Community Engagement and Volunteerism

Community Engagement

Community engagement is critical for sustainable and effective environmental policy and action. OEC works to engage stakeholders across communities, government agencies, legislative bodies, nonprofits, and small businesses to make sure that our work aligns with the needs of everyday Oregonians.

Interested in finding ways to connect your community or organization with our work?
Contact our community engagement manager at [email protected]

Examples of Our Community Engagement Work:

  • Clean Cosmetics and Toxic-Free Cleaning Workshops
  • Tabling at community events
  • Public facing events by our Emerging Leaders Board
  • Film screenings
  • Webinars on Environmental Legislation

Volunteer Opportunities in Environmental Advocacy

Oregon Environmental Council does not currently offer volunteer opportunities. However, there are many ways to take action and support our work. Sign up for our Legislative Action Alerts for real-time requests to speak up for the environment, such as sending letters to state representatives and providing testimony at legislative hearings. Stay informed about opportunities by joining our email listservs.

Where to Find Volunteer Opportunities

General:

  • Connect Central Oregon – Offers volunteer opportunities for those in Central and Eastern Oregon. Various long and short-term opportunities. View current openings: volunteer.connectcentraloregon.org 
  • HandsOn Greater Portland – A Portland-based organization that connects volunteers with community projects. It focuses on short-term opportunities for casual volunteers. Learn more: handsonportland.org
  • VolunteerMatch – A nationwide platform that matches volunteers with organizations. Enter your zip code to find opportunities near you, including details on time commitments and required skills. Visit: volunteermatch.org

Organization Specific:

  • Community Energy Project  – Local nonprofit that offers volunteer opportunities around weatherization and electrification. See current opportunities at https://www.communityenergyproject.org/about-us/staff-volunteer-opportunities/ 
  • The Nature Conservancy in Oregon – Offers hands-on volunteer opportunities, from habitat restoration to citizen science initiatives. Explore opportunities: nature.org/oregonvolunteer
  • Oregon Wild – Advocates for Oregon’s forests, waters, and wildlife. Volunteers can assist with outreach, advocacy, and special events. See details: https://oregonwild.org/get-involved/volunteer/ 
  • Rogue Climate – Empowers Southern Oregon communities most affected by climate change—including low-income, rural, youth, senior, and communities of color—to advocate for climate justice. Contact at https://rogueclimate.ourpowerbase.net/volunteer 
  • SOLVE Oregon – Engages volunteers in environmental stewardship projects, including beach cleanups, invasive species removal, and tree planting. Get involved: solveoregon.org
  • Street Trust – The Street Trust advocates for safe, accessible, and equitable transportation. Volunteer opportunities on a case-by-case basis. Sign up to hear about upcoming projects: https://www.thestreettrust.org/volunteer/ 

By getting involved, you can make a meaningful impact on environmental advocacy efforts in Oregon!