Become a Coast Swap Youth Volunteer: Gain Skills, Boost Your Resume & Refresh Your Wardrobe

Breaking: Coast Swap Seeks Local Youth Volunteers for Inaugural 2026 Event

A regional program inviting young residents to help run Coast Swap events has launched a call for volunteers aged 14 to 24. The effort, backed by local councils, aims to sharpen leadership skills while promoting sustainable fashion and community connection.

The first bi-monthly Coast Swap is scheduled for Saturday, January 24, 2026.The event runs from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., wiht setup and briefing periods beginning earlier in the day. It will be hosted at the Gosford Regional Library, Level 1, 123A donnison Street.

Volunteer roles cover a range of practical tasks. Participants will help welcome attendees, sort and display donated items, manage swap tokens, and assist visitors in browsing pieces. They may also contribute to youth-led social updates and capture consented photos or short videos to document the event.

No prior experience is necessary. A positive attitude and enthusiasm are enough to get started. Volunteers will recieve a brief on on-site safety,manual handling,and event conduct during a short induction on the day.

Interested youths can submit an expression of interest thru an online form. The organizing Youth development Officer will follow up with the required documents to complete and return by email.

About Coast Swap

Coast Swap invites the community to bring 5-10 clean, good‑quality items to swap for “new‑to‑you” pieces. The initiative reduces textile waste,promotes circular fashion,and strengthens community ties-driven by youth volunteers and a shared commitment to sustainability.

What volunteers will do

• Greet and check in participants
• Sort and display donated items
• Manage tokens and assist the swap flow
• Capture consented photos or short videos
• Contribute to youth-led content and updates
• Help participants browse items
• Maintain a tidy, welcoming space

Applicants must be aged 14-24. The program requires agreement to the Council’s Volunteer Work Agreement, and those who wish to be photographed or filmed must submit a Digital Consent Form. If the volunteer is under 18, parental or guardian consent is also required.

Event details (first swap)

Location: Gosford Regional Library, Level 1

Date: Saturday, January 24, 2026

Time: 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. (briefing and arrival times will be provided)

Next steps

Complete the Expression of Interest form to receive the follow-up documents from the youth Development Officer by email.

Contacts

For inquiries, reach Renee Simpson, Youth Development Officer, at

[email protected] or call 0436 017 550.

Key facts at a glance

Aspect	Details
Program	Coast Swap youth volunteering
Ages	14-24 years old
First event date	saturday, January 24, 2026
Event window	11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.(swap); setup and briefing earlier the same day
Location	Gosford Regional Library, Level 1, 123A Donnison Street
Volunteer roles	Check-in, item sorting, display, token management, content creation
Induction	On‑the‑day briefing (safety, conduct, manual handling)
Consent	Digital Photo/Video Consent required if opting to be photographed
Expression of Interest	Submit online; follow-up documents will be emailed

why this matters – evergreen insights

Beyond the moment, Coast Swap represents a practical model of circular fashion in action. Youth volunteers gain real-world event experience, leadership opportunities, and transferable skills that bolster resumes, TAFE, university applications, or Duke of Ed commitments. The program also reinforces community resilience by reducing textile waste and promoting inclusive, sustainable practices.

Industry experts note that circular fashion and volunteer-led events can accelerate environmental awareness and social cohesion. For readers seeking deeper context, resources from the ellen MacArthur Foundation offer insights into circular economy principles and how local efforts fit into larger sustainability goals.

Engagement questions

What skills would you most like to develop by volunteering at a community event like Coast Swap?

How can youth participation in swaps contribute to broader sustainability goals in your region?

Join the initiative

Submit your expression of interest today to be considered for the next Coast Swap, and join a growing network of young leaders shaping sustainable fashion in communities across the coast.

Share this story to invite friends to get involved, or leave a comment with your questions and ideas for future swaps.

External resource on circular fashion: Ellen MacArthur Foundation.

What is teh Coast Swap Youth Volunteer Program?

coast Swap is a national, youth‑focused nonprofit that connects high‑school and college students with community‑driven clothing swaps, beach clean‑ups, and sustainability projects. The program’s mission is to empower young people to learn new skills, build a stronger résumé, and refresh their wardrobe while addressing climate‑impact issues along the U.S. coastline.

• Core activities:
1. Organizing free‑exchange clothing events (often called “Swap Meets”).
2. Coordinating shoreline litter removal and marine‑debris monitoring.
3. Hosting educational workshops on circular fashion and waste reduction.

• Geographic reach (2024‑2025): California,Oregon,Washington,Texas,Florida,and the Mid‑atlantic states,with more than 150 youth chapters nationwide [CoastSwap Annual Report,2025].

