Below is Surfrider Foundation's statement on recent acts of racial violence in the U.S. Surfrider DC is committed to making the outdoors a safe space for all and taking a stand against racism while promoting environmental justice solutions.
For 35 years, the Surfrider Foundation has focused on grassroots organizing in communities across the US to ensure that everyone has a voice when it comes to protecting and enjoying our coast. A core tenant of our work has been to ensure the ocean, waves and beaches are safe and accessible to all people.
We recognize that we can’t solve our environmental challenges without also addressing our social challenges. We know that protecting the world’s ocean, waves and beaches depends on learning from our community, standing in solidarity with our allies, and working towards a more just future both for people and the planet.
The Surfrider Foundation, and our network of chapters, clubs and activists across the United States, is saddened, frustrated and angry about the continuous violence driven by systemic racism in our society.
We express solidarity with black people across the US who face yet another outrageous and needless act of violence and recognize that black, indigenous, and communities of color are impacted daily by social and environmental injustice. With humility, we vow to take action.
As such the Surfrider Foundation is committed to empowering our staff, members and chapter activists to:
Learn: Do our homework, learn important history, listen to those who have been on the frontlines of social justice, and amplify their messages to our audience. A great place to start is this Anti-Racism Toolkit.
Act: We commit to both immediate and long-term actions.
Drive support towards organizations committed to social justice include NAACP #WeAreDoneDying campaign, Color of Change, and especially social justice groups in our local communities.
Work at the intersection of social justice and coastal conservation in the communities where we operate.
Continue our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion journey at the Surfrider Foundation.
Stay Engaged: We recognize that this moment is tragic and poignant but this is not a singular occurrence. It is a result of a systemic racism that has been operating for hundreds of years. There is no quick fix, we recognize we have a lot to learn, and we are committed to these efforts for the long term.
#BlackLivesMatter