The Sustainability Volunteer Program at Portland State University

Welcome!

With the Sustainability Volunteer program, you're sure to find motivated, driven students working on projects that make tangible differences at the university level with a 2 - 3 hr/week committment.  The program is designed to provide a formal volunteering experience that is friendly and useful to new and returning students alike interested in enriching their campus community.

We take a holistic approach to sustainability, focusing on social justice, community building and the environment a. Do hands-on work in one of several campus gardens.  Learn more about native plants and restoration work on campus. Get connections and access to internships and opportunities. Create media projects that share our messages in creative ways. Share ideas, conversation and food with other like-minded students.

Here's what some of our past volunteers have said about the program --

"I am absolutely, positively happy that I joined the volunteer program here. It has really given me a great way to meet people and do something positive and engaging for the community"

"Being a part of this club has been a really good experience for me. Not only am I socializing with awesome people who have the same interests as me, but also we are doing some pretty great things. During the week I look forward to our Monday meetings because I feel so comfortable and safe with the other members."

"Task force leaders, both liaison and coordinator, are friendly and engaging."

We would love to have you join for the Spring term.  Any questions about the program can be directed to psu.svp@gmail.com. 

Program Format

After joining the program, students will have the opportunity to join 1 of 4 different volunteer Taskforces.  Each taskforce has a different focus.  Taskforces author and complete projects throughout the term that reflect themes chosen by Volunteer Program taskforce leaders prior to the kickoff of the program. Volunteers have the option to receive one PSU credit through PSU's Leadership Practicum. Check out the Taskforces for this term below!

Student Gardening Taskforce: Student gardeners will work on the maintenance of student gardens around campus including the Grazing Garden, the Native Garden and the new Bioremediation Orchard. Be prepared to get your hands dirty, rain or shine!

Cultural Sustainability Taskforce: Explore the intersections between social and environmental issues and create community through Social Sustainability Month or other
events. Plan and host cultural events, share the value of diversity and equity in the sustainability movement and create partnerships with diverse groups at PSU.

Food Systems Taskforce: Advocate for healthy food systems on campus through the design and implementation of educational campaigns. Help create healthy food guides for students and partner with PSU student groups working on the same issues!

Communications Taskforce: Design innovative outreach projects to share sustainability with our community. Create flyers and posters, film and interview students and use your creativity to highlight sustainability initiatives on campus. Specific media design projects focused on creating an overall identity for the Sustainability Leadership Center will be at the core of this taskforce. Participants will be able to utilize their creativity through writing, photography and videography.

And, Coming Soon...

PSU Waste Management Taskforce

We're now accepting applications for the Spring 2013 term. You may apply online by clicking the link below.

Sustainability Volunteer Program Spring 2013 Application