The New England coast has been my home for much of my life and I've volunteered with local environmental citizen campaigns and non-profit organizations who protect our resources for the past 20 years. It wasn't until I moved to New Hampshire over seven years ago though, that I became involved in local policy which led me to working with the New Hampshire chapter of the Surfrider Foundation, who at the time were championing a single-use plastic bag ban for our city. After going to the state house to testify, I was hooked. I've been a volunteer member for a few years now. I'm most passionate about mitigating plastic pollution and look forward to continuing to focus on our chapter's Rise Above Plastics program and local/statewide legislation efforts. Surfrider has made a commitment to Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion. I'm grateful to be working on those issues in an intersectional manner with environmentalism.
Who am I: Becs O'Brien, Volunteer Chair, NH Chapter Surfrider Foundation
Where am I from?:I moved around the USA quite a bit growing up but landed in NJ for Middle and High School. Traveled to Scotland to gain my BA/MA then back to New England to start my career. Met the love of my life in Boston then moved to Portsmouth, NH after getting married. I also have a real connection with South Australia after living there twice in the last 9 years, and 2 of our 4 children were born in Adelaide. (We're Crows fan in case you're wondering)
When: Became involved 8 years ago when the NH Chapter was involved in the Zero Waste Movement here in Portsmouth, encouraging the Town to Ban the Bag. Since then I have served as Rise Above Plastics Coordinator, Secretary for the Chapter, Chair and now Volunteer Coordinator. A real Surfrider fan!
Why The Surfrider Foundation? The people, the mission, the friendships and the collective love for the sea and the joyful community of passionate activists ready to protect it.
Why are my other interests?
I love to run, prone paddleboard, swim, talk to my mom, paint (yep when I have the time I like to use acrylics and colored pastels), play piano and, I really like to work! Love my job serving as Marketing Lead and Brand Manager in the Organics Processing and Renewable Energy field.
Favorite Quotes: "Wherever you go, there you are". CE "Pat" Raum (my Dad)
Why do you volunteer/want to be involved?
I volunteer to exemplify my love for the oceans and passion for mitigating single use plastics in everyday life. Without the oceans we have no life, and I take pride in preserving every coastline I can.
What’s your position?
Treasurer
Interests outside of Surfrider?
Hockey, lacrosse, travel, music and reading.
Where are you living (or hometown and where you are now)?
I currently reside in Beverly, MA but grew up in Newburyport, MA. I lived in Hampton, NH during high school and have always made routine trips to the NH beaches with family and friends alike.
How long been a Surfrider member?
1 year