What happens when the country’s largest network of coastal advocates visits our nation’s capital? The answer: Coastal Recreation Hill Day!
On February 28 – March 1st over one hundred Surfrider Foundation members and recreation industry partners convened in Washington D.C. for Coastal Recreation Hill Day to ask our nation’s leaders to protect our ocean, waves and beaches!
Among the crowd were 27 volunteers and staff who had made the journey across the country to represent California. Participants split into teams and met with representatives from coastal districts. In total, 125 Senate and House offices were visited over the two days! The goal, to elevate the voice of the ocean recreation community and inspire stronger federal leadership on these critical issues for 2019:
- Stop New Offshore Drilling
- Fund Beach Water Quality Testing
- Reduce Plastic Pollution
- Promote Coastal Resilience
Here’s what some of the participants had to say about the experience.
“Being an activist can sometimes feel lonely. Whether you're the only person in a coffee shop with a reusable cup, or the lone person at City Council speaking up for the protection of our ocean. Participating in Hill Day was energizing. To be around people who are just as passionate as you gives you the fuel you need to go home and keep fighting the local fight. In our conversations with Hill Staff you also learn about what things are being worked on that give reason for hope as well as where we need to create awareness and noise back home. It's an amazing learning experience,” - Olivia Angus, Volunteer, Surfrider San Diego Chapter.
"Coastal Recreation Hill Day is the best example of the power of Surfrider's network in protecting our ocean, waves and beaches. It is very powerful for elected leaders to hear directly from their constituents and people who love the ocean about the issues facing our coasts. I truly believe this type of direct advocacy makes a significant difference in coastal protection." - Trent Hodges, Plastic Pollution Manager, Surfrider Foundation.