Opportunity Details
TeamWorks: Make a Difference through Sustainability's Four Es (age 18+)
This Teamworks experience unites educational seminars, guided discussions, and planned service projects as it explores the foundations and actions of the four “E”s that underlie sustainability efforts across our region: environment, equity, economy, and education. In partnership with Portland Community College and the Greater Portland Sustainability Education Network (GPSEN), join us and learn how we can help create a healthy, just, and thriving region where everyone has opportunities to shape a more sustainable future!
As a team, we'll kick off with an exploration of the foundations of social problems and thought traps, and develop cycles of hope and "E4" solutions that focus on all four pillars of sustainability. As we consider the pillars of economic health and social equity, we'll serve a meal at Potluck in the Park and learn about Indigenous Rights and Wisdom during Earth Week with guest speaker Ilarion Merculieff. We'll support access to education through a beautification project at Glenfair Elementary School and explore environmental responsibility as we assist with the reuse efforts at the ReBuilding Center. We'll learn about the work of the Community Energy Project as we help take down winter weatherization materials at clients' homes in preparation for warmer weather, and get familiar with the sustainable development initiatives spearheaded by the Greater Portland Sustainability Education Network.
If you've ever been curious to dig deeper into sustainable communities -- and make a positive impact along the way -- now's your chance!
What is TeamWorks? TeamWorks teams consist of approximately 10-12 people, who, like you, are interested in getting to know our region through volunteerism. Led by a Hands On trained volunteer leader, your team will work together on a series of projects (listed below) with opportunities to discuss the impact your service is having on our community. Some projects will be paired with happy hour or a meal to allow your team to continue the conversation (meal/drink expenses are the responsibility of each individual team member).
Signing up for the FIRST session will sign you up for the entire TeamWorks. Commitment to every project in the series is important, so please carefully check the schedule below before signing up! If you know in advance you'd have to miss one of the projects, let us know and you may still be eligible to join the team. Questions can be directed to Melia Tichenor, melia@handsonportland.org or 503.200.3370.
Team Schedule:
Session 1:
Monday, April 6th, 3pm - 4:45pm
E4 Teamworks Kick-Off
SW Porltand -- PCC Sylvania, Room SCB 202
http://www.pcc.edu/
It is common to feel overwhelmed by the scale of environmental and social problems in our world, but our team is focused on how we can become educated, empowered, and engaged. This introductory reflection session will explore core foundations of social problems and how we can overcome them, by combating thought traps, creating cycles of hope, and identifying ways to participate in sustainable solutions.
Session 2:
Sunday, April 12th, 2pm - 5:30pm
(Project 2pm-5pm; post-project debrief 5pm-5:30pm)
Serve a Meal at Potluck in the Park
Downtown Portland
Potluck in the Park has been serving a free hot meal to anyone in need - no questions asked - since 1991. Every Sunday, rain or shine, 52 weeks a year, dozens of volunteers provide a hot meal in downtown Portland, turning a public park into a community of those wishing to serve anyone in need. We'll join in the meal serving experience and reflect on the economic conditions of our community. (includes 30 min post-project wrap-up)
Session 3:
Thursday, April 16th, 6pm - 9pm
(Project 6pm-8pm; drinks & discussion 8pm-9pm)
Salvage Building Materials at the Rebuilding Center
N Portland
Reduce, recycle, reuse! Help reduce the flow of useable building materials into the waste stream by volunteering at the Rebuilding Center's non-profit store for used building materials. We'll be doing a hands-on project, so come ready to work and have fun! Closed toe shoes required and bring work gloves if you have them. Wear warm clothes as the building is chilly. Some tasks may involve medium to heavy lifting.
When the project wraps up at 8pm, we'll head across the street to a nearby restaurant or pub to discuss what we've learned thus far!
Session 4:
Monday, April 20th, 1pm - 2:50pm
Indigenous Rights and Wisdom
SW Portland
Ilarion Merculieff is a passionate advocate for indigenous rights and wisdom and the rebuilding of harmonious relationships with the Earth Mother. A Unangan Aleut, he was raised in a traditional way on St. Paul Island, in the middle of the Bering Sea. Throughout his life, Ilarion has focused on traditional knowledge, wisdom, and spirituality gained from culture bearers around the world, acting as a bridge from the past to those alive today. Don’t miss this powerful presentation! Co-sponsored by Portland Community College and the Greater Portland Sustainability Education Network.
Session 5:
Saturday, April 25th, 8am - 1pm
Glenfair Elementary School Beautification
NE Portland
This morning, we'll join in the efforts of Hands On Greater Portland's annual Comcast Cares Day event and help with a school beautification project at Glenfair Elementary, in the Reynolds School district, which serves an incredible array of students from diverse cultural and economic backgrounds. Roll up your sleeves and get ready to paint, mulch, weed, scrub, and/or decorate -- we'll show up prepared to do whatever needs the most help to support our local schools!
Session 6: CHANGE OF PROJECT
Saturday, May 2nd, 10am - 3:30pm
(Project 10am - 3pm; final discussion 3-3:30pm)
Garden Build Day with Growing Gardens
Our final session will take us out to a Garden build with Growing Gardens, which works to promote healthy communities by increasing access to fresh produce while forming community around growing food. Limited income households don’t always have the option to put fresh nutritious food on the table. Growing Garden’s Home Gardens Program decreases chances of food insecurity by empowering families to grow food for themselves, friends and neighbors right outside their doorstep. Our group will work to build gardens out at Stephens Creek Crossing which is a Home Forward multifamily site in the Hillsdale neighborhood to help build raised garden beds for community members in the Stephens Creek Crossing community. Light snacks and tea/coffee will be provided, but please bring a sack lunch to eat partway through the project. Tools will also be provided, but you can bring your own favorite gardening tools if you desire!
After the project, we'll circle up for our final TeamWorks wrap-up. Time to explore what we've learned and set our intentions for future engagement!
Click "Sign Up" below to reserve your spot on the team! Need help signing up? Call 503-200-3355.
Age Minimum (with Adult): 18+, Minimum Age:18+
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