We all love the women-led power pact approach, don’t we? Well, one such approach was introduced by five surfer sisters with the sole purpose of connecting more women to the sea. In the North County area of San Diego County, California, lies a beach city, Encinitas. Known for its long Pacific Ocean coastline, it is widely popular among surfers. The city is also home to the Changing Tides Foundation.

Women have been in executive positions in the non-profit organization, since 2016. Changing Tides Foundation was recently rewarded for its new mentorship program that introduces teenage girls to the surfing world.

Ocean gets new friends and future caretakers

The 7-week Women’s Outreach Mentorship Program educates young girls about surfing and the ocean. Their mission is to build sisterhood through sessions on body positivity, journaling, and period knowledge. The program is a testament to their dedication to enabling underserved young women and girls to become leaders in their communities. According to The Coast News the city of Encinitas recently donated a $5,000 grant to support educational work through surfing as a medium. “We are so grateful that the city of Encinitas recognizes our outreach efforts in the community through our Women’s Outreach Mentorship Program,” said Olivia Melonas, executive director of the foundation.

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Changing Tides Foundation previously hosted the program in several countries, including Panama in 2017, the Dominican Republic in 2018, Peru in 2019, and El Salvador before COVID 2020. The non-profit made significant strides in 2020 toward empowering women to defend the environment revising their mission statement to emphasize on the same. Besides their ideology, the foundation undertakes several endeavors to put their goals to practice.

Activities and impacts made so far

The foundation arranged the Women & Water Photo Show, created the Featured Artist T-Shirt Series, and composted food waste at Oahu. Additionally, they organized coastal trash cleanups, launched the first-ever Plant-Based March Challenge, and conducted the fourth annual Plastic Swear Jar Challenge.

The foundation held a virtual screening of The Story of Plastic, planned activities like the Paddle Out for Unity, and hosted the Raffle for Unity. In surf culture, these activities bring people together to stand for unity. They also launched the first-ever Changing Tides Day and made a VOTE message using surfboards.

Overall, the Changing Tides Foundation has a powerful influence on empowering women to defend the environment, advancing gender equality, and preserving the health of the oceans. Their many initiatives and programs are making the world a better place for everyone.

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