Every year, Save The Bay organizes about 200 shoreline cleanups, removing tens of thousands of pounds of trash and engaging almost 2000 volunteers - and it would not be possible without our cleanup leader volunteers! We are looking for volunteers who are reliable, communicative, eager to lead, willing to learn and follow Save The Bay’s procedures for cleanups, and able to participate frequently.
Cleanups are usually led by a team of 2-3 leaders, with one "beach captain" acting as the main leader for the event (assigning leadership tasks and giving the welcome speech). Leadership tasks include welcoming and checking volunteers in, collecting waivers, distributing supplies, giving instructions, leading volunteers to different shoreline areas, weighing the trash, and thanking everyone at the end. To become a cleanup leader,
- Recommended: participate in a shoreline cleanup as a volunteer first!
- Fill out the application to train as a cleanup leader.
- Interview with our Volunteer & Internship Manager (15min)
- "Audition" as an assistant leader at a cleanup (we will provide training materials)
- If you are a good fit, you are on the team! We'll ask you to assist with leadership at an additional 3 cleanups in the next 2 months to complete your training.
- OPTIONAL: After 4 total cleanups, you are eligible to become a Beach Captain (main leader of cleanup) if you choose; Beach Captains will be observed leading and take a quiz to be cleared. Once approved, you can be the beach captain at any cleanup and can also work with Save The Bay to plan and schedule cleanups at your favorite sites! Not comfortable being the Beach Captain? That's OK, you don't have to be!
Cleanup leadership is recommended for ages 16+. All leaders who are minors must co-lead with an adult. Motivated leaders under 16 may be accepted into the program, but must be trained alongside a parent or legal guardian who can lead with them. Please note: this training is not eligible for community service hours.
Any questions? Email July Lewis at jlewis@savebay.org.
