Ocean conservation organization Sailors for the Sea is seeking volunteers and interns to help implement the Clean Regattas program during the J Class Regatta in Newport, RI, June 15-19, 2011 and take part in on-the-ground action to protect oceans and local waters. Each day from Wednesday to Sunday has two shifts from 8am-11pm and from 4pm-8pm. All volunteers receive FREE Sailors for the Sea Membership, Hat, and lunch.

Description of Volunteer Responsibilities:

• Help organize recycling stations around the event site.
• Maintain recycling sites throughout event by emptying and replacing bags
• Maintain water bottle filling station; track water usage throughout event
• Table to promote programs and share resources with visitors
• Sign up members and email list subscribers for Sailors for the Sea
• Encourage visitors and racers to purchase carbon offsets for their travel
• Maintain compost station (possible).

This is a unique opportunity to be involved with a major international sporting event; protect your local waters; engage with Sailors for the Sea, a national ocean conservation organization; and attend a huge party.

Sailors for the Sea educates and empowers boaters around the country to protect oceans and coastal waters through a series of education and action programs. The biggest and most far-reaching program is Clean Regattas, a free program that helps regattas, yacht clubs and sailing programs reduce the environmental impact of our activities. Using the resources and materials that we have developed at Sailors for the Sea, we work with each participant to determine the best ways to make simple, effective changes that will preserve the beauty and quality of the local waters. Past successes include Nantucket Race Week’s reusable water bottle initiative that resulted in a 90% decrease in their use of plastic disposable bottles and the creation of a glass recycling program at the British Virgin Islands Spring Regatta.

Sailors for the Sea helps events implement specific actions, but is limited by a small staff and cost of travel. For this reason, we are seeking to enlist volunteers and interns in Charleston help organize and implement on the ground activities such as recycling programs and water bottle initiatives. A staff member from Sailors for the Sea will be present for the event to help coordinate responsibilities and provide volunteer training.

Visit www.cleanregattas.org for a full program description and resources. Contact Chris Mancini at cleanregattas@sailorsforthesea.org or at 401.846.8900 to volunteer.

Volunteers are eligible for certified volunteer hours. All receive free Sailors for the Sea membership, hat and lunch. Volunteers must be properly attired in a collared shirt and pants or shorts. No jeans, ripped, torn or dirty clothing. Thanks.