COASTSWEEP 2009
How to Get Involved
With more than 1,500 miles of shoreline to clean we need your help! Please join us in 2009 as a volunteer, local coordinator, or sponsor.
The 2009 kickoff will be on September 19th at Nantasket Beach in Hull (click here for more details), but local coordinators are welcome to schedule their events for any day throughout September and October. The COASTSWEEP coordinators will work with each local coordinator to make sure he/she has all of the assistance and supplies necessary for a safe and successful cleanup.
What Does a Local Coordinator Do?
Local coordinators are people who want to organize a cleanup event. Sites can include the local beach, bay, estuary, pond, lake, marsh, seafloor, or riverbank. In addition to choosing a site, you can also determine the date, time, and duration of your cleanup event.
As a local coordinator, you can put together your own team consisting of family members, students, classmates, co-workers, or any other people you may wish to invite. If you are organizing a public cleanup, we can help you recruit volunteers. Please let the COASTSWEEP coordinator know if your cleanup is not open to the public.
Don't forget, we also have underwater cleanups. If you're a certified diver and would like to organize your own underwater COASTSWEEP cleanup, please fill out the Local Coordinator Response Form (Word, 50 KB).
The COASTSWEEP coordinator will work with all local coordinators to ensure that the necessary permits and liability waivers are signed. All supplies will be sent to you, including garbage bags, gloves, data cards, captain reports, and any other materials required for a successful cleanup.
The COASTSWEEP coordinator can also help you solicit donations from within your local community and can assist with the logistics of your event—including how to dispose of the debris your team collects.
If you would like to get involved as a local coordinator and organize your own cleanup, please fill out the Local Coordinator Response Form (Word, 50 KB).
What Does a Volunteer Do?
If you don't want to organize an event yourself, you can volunteer at a cleanup. Volunteers have two very important responsibilities. First, volunteers will remove trash and debris from the designated cleanup site. Second, volunteers will record of the types and quantities of trash and debris removed. This data will be used to better understand what types of materials are polluting the beaches all over the world! Check the 2009 Cleanups to see a list of events you can join.
How Can I Become a Sponsor?
COASTSWEEP relies on the support of COASTSWEEP sponsors to help make the program a great success. Financial contributions and in-kind donations help us show our appreciation for all of the hard work done by the volunteers and local coordinators. Donations also help make sure that volunteers have adequate supplies needed for a safe and productive cleanup.
See the Sponsorship page for information about COASTSWEEP sponsorship opportunities.