Join OregonServes and Oregon Youth Works staff, and guest speaker Kif Scheuer, Strategy and Project Lead with Farallon Strategies, invite community partners, agency representatives, workforce development professionals, educational institutions, nonprofits, and other stakeholders as we briefly outline the national American Climate Corps initiative, highlight other state models, and share our vision for an Oregon Climate Alliance. Attendees can provide feedback on the proposed network model as we aim to strengthen workforce pathways to in-demand careers in Oregon’s clean energy and climate-resilience economy.
The Oregon Climate Alliance meeting will be held virtually on December 3rd, from 2:30pm-3:30pm (PST). Register via Zoom HERE! For more information, contact: oregon.serves@hecc.oregon.gov.
Oregon Ranked Tenth in Nation for Volunteering
Biennial survey by AmeriCorps and US Census Bureau recognizes Oregon for community service
AmeriCorps, the federal agency for national service and volunteerism, named Oregon as the tenth ranking state for formal volunteering in the nation as highlighted in the latest Volunteering and Civic Life in America research.
Oregon’s formal volunteering rate has increased by almost eight percentage points in just two years. In 2023, 1,240,730 volunteered through an organization, contributing $1.8 billion in economic value.
“Oregon represents the best of America. Oregonians should feel proud to know that their neighbors and friends are looking out for their community, providing invaluable support by serving those in need,” said Michael D. Smith, AmeriCorps CEO. “We can all learn a thing or two from Oregonians.”
Read More about the Volunteering and Civic Life in America research results.
AmeriCorps Planning Grants provide funding for organizations to design impactful AmeriCorps programs addressing community. Planning grants are a great opportunity for community organizations to plan new ways to make a difference. Planning grants provide applicants with resources to design an AmeriCorps program, and help organizations build capacity to manage an AmeriCorps program. Successful applicants receive training and technical assistance from OregonServes to design and implement strong, federally compliant programs. Priority will be given to proposals that focus on underserved populations, promote diversity and inclusion, and address community needs in education, environmental stewardship, emergency response, and public health.
Applications under this Notice of Funding Opportunity are due December 15, 2024. Visit the OregonServes website to learn more and apply!
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The annual AmeriCorps Kickoff event is an entrance conference for AmeriCorps State, National, VISTA, and NCCC members serving in Oregon. Attendees get an opportunity to network, hear from alumni, learn skills they can apply during their service term, and hear from guest speakers, including this year’s keynote, Coach Sam Balto, of viral ‘Bike Bus’ Tik Tok fame.
AmeriCorps, the federal agency for national service and volunteerism, signed a Memorandum of Understanding with OregonServes, providing a framework for collaboration when responding to natural disasters.
“For 30 years, AmeriCorps has partnered with federal, state and local governments to expand opportunities to serve and provide more effective and efficient support to communities served,” said Michael D. Smith, CEO, AmeriCorps. “This partnership between AmeriCorps and OregonServes signifies a pivotal step forward in strengthening disaster response in Oregon. By combining resources and expertise, this partnership is set to transform the landscape of disaster recovery efforts, ensuring swift, effective assistance for Oregonians in times of need."
Read more about this partnership here. To learn more about OregonServes disaster services program, grant opportunities, and free-to-use statewide emergency response volunteer management system, ORVID, contact us at: oregon.serves@hecc.oregon.gov.
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The Resource Assistance for Rural Environments (RARE) AmeriCorps Program focuses on increasing the capacity of rural communities to improve their economic, social, and environmental conditions through the assistance of passionate new leaders. Established in 1994, the RARE AmeriCorps Program just celebrated 30 Years of serving rural Oregon this summer. In early August, around 100 alumni gathered from around the United States for a reunion to connect and celebrate all this program has done! The RARE Program’s story and impact has so much to do with the communities and the members who take on the challenge – like Year 30 member Braden Ravenscraft who was placed up the McKenzie River (watch this video to learn more about his story of service).
The RARE Program will continue to grow and develop in the years to come with some exciting partnerships with the Department of Environmental Quality and the US Department of Agriculture. There are also record numbers of RARE AmeriCorps alumni, who are now serving as supervisors for the current generation of members. Two organizations – The Eastern Oregon Visitors Association and Lake County Resource Initiatives – have 3 members who were hired on as staff and are currently hosting RARE members as well.
Many local organizations are seeking volunteers!
As the clouds rolls in, skies darken earlier, and the rainy season begins across Oregon, the Greater Portland and Salem area are looking for volunteers like you to help lend a hand in important work.
United Way is seeking volunteers: Urgent ongoing need, typical volunteer shifts are 8:00am-12:00pm and 1:00pm-4:00pm Register Here: Community Resource Center (CRC) Set Up on-going need | United Way of the Mid-Willamette Valley
Join Portland Parks & Recreation for park clean up events here: Events | Natural Areas Volunteer Stewardship | Portland.gov
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