Jan '08 - The Santa Cruz Chapter of Surfrider is proud to announce that we are ramping up our educational outreach programs to local schools, universities, and businesses. One of the biggest strengths of the Surfrider Foundation is you, our volunteers and members. As a grass roots organization, Surfrider is made up of individuals that want to make a difference for the environment. Our educational outreach programming focuses on how all of us can be the positive change that our oceans so desperately need. With visits to classrooms, lesson plans for teachers, and through events like beach clean ups, our education volunteers hope to inspire the next generation to get stoked about conserving our oceans.

We recently had our first educational outreach to the Hillbrook School in Los Gatos as an introduction to a service learning curriculum they are beginning at their school. The visit to the classroom was fantastic, the students were very excited to share ways that they can help protect the oceans. This visit will be followed in the spring by a beach clean up with the school's entire 4th grade class.

If you are an educator or are actively involved in your child's school, please spread the word about this new programming. School groups can schedule an education program by calling the Santa Cruz Chapter office at 831-476-7667 or by emailing education@surfridersantacruz.org . If you are interested in volunteering as a Surfrider environmental educator, call or
email at the number or address above, we are always looking for new volunteers to help inspire youth to conserve our oceans!

_______________________________________________________

Educating the next generation in marine ecology and sound environmental stewardship is a primary goal of Surfrider. We pursue this goal in various ways. Below, you'll find information on our educational presentations; however, we also produce environmental hand-outs on several subjects which are available free to the public at chapter events and tabling opportunities.

We also often host speakers or feature films on related issues at our monthly General Public Meeting and discuss various coastal subjects at each event. We find we're often seen as a source of water quality and near-shore information for students at levels ranging from elementary schools to local colleges.

Please, visit Surfrider's national website on Education for good basic information on many coastal and marine subjects.

Respect the Beach Program
The RTB program is a coastal and surf educational program that includes field trips, classroom lectures, handouts, video presentations, and sometimes hands-on laboratory projects designed to teach ocean and surfing safety, marine ecology, and coastal stewardship to K-12 students and community groups.

What makes this program so enjoyable for the presenter and participants is that it is brought into the classroom from your perspective and experience as an ocean enthusiast.

Respect the Beach Presenter
Here's a great opportunity to personally promote eco-knowledge people-to-people. Presentation times don't follow a regular schedule, depending on presenters' availability and invitations to present. Yes, this can be tricky, but it's well worth the effort!

Presentations are usually given M-F during regular school hours, although occasional weekend times may occur. A short training session will teach you about the Surfrider Foundation, local involvement, and basic coastal ecology, and it is desirable for presenters to work in teams. The RTB program is a natural opportunity for college students considering the teaching professions to gain experience or for anyone who enjoys working with students.

The instructional materials and exercises are designed to be as interactive as possible, so bring your energy and enthusiasm, share your personal experience, and help get the conservation word out through this rewarding volunteer opportunity. When you see the typical participant's reaction, you'll feel stoked about what you've done!

phone: 831-476-7667
e-mail: surfridersantacruz@yahoo.com