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.  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, the environment and economics. 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. 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 program coordinator Hanna Davis at hannad@pdx.edu.  Ready to apply right now ?!  Click on the application link below and get started.

Sustainability Volunteer Program Spring 2012 Application

Program Format

After joining the program, students will have the opportunity to join 1 of 5 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.  Check out the Taskforces for this term below!

Student Gardening: 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!

Social Sustainability Task Force: Our primary focus within Social Sustainability is to work towards a world that works for all by bridging the social justice and environmental movements. Taskforcees will learn how to create educational campaigns and projects, and facilitate meetings and events.

Economic Sustainability Task Force: Volunteers in this task force will be responsible for the creation of educational campaigns around Economic Sustainability. Projects may also include student led research and the hosting of student forums and envisioning sessions intended to make our campus and communities more economically sustainable. Events in the past have revolved around the social costs of commercial consumerism and the role of sustainable business in creating a sense of community.

ReUse Room Staff: Volunteers who will be working in PSU ReUse Room will be asked to assist students, staff, and faculty in finding new and gently used office supplies our location in Cramer Hall, room 180. Volunteers will be responsible for taking in donations, data entry, and keeping the ReUse Room organized.

Communications Team: These volunteers will create original content for the EcoWiki website, Portland State's online sustainability hub. 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.