2 Days. 150 Volunteers. 46 Chapters and Clubs. 20 States represented. 140 Meetings. 1 Goal.
In late February, Sanuk stood alongside the SURFRIDER FOUNDATION for the non-profit’s 4th annual COASTAL RECREATION HILL DAY. Each year annually, Surfrider mobilizes a mighty mass of volunteer members, industry leaders and surf ambassadors in Washington DC to meet with federal leaders—including White House officials—to urge immediate action on climate change, plastic pollution, water quality and other issues affecting our ocean, waves and beaches. 6
Surfrider members and partners visit Washington D.C. for Coastal Recreation Hill Day 2020.
Together, attendees visited 145 Senate and House offices to urge immediate action on pressing environmental issues like climate change, offshore drilling, plastic pollution, and water quality. The goal was simple, but sincere: bring the grassroots to highest level of government and advocate like hell for federal leadership and environmental-focused legislation that protects our happy places.
Representing parts of Southern California with Surfrider’s Huntington Beach and Newport Beach Chapters.
Our teams zipped in and out of hallowed hallways, weaving hordes of suits and staffers scurrying about the national mall zone. The days were a beautiful blur, but the takeaways were clear as the wind-blown sky above. Many agreed the threats to the environment are real—and really heavy. Sea levels are rising. Plastic pollution is ravaging our natural ecosystems. Water quality issues are causing billions of dollars in public health coasts. Natural disasters are becoming more commonly catastrophic. The list goes on… but so does the good fight to create truly impactful positive change.
Surfrider’s Industry Delegation provides testimony to the Senate Democrats Committee on the Climate Crisis
The more we spoke with representatives and their staffers, the more words like “grassroots”, “local” and “community” bubbled to the top of the discussions. Leaders at the highest level stressed the importance of people everywhere taking local action. Whether you live along the coast or travel great distances to experience beach magic, it’s certain the ocean plays a vital role in all of our lives.
The Virginia delegation makes their voice heard on Capital Hill.
Like so many, we love getting outside and sharing the smiles it gives with others. If there’s one thing we’ve learned, it’s that with great enjoyment comes great responsibility. Wherever a happy place may be, we know It’s not enough so simply go out and bask in it. We all have a duty to make sure these happy places stay clean and pristine— not only for ourselves and those around us, but also for future generations.
Think about that beach you’re always visiting. Remember that hike you and your friends frequent. That trail your dog loves so dearly. Start there and help build the groundswell of support for it in your own way. Fortunately, you don’t need to travel to Washington D.C. to make your voice heard on federal issues. Please see the links below to learn more and easily contact your members of Congress. Protect Your Happy Place!
To read Surfrider’s comprehensive blog on Hill Day, CLICK HERE.
To read Surfrider’s list of federal priorities CLICK HERE.
To make your voice heard, visit this TAKE ACTION PAGE.