 2028
Serve and help lead the Surf Movie Night Committee
Support and fill in for the Chapter Manager on any fundraising events that they cannot attend
Time: 2-5 hrs/week
Skills: Interest/understanding of fundraising and non-profit operations. People skills and the ability to make the ask.
We have two key gatherings coming up pre-elections where you can meet the team, hear about the nomination and election process, and connect with fellow ocean advocates:
Thurs., November 12, 2026 | 5–8 PM | Hotel Moraine, Greenport | RSVP Here
Hosted in partnership with our Ocean Friendly Hotel, Hotel Moraine, come learn about what it means to be a Core Volunteer and how to do it, while watching the sunset and enjoying a bite to eat and a sip to drink.
Sat., November 14, 2026 | 2–5 PM | Marram, Montauk | RSVP Here
Hosted in partnership with our Ocean Friendly Hotel, Marram, come learn about what it means to be a Core Volunteer and how to do it, while roasting smores and enjoying a bite to eat and a sip to drink.
Wednesday, November 18, 2026 | 6 PM | Rogers Memorial Library | RSVP Here
Join us for our formal chapter meeting where we’ll conduct elections and enjoy pizza together — a great opportunity to plug in, vote, and learn about EC roles. RSVP required!
PS: At 8 PM, we'll be meeting for drinks at Publick House, also in Southampton Village
Attend one (or both) of the upcoming events listed above
Reach out — tell us which role you’re interested in and why before November 15th (email our Chapter Manager, Brody, at beggert@easternli.surfrider.org)
Nominate yourself or a peer — whether you’re ready for a role now or want to shadow for a bit
Ask questions — our outgoing EC members are ready to advise, mentor, and support you
Beach access, clean water and shores, and shoreline protection don’t happen by themselves. Your leadership helps make it real.
If you or a friend have the time, passion, and people-skills to help lead one of the best chapters in the country, please let us know right away. Let’s keep the momentum going and protect our coastlines together.