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Opportunity Details

TeamWorks 2014: Dig into Sustainability's Four Es (age 18+) *Hands On*

Join a TeamWorks team of volunteers for a series of done-in-a-day projects led by a Hands On Greater Portland TeamWorks Leader. TeamWorks offers volunteers the opportunity to make a slightly longer-term commitment to volunteering, delve into a topic or issue-area, and get to know other volunteers in the process.

Portland regularly ranks among the top "sustainable" cities in the country... but what does this word actually mean? And what indicators can we use to gauge our success in cultivating healthier, more sustainable communities?

This new 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. 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, thought traps, 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 explore Native American perspectives on climate issues through two films produced by Wisdom of the Elders and a post-film dialogue with local leaders. We'll support access to education through a David Douglas School beautification project, explore environmental responsibility as we assist with the reuse efforts at the ReBuilding Center, and learn more about 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 individuals, led by a Hands On trained volunteer leader, who commit to volunteering for every project in the series, so please carefully check the schedule below before signing up! Signing up for the FIRST session will sign you up for the entire TeamWorks. If you know in advance you'd have to miss one of the projects, let us know and you might still be eligible to join the team. Questions can be directed to Melia Tichenor, melia@handsonportland.org or 503.200.3370.

Team Schedule:

Thursday, April 10th, 5:15 - 7:00 pm:
Community Service & Action Seminar and Teamworks Kick-Off (SW Portland)
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.

Sunday, April 13th, 2:00 - 6:00pm:
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.

Thursday, April 17th, 3:00-5:00pm:
Wisdom of the Elders Films & Discussion (SW Portland)
Wisdom of the Elders is a non-profit committed to preserving and sharing traditional knowledge. We will view two films about the Alaska Native response to climate issues and the importance of Native communities’ unique earth-based cultures. The films will be followed by a dialogue with local leaders, with time for audience questions and feedback, giving the community a voice in important local climate issues we will be facing in the years ahead.


Thursday, April 24th, 3:00 - 5:00pm:
Thinking Globally, Acting Locally: Finding Solutions through Sustainable Development (SW Portland)
Can you envision Portland as a healthy, just, and thriving region where sustainability education is prioritized and everyone has opportunities to shape a more sustainable future? We will join our Teamworks leader, PCC sociology professor Dr. Kim Smith, to learn about international and regional sustainable development goals and how the Greater Portland Sustainability Education Network (GPSEN) is building opportunities to participate in E4 solutions, focused on the environment, education, economy, and equity.

Saturday, April 26th, 8:00am - 1:00pm:
David Douglas School Beautification 

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 in the David Douglas 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!

Thursday, May 1, 6:00-9:15pm:
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. 

After the project, we'll head across the street to a nearby restaurant or pub for our final TeamWorks wrap-up to discuss 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.

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Civic & Community
Families, Homeless
Cleaning,Food Preparation & Meal Services,Gardening/Planting

Age Minimum (with Adult): 18+, Minimum Age:18+

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