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

Exposure by Robert Bilott — a powerful investigation into PFAS contamination, corporate accountability, and the fight for clean water. This story underscores why Surfrider’s work to prevent pollution and protect water quality is so essential, grounding our advocacy in real communities impacted by forever chemicals.

When: December 10th, 2025
Where: Carolina Home & Garden (4778 NC-24, Newport, NC 28570)
Time: 6:00–7:30 PM

RSVP here: https://x.gldn.io/e/8zzsgfYkZVb

Book Club Advocacy Action: Advancing NC Legislation on Forever Chemicals
After our discussion of Exposure: Poisoned Water, Corporate Greed, and One Lawyer's Twenty-Year Battle against DuPont by Robert Bilott, we’ll take meaningful action together by drafting short, personalized messages urging North Carolina legislators to strengthen protections against PFAS contamination.

We’ll highlight how PFAS threaten drinking water, public health, and coastal ecosystems—and remind decision-makers of the community’s commitment to safeguarding clean water for all North Carolinians.

We’ll share actionable policy strategies, such as:

• Supporting statewide PFAS limits and better enforcement to protect drinking water from toxic forever chemicals.

• Funding filtration upgrades and monitoring so utilities aren’t left alone to tackle industrial pollution.

• Holding polluters accountable and preventing the release of new harmful chemicals through stronger permitting and disclosure requirements.

• Prioritizing vulnerable communities through equitable clean-water planning and remediation.

As Exposure shows, the fight for clean water is long, urgent, and deeply human. By taking action together, we help ensure that North Carolina’s communities—and our coastal environment—are protected from dangerous chemical pollution.

Templates, talking points, and email addresses will be provided on-site so you’ll leave the meeting having taken impactful action for clean water and a healthier future for the Crystal Coast.

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).