We have worked or volunteered with, been members of, or donated to the following organizations (among others!). Yeah, we know–we’re a little overcommitted. But there are so many worthy organizations here in Portland!
Friends of Family Farmers
FoFF is an awesome group of folks dedicated to advocating for small family farms in Oregon. They host a networking and info-sharing event monthly on second Tuesdays called InFarmation (and Beer!) at Holocene. We love to support FoFF in its advocacy work, as well as hanging out with them at these events.
Indigo Rescue
Karen’s parents got their rat terrier, Lika, from Indigo Rescue, and we donated the first coop we ever built to the organization’s “Oregon Canine University at Indigo Ranch” in Vernonia, Oregon, where they raise chickens as well as board dogs.
Lents International Farmers Market
Independence Gardens has done several “how-to” demonstrations at Lents International Farmers Market in the past, and always looks forward to the opportunity to demo there again.
Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue
Isabel and Karen serve our community by participating in Search and Rescue with Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office. MCSO-SAR welcomes new members (anyone 14 and older can join) each September. Contact us if you’re interested!
NAYA
The Native American Youth and Family Center is a wonderful resource for individuals, families, and small businesses. Karen has a microenterprise IDA (individual development account) with NAYA, and Isabel’s little brother goes to school at the Early College Academy. We really enjoy working with NAYA, and highly recommend checking out this organization–and donating, if you can!
Northwest Service Academy (NWSA)
NWSA is an awesome organization that places AmeriCorps members in service positions related to education and the environment. Karen finished up an 11-month AmeriCorps term as the first Garden-Based Education Team Leader through the NWSA in August of 2009.
Oregon Solutions: Portland Community Gardens
Karen was fortunate enough to become part of the Oregon Solutions team working to meet the demand for community gardens in Portland. Thanks to Parks Commissioner Nick Fish for convening this important process!
Pacific Northwest Poultry Association
We were in the process of leaving a silent auction item with the show organizers at the 2010 winter classic when we were invited to stay…and we loved it! What a fun show–and what an impressive group of young people more knowledgeable about poultry than I fear I’ll ever be!
Portland Farm and Garden Educators Network
This is a great network of (you guessed it!) farm and garden educators in the Portland metro area. We’ve been participating for about 3 years, and love recommending it to other folks interested in teaching in or about the garden.
PABA
The Portland Area Business Association (PABA) is the PDX-area LGBT chamber of commerce. We’ve been members since 2010, and we appreciate its supportive community and networking opportunities.
Professional Sustainable Gardeners Guild
PSGG is a brand new organization that focuses on bringing together business owners who are helping people garden sustainably. We network, share resources and skills, and explore the nuances of the field we’re helping form.
ReCode Oregon
ReCode’s motto is “Legalizing Sustainability.” This dedicated group of people is working with the City of Portland and beyond to change policies, procedures, and zoning codes to make it possible to implement sustainable practices.
VOIS
VOIS stands for “Voice for Oregon Innovation and Sustainability.” Karen serves as a Board member for the organization, which is in its second year.
