What is Surfrider Foundation Europe ?
Surfrider Foundation is a worldwide non-profit organization dedicated to the protection and the enhancement of lakes, rivers, oceans, waves and the coastlines. Surfrider Foundation Europe was founded in 1990 by a group of passionate surfers, and now consists of more than 12 000 members, and is actively represented in 12 countries.
The European headquarters is based in Biarritz, France with a team of about 30 – staff, interns, and young people performing their “Service civique” (the French National Volunteer Service).
Branch offices are located in Paris, Marseilles, Brussels, Bordeaux and San Sebastián (from 1 to 3 employees) for strategic reasons.
Moreover, around 40 volunteering groups are implemented across Europe. They operate independently, but support the mission of the organization by responding to local issues and represent the community in the field. International headquarters is located in San Clemente, California, United States.
What does a volunteer status mean?
A volunteer is anyone who freely gets involved in self-employment towards others, outside his/her working and family time. Volunteering is the situation in which someone provides free work for a person or an organization. The volunteer is not subject to any legal subordinate relationship. His/Her involvement is deliberate: he/she is always free to end it with no specific procedure or allowance. He/She is, however, required to respect the statutes of the association, as well as the safety standards in his/her business area. “
What skills are needed to volunteer for Surfrider?
No specific skills are required to join our volunteer community. One condition only: be motivated, dynamic and cheerful 😉 Whatever your professional experience or your field of study, you will find a mission to undertake at Surfrider Foundation Europe. Depending on the current needs of the organization, we can adapt your role to fit your interests and availability. But it is relevant to underline that we have to be consistent with our needs and our employees’ obligations within our structure.
Do I have to follow a specific work schedule and can I work remotely ?
Within a local group : groups are run by volunteers. Their actions mainly take place at week-ends and in the evenings after work. Not all local groups manage the actions the same way.
Working remotely: it is also possible to work remotely for some missions such as writing, translations, graphic design, scientific research… It depends on the mission, but you are free to choose your schedule – two hours a week, one day a week, three days a month, … As long as it fits your lifestyle and is consistent with your mission.
Do I have to join the association to become a volunteer?
No, there is no need to be a member in order to become a volunteer. However purchasing a membership gives you the right to vote at our General Meeting, and you will benefit from a 10% discount on our e-shop. By becoming a member, you are helping us achieve our goals.
Do I have to be over 18 to volunteer ?
There is no need to be over 18 to volunteer. However you may need your parents’ or legal tutors’ approval for some missions.
Can I receive financial compensation for a mission (like accomodations and travel expenses)?
Surfrider Foundation Europe will sadly not be able to offer you financial compensation in exchange for your help. Unless otherwise agreed in the mission offer, you will have to cover any relevant costs, including food and transportation.
For further information
If you want to get involved outside Europe :
Surfrider Foundation United States : www.surfrider.org & info@surfrider.org
Surfrider Foundation Australia: www.surfrider.org.au
Surfrider Foundation Argentina : surfrider.org.ar
Surfrider Foundation Morocco : www.surfridermaroc.com
