Land use & environmental law
Help neighbors understand how zoning, permits, and environmental review actually work—and what good process looks like.
Get involved
Start where you’re comfortable.
There’s no one way to stand up for the shoreline. Some neighbors go to hearings; some go to the beach. Every rung on this ladder genuinely helps—climb as high as you like.
The ladder
Six ways in, easiest first.
Each of these routes to a different way of helping. Pick one today; the next rung will still be here tomorrow.
Spend time on the shoreline
Getting involved can be as simple as going to the water. Using our public beaches, docks, and trails shows how much these places matter.
Find your spotJoin the mailing list
Occasional, useful updates: what's changing on the waterfront, when decisions are coming, and how to weigh in. No noise, no sold lists.
Join the listLearn how the town works
Ten minutes with our plain-language guide and the public process stops being a mystery—agendas, hearings, records, and where you fit in.
Read the guideSupport the work
Residents are preparing a court challenge asking whether the Town followed the law. There is one short window to bring it. The GoFundMe pays for attorneys, court costs, and expert review. SOS PW is not yet a 501(c)(3), so contributions are not tax-deductible.
Contribute on GoFundMeWear the shoreline
First collection in the worksA small founding collection of SOS PW gear is in the works. Wearing it around town starts conversations no website can.
Get the launch announcementAdvise or serve
SOS PW needs people with experience in law, science, nonprofits, local government, communications, and waterfront work. Even an hour of useful advice can help.
See what we're looking for
Advise or serve
Share your experience with SOS PW.
SOS PW is assembling the knowledge an enduring community organization needs. If you’ve spent a career in any of these areas, an hour of your time is worth more than you think.
Environmental engineering & science
Water quality, habitat, soils, and resilience: help the community read technical studies with informed eyes.
Governance & nonprofit stewardship
Help set up clear bylaws, a responsible board, and open finances.
Civic & community organizing
Help run useful meetings and reach neighbors who have not yet been part of the conversation.
Waterfront & maritime knowledge
Boating, fishing, moorings, working waterfronts: the practical knowledge that keeps shoreline plans honest.
Not sure where to start?