Introducing the Waves of Change Book Club

Love the coast? Love a good book? Welcome to Waves of Change, a monthly book club that pairs great reads with real-world advocacy so we can protect the ocean—together.

What it is

Waves of Change brings together ocean lovers, advocates, and curious readers to explore environmental fiction and non-fiction. Each month we gather for insightful discussion and an action opportunity tied to the month’s theme—so you’ll leave inspired and equipped to make a difference.

How it works

• Monthly meetings (90 minutes), hosted by our Surfrider chapter—accessible for both new and seasoned advocates.
• Rotating themes such as plastics & PFAS, coastal resilience, environmental justice, biodiversity, climate and ocean policy.
• A balanced reading list mixing page-turning novels, essay collections, memoir, and science-forward non-fiction. Selections rotate—suggestions welcome!
• Action every time: we close each meeting with an optional quick, tangible step (or two) aligned with the topic.

What to expect at a meeting

1. Welcome & context – a 5-minute snapshot of why this topic matters locally and globally.
2. Guided conversation – thoughtful questions that welcome all perspectives (no lit degree required!).
3. Meaningful advocacy – write a comment on proposed policy, send letters to decision makers, craft a short testimony, sign up for a coastal cleanup, or submit a letter to the editor—all prepped on-site with templates and support.

Who it’s for

• Beachgoers, surfers, paddlers, and coastal community members
• Students, educators, and life-long learners
• Anyone who wants a friendly space to read, reflect, and act for the ocean

Why pair books with action?

Stories change how we see the world; advocacy changes the world we see. By ending each meeting with a targeted action, we turn insight into impact—amplifying our voices on the issues we just explored together.

Ground rules

• Come as you are. Finished the book? Great. Didn’t read it, but want to hear the discussion and join in on the advocacy action? Also great—you’re still welcome.
• Respect first. We value curiosity, kindness, and evidence-based conversation.
• Keep it local. Whenever possible, actions will support coastal protections right here in our community.

Join us

Ready to read for the ocean? Sign up for our next meeting and we’ll send details on the monthly pick and action details. Bring a friend, a notebook, and your love for the coast—let’s make waves together. 

Next Meeting: Waves of Change Book Club

Blue Mind by Wallace J. Nichols — a perfect kickoff that explores how water shapes our health, creativity, and community. This theme aligns directly with Surfrider’s mission to protect our ocean, waves, and beaches by deepening our connection to the coast we’re fighting for.

When: November 11th, 2025
Where: Carolina Home & Garden (4778 NC-24, Newport, NC 28570)
Time: 6:00–7:30 PM

RSVP Here: https://x.gldn.io/e/nC1oB674XVb

Book Club Advocacy Action: Protecting Beach Access for All
We’ll draft and send short, personalized comments to our local town councils (Atlantic Beach, Pine Knoll Shores, Emerald Isle and Indian Beach) reminding them of the communities commitment to safeguarding and expanding public beach access points so that everyone—residents and visitors alike—can enjoy the physical, emotional, and mental health benefits of time by the water. 

We’ll share actionable strategies for expanding and protecting beach access, such as:

• Add and maintain more public beach access points along the Crystal Coast to reduce overcrowding and ensure all communities can reach the shore.
• Keep parking affordable and accessible so beach access isn’t limited by income—fair fee structures, local discounts, or free access days can help.
• Expand ADA-compliant access through ramps, boardwalks, and beach wheelchairs so that people of all abilities can connect with the ocean.
• Prioritize equity in access planning by ensuring access points are distributed fairly across towns, not just in high-traffic tourist areas.

As Blue Mind reminds us, the ocean offers calm, creativity, and connection. Protecting and improving public access ensures that this powerful resource for wellbeing remains open to all, regardless of background or income.

Templates, talking points, and email addresses will be provided on-site—so you’ll leave the meeting having taken meaningful action to keep our Crystal Coast beaches accessible for everyone.

RSVP here to receive the discussion guide, location details, and our one-page action brief. Bring a friend!

Questions or book suggestions? Email us at vicechair@boguebanks.surfrider.org or DM us on Instagram (@surfriderboguebanks).