SLS: SOLVE Event Leader and Volunteer (2024-25 school year)

SOLVE is a local environmental nonprofit organization dedicated to addressing environmental challenges in Oregon and Southern Washington through community-led initiatives such as beach cleanups, invasive plant species removal, neighborhood trash pickups.

This position is one of the options for Portland State's Student Leaders for Service program. Please apply to the Student Leaders for Service program to express interest in this opportunity. To access the application to apply for SLS for the the 2024-25 school year, please visit https://pdx.givepulse.com/event/446015.

SOLVE is looking for SLS members to join the SOLVE as an event lead for environmental stewardship volunteer projects as well as volunteer their time for events already scheduled on the SOLVE events calendar and help recruit other PSU students to get involved.

SLS Member Roles/Responsibilities:

SLS members who become SOLVE event leaders will play a crucial role in connecting with SOLVE's overarching mission by embodying the organization's ethos of community-driven environmental stewardship. As SOLVE expands its reach and impact with new events, these leaders serve as catalysts for change, inspiring others to take action and fostering a sense of ownership within their communities. By spearheading initiatives such as beach cleanups, invasive species removal, and habitat restoration events, these leaders not only contribute to tangible environmental improvements but also cultivate a culture of environmental consciousness and responsibility.

Students will have autonomy in choosing the location, date, duration, and type of environmental stewardship project they wish to host. This decision-making process allows them to exercise critical thinking and strategic planning skills as they consider factors such as environmental impact, community needs, and volunteer engagement. Hosting a SOLVE project involves overseeing various logistical aspects, including event planning, volunteer recruitment, resource allocation, and risk management. Students will develop project management skills by coordinating these elements to ensure the successful execution of their projects. As project hosts, students will lead volunteer teams during project implementation, providing direction, motivation, and support to ensure tasks are completed effectively and efficiently. They'll learn to delegate responsibilities, foster collaboration, and resolve conflicts in a team setting.

Preferred Qualifications: It is preferred, but not required, that new SOLVE event leaders possess strong communication skills, work well with other people in a collaborative setting, have previous leadership experience, and a passion for protecting the environment. This role is easier if an applicant has their own vehicle to transport event supplies.

Orientation and Training: SOLVE will provide new SLS members with online Zoom leadership training, as well as give them an opportunity to shadow a SOLVE staff member in the field to learn the ins and outs of everything that goes into leading an event.

Benefits of this Positions:

Participating in SOLVE's neighborhood litter pickup events or habitat restoration activities offers volunteers a unique opportunity to develop a diverse set of skills. Firstly, it provides hands-on opportunities to apply classroom knowledge to real-world environmental challenges, enhancing their understanding of sustainability, ecology, and community engagement. Through teamwork and collaboration, volunteers hone their ability to work effectively with others, fostering a strong sense of community. Leadership skills emerge as volunteers take on roles in organizing or leading groups. The hands-on nature of the work enhances project management abilities, from planning logistics to resource allocation. Engaging with local communities builds excellent communication skills, and problem-solving becomes second nature as volunteers address challenges during events. 

Contributing as volunteer leaders, students can make tangible impacts on the greater community. By organizing and participating in beach cleanups, habitat restoration events, and other initiatives, they help preserve and protect the region's natural resources, benefiting both the environment and local residents. Their efforts contribute to building more resilient and sustainable communities, fostering a sense of civic pride and environmental stewardship among residents of Oregon and Southern Washington.

Overall, serving as volunteer leaders with SOLVE offers students a multifaceted educational experience that integrates classroom learning with hands-on environmental action, skill development, community engagement, and personal growth. It empowers them to become active agents of positive change, both within their university community and the broader society.

Location & Transportation: The physical address where the service would be take place would vary. Locations could be private or public land, parks, schools, public streets, businesses, beaches, river beds, etc. Locations can be throughout Portland, as well as in Beaverton, Hillsboro, Gresham, Milwaukie, and other cities in the Greater Portland area.

The SOLVE offices are located at 1501 SW Jefferson Street, Portland, OR 97201. Our offices are within walking distance of Trimet Bus Lines 24, 51, 58.

Schedule Available: Morning and afternoon times available throughout the week. Student leaders should aim to host and/or support at least one clean-up event per week. Events run an average of 2 hours. We ask volunteer leaders to arrive early to begin setup and there is also time before the event that goes into planning, training, and receiving and returning equipment. Altogether it is approximately 5 hours a week of total time. While some of the planning may happen remotely, supply preparation and the events themselves will be in person. 

Supervision: SLS members would work directly with the SOLVE Programs team to train and support them in their roles.