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Key Skills you’ll Develop

Skill	How Coast Swap Builds It	Real‑World application
Project Management	Planning event timelines, budgeting swap supplies, and delegating tasks to volunteers.	Managing school club events,college fundraisers,or community service projects.
Leadership & Team Building	Leading a team of 10‑30 peers, conducting briefings, and conflict resolution during fast‑paced clean‑ups.	Supervising interns, leading class presentations, or running youth mentorship programs.
Communication & marketing	Crafting social‑media posts, designing flyers, and speaking to local media about upcoming swaps.	Enhancing personal branding, creating professional portfolios, or handling corporate communications.
Data Collection & Reporting	Recording litter counts, waste‑diversion metrics, and post‑event surveys for impact reports.	Supporting research projects, producing analytical reports, or contributing to sustainability audits.
Enduring Fashion knowledge	Learning about textile lifecycles,upcycling techniques,and ethical sourcing.	Advising retailers on green initiatives or consulting on corporate ESG strategies.

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How Volunteering Boosts Your Resume

1. Quantifiable impact – Example: “Co‑organized a 2024 Coast Swap event that diverted 3,200 pounds of clothing from landfill,reaching 850 community members.”
2. Industry‑Relevant Keywords – Recruiters search for terms like “community outreach,” “project coordination,” “sustainability initiatives,” and “event logistics.”
3. Leadership Credibility – Serving as a “Youth Chapter Leader” demonstrates responsibility, initiative, and the ability to mentor peers.
4. Networking Opportunities – Connect with local businesses, city officials, and nonprofit partners who often serve as references or mentors.

Resume bullet‑point template:

• Led a team of 15 volunteers in a two‑day beach cleanup, collecting 2,300 lbs of marine debris and achieving a 95% participant satisfaction rate (post‑event survey).

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Refreshing Your Wardrobe Through Clothing Swaps

• Zero‑Cost Style: Participants exchange gently‑used garments, allowing a complete wardrobe refresh without spending a dime.
• Eco‑Kind Choices: Swaps extend the lifecycle of clothing, reducing textile waste that accounts for ≈11% of U.S. landfill volume [EPA, 2024].
• Curated Collections: Manny chapters partner with local thrift stores to ensure quality control-only items in good condition are accepted.
• DIY Upcycling Workshops: Learn basic sewing, embroidery, or patchwork to personalize swapped items, turning a simple T‑shirt into a unique statement piece.

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Step‑by‑Step Guide to Getting started

1. Locate Your Nearest Coast Swap Chapter
• Visit the official website’s “Find a Chapter” map and enter your zip code.
• Complete the Youth volunteer Application
• Provide basic contact info, school affiliation, and a brief statement of interest (150-200 words).
• Attend the Orientation Session (usually via Zoom or in‑person)
• Learn safety protocols,event calendars,and volunteering expectations.
• select Your First Role
• options include “Swap meet organizer,” “beach Clean‑Up Crew Leader,” or “Sustainability Workshop Assistant.”
• Log Your Hours
• Use the Coast Swap mobile app to record activity; hours are automatically added to your volunteer transcript (eligible for school service‑learning credits).
• share Your experience
• Post photos, stories, and impact metrics on social media with the hashtag #CoastSwapYouth to increase visibility and attract future volunteers.

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Real‑World Example: 2024 Malibu Beach Cleanup

• Date & Location: August 12, 2024 – Malibu State Beach, CA.
• volunteer Demographic: 27 youth volunteers (ages 15‑22) from three local high schools.
• Outcome: Collected 2,312 lbs of trash,including 45 plastic fishing nets and 78 discarded surfboards.
• Skill Highlight: One volunteer, Maya Liu (17), coordinated a live‑stream on Instagram, resulting in 4,200 views and a 12% increase in donations for post‑cleanup “re‑use” initiatives.
• Wardrobe Impact: The event partnered with a nearby boutique, offering 150 swap items; participants reported an average of three new outfits per person.

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Practical Tips for Maximizing Impact

• Plan Ahead: Draft a checklist (permits, waste bins, signage) at least two weeks before the event.
• Leverage Local Partnerships: Contact nearby businesses for sponsorship (e.g., reusable water bottles, tote bags) in exchange for branding exposure.
• Document Metrics: Use a simple spreadsheet to track items collected, hours volunteered, and participant numbers; this data strengthens future grant applications.
• Engage Schools: Offer credit‑earning opportunities for service‑learning or community‑service requirements.
• Promote Inclusivity: Ensure swap items represent diverse sizes, styles, and cultural backgrounds to attract a broader audience.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do I need prior experience in event planning?

A: No. Coast Swap provides training modules and mentorship from seasoned chapter leaders.

Q: How many volunteer hours are required per semester?

A: The program recommends a minimum of 15 hours per semester, but volunteers can log unlimited hours.

Q: can I earn academic credit?

A: Yes-many high schools and colleges recognize Coast Swap hours toward community‑service graduation requirements.

Q: What if I can’t attend a scheduled swap?

A: The mobile app allows you to swap shifts with another volunteer or suggest option dates for future events.

Q: Are there any costs involved?

A: Membership is free; participants only cover personal transportation or optional costume‑upcycling supplies.

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