In June, leaders from all of our Northeast and Great Lakes chapters gathered in Portland, Maine, to learn more about Surfrider priorities, participate in grassroots training, meet staff from across our national network, and collaborate with one another.
Sessions included Surfrider national updates, volunteer recruitment and retention, plastics and ocean-friendly restaurant updates, legal 101, a deep dive on the beach guardian program, membership and fundraising tips, and how we can build out our climate action program.
The conference also included a field trip to the Portland Headlight, where our volunteers learned about habitat and coastal erosion monitoring. Afterwards, our members gathered at Allagash Brewery to exchange stories and network across chapters and states!
Our leaders left excited and empowered with new ideas, new friendships, and ready to charge forward into the remainder of 2025. Thanks to all who joined us!
Isabella joined the Surfrider team as the Northeast Regional Manager to lead and grow the chapter network in Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Maine. Her expertise is in grassroots advocacy, volunteer organizing, and strategic environmental communications. She has a bachelor's degree in Communications, Women and Gender Studies, and Journalism from the University of Delaware.