Clean Water Captains
Clean Water Captains are Bay ambassadors who make a big difference in their communities. They share information with neighbors, congregations, schools, elected officials, and more about policy initiatives that help restore the Bay while helping to create practical and effective local clean-up plans.
CBF staff can’t be in all 92 localities that drain to the Bay, so we rely on some of our most dedicated volunteers—Clean Water Captains—to be the eyes, ears, and a voice for Bay restoration in their communities. Solutions to local water quality issues need local water quality advocates.
CBF’s Clean Water Captains not only serve as Bay ambassadors in their communities, they are our first go-to team when we need quick action on an important policy. Whether it be calling their representatives, writing a letter to their local newspaper, joining us in a meeting with an elected official, or helping represent the interests of clean water at public hearings—our Captains are instrumental in the fight for clean water. Most importantly, a Clean Water Captain has the passion and commitment to help CBF save the Bay.
Join our cadre of captains who have amassed a tremendous amount of knowledge about our Bay, rivers, and streams and are happy to share their successes with you. Your leadership can help your community and your local waterways—there’s no better time to climb aboard! Fill out and submit our volunteer survey and someone from CBF’s local office will get back to you soon.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does CBF support Clean Water Captains?
- CBF hosts an annual full-day workshop to connect captains with each other and the resource. During the workshop, we will provide the most up-to-date science and policy initiatives for clean water in our region.
- CBF provides captains with an advocacy toolkit and online resource center.
- CBF hosts periodic Captains’ Calls, where captains share their successes and challenges with their peers and CBF briefs captains on pending legislation, new research, and other relevant, timely issues.
- Throughout the month, CBF shares news clippings, reports, webinars, and other training opportunities to promote continual learning and skill building.
What does CBF ask of its Clean Water Captains?
- To attend and actively participate during regular captains’ calls and meetings.
- To take at least six clean water actions throughout the year. These can include activities like writing a letter-to-the-editor or an OpEd in a local newspaper, speaking to groups, sending messages to or meeting with your elected officials, volunteering on a CBF restoration project, and many more. We have lots of options to suit everyone’s interests, time, and skills.
- To be a courteous, open-minded, and collaborative partner within your community and with your elected officials to advance water quality initiatives.
Become a Clean Water Captain
Interested in joining our cadre of captains? Fill out and submit our volunteer survey and someone from CBF’s local office will get back to you soon.
For more information or questions regarding Maryland Clean Water Captains, contact Madeleine Beller, CBF’s Maryland Engagement Coordinator, at mbeller@cbf.org or 240-205-6420.
For more information or questions regarding Virginia Clean Water Captains, contact Gabby Troutman, CBF’s Virginia Outreach and Advocacy Manager, at gtroutman@cbf.org or 804-258-1605.
