The University of Rhode Island Surfrider Foundation Club, a nonprofit organization that dedicates their time to protecting local oceans, coasts and beaches hosted their biweekly meeting, a craft night in the Memorial Union.
Surfrider is a national nonprofit dedicated to protecting the ocean and beaches, and URI Surfrider Foundation Club is the URI-specific chapter, according to its URInvolved page.
Club members participate in beach clean ups, surf days and coastal activism through events. Members write petitions and letters to Congress.
The URI chapter also collaborates with the Rhode Island state chapter, according to the URInvolved page.
The community and activism stands out in this club, according to Island, a fourth year student.
“I have made a lot of friends and it’s a great community,” Island said. “URI Surfrider Foundation Club is all about service. We have fun activities, everyone here is really open, you can just go up and talk to anyone.”
In addition to protecting Rhode Island’s ocean and beaches, the Surfrider Foundation Club emphasizes friendship and community building experiences as well, according to Surfrider Foundation Club President Mary Brantley.
Recent club social events include a sunset social at Camp Cronin, a repurposed collage night at the 193 Coffeehouse and a surf film night celebrating diversity in the lineup through movies, snacks and storytelling.
Over this past year, the URI Surfrider Foundation has gained a notable amount of attention, according to Brantley. The increase in engagement stems from promotional events.
“We are at pretty much any table or at any event you come across,” Brantley said. “Officers this year have been doing a great job at promoting and talking to people.”
No experience is needed to join the club, students of all majors and disciplines can start right away, according to Brantley.
URI Surfrider Foundation club will be holding its next biweekly beach clean up on Oct. 19 at 10 a.m. at Narragansett Town Beach. The club’s next biweekly meeting is on Oct. 23 in Memorial Union Room 314. Interested students can visit the club’s website at URInvolved.com.
