RCE Americas Meeting 2016 "Renewable Energy and Sustainable Education"

1. RCE Greater Portland:
The Development of
a Non-Profit and the
Power of Governance
RCEs of the Americas
2016 Conference
Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil

2. RCE Greater Portland, aka GPSEN
www.gpsen.org

3. October 21, 2016 RCEs of the Americas Conference Presentation by RCE Greater Portland (GPSEN)3
Our Mission:
RCE Greater Portland (GPSEN) connects diverse
organizations in a collaborative network that
multiplies our collective capacity to educate,
empower, and engage for a sustainable future.

5. RCE Greater Portland
2015-16: AYear ofTransformation

6. 2015-2016: A year of transformation
Became a federally recognized charitable non-profit organization
Benefits:
Getting money for staff and operations becomes easier
Tax-deductible donations
Eligible for foundation grants
“Grown up” reputation
Costs:
Filing fees and tax forms
Paperwork and accounting systems
October 21, 2016 RCEs of the Americas Conference Presentation by RCE Greater Portland (GPSEN)6

7. Transformation process
Established Board of Directors
Application process, orientation packet
Appointed officers
President,Vice-President, Secretary,Treasurer
Wrote and passed Bylaws
Rules for board, committees, meetings, voting, etc.
Created policies
Fiscal, conflict of interest, advocacy, etc.
October 21, 2016 RCEs of the Americas Conference Presentation by RCE Greater Portland (GPSEN)7

8. Challenges
Funding
• Development - Find a fundable “niche” for grants
• Transform informal partners to formal, dues-paying partners
• Measure in-kind contributions and volunteer hours
Staff capacity
• Personal and professional obstacles
• Interns and volunteers
Striving to meet diversity goals
October 21, 2016 RCEs of the Americas Conference Presentation by RCE Greater Portland (GPSEN)8

9. Board
President &
Executive
Director
Governance
Outreach
&
Communica-
tions
Programs
& Events
Research
&
Curriculum

10. Achievements 2015-16
Governance
• Non-profit status
• 3 new board members
• Board orientation and packet
• Strategic planning retreat – SWOT
and 2016-17 Plan
• Monthly board meetings
• Thriving working groups
• Policy & Planning
• Ethics
• Development
• Assessment
• International (new!)
• Interns
October 21, 2016 RCEs of the Americas Conference Presentation by RCE Greater Portland (GPSEN)10

11. Achievements 2015-16
Programs & Events
• EcoChallenge
• United Nations Day
• AASHE Conference
• Human Rights Day
• Holiday Networking Party and
Awards
• Youth Network –Virtual Conference
• EarthWeek
• Hope and ResilienceTraining
• FacultyWorkshop
• World Environment Day
• Sustainability Social – “Taste of
Sustainability Ice Cream”
October 21, 2016 RCEs of the Americas Conference Presentation by RCE Greater Portland (GPSEN)11

12. Achievements 2015-16
Research & Curriculum
• ThinkTank
• Fellows Program – 3 Fellows
• College Network Research
• Progress on Database
Outreach & Communications
• Website: gpsen.org
• Bi-weekly newsletter
• Tabling at conferences
• Marketing materials
October 21, 2016 RCEs of the Americas Conference Presentation by RCE Greater Portland (GPSEN)12

13. RCE Greater Portland
2016-17 Action Plan

14. 2016-17 Goals
• Build a vibrant and diverse regional cross-sector network to increase collective
impact
• Secure funding to support resource development and operations
• Advance development of lifelong sustainability learning opportunities
• Increase public awareness about regional and international sustainability issues
• Support capacity building to develop global citizens

15. Organizational Priorities Survey
Very important, highest priorities
• Funding for staff and operations
• Regional efforts
• US support to help achieve global goals
(apply SDGs globally and in the USA)
Somewhat important, if action is possible
• Formal education curriculum and programs
(K-12, higher education)
• Nonformal education programs (non-profits,
government, civic organizations, etc.)
• Nonformal education - workforce training;
and Informal education - media and public
awareness campaigns
October 21, 2016 RCEs of the Americas Conference Presentation by RCE Greater Portland (GPSEN)15

16. SDG Priorities
Very important, highest priorities
#4: Education
#17: Partnerships
#13: Climate Action
Somewhat important, if action is possible
#11: Sustainable Cities
#15: Life on Land
#16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
#12: Responsible Production and Consumption
October 21, 2016 RCEs of the Americas Conference Presentation by RCE Greater Portland (GPSEN)16

17. 2016-17 GAP Commitments
1. Policy: Meet with government officials
2. Transforming Whole Institutions: Partnerships with colleges and industries
3. Trainings and Capacity-Building:
• Develop Hope and Resilience Training
• Regional FacultyWorkshop
4. Youth Engagement:
• K-12 and College Student Networks
• Pen Pal Program
5. Sustainable Communities:
• EcoChallenge
• Volunteer Projects

18. How can we all
increase our
handprints?

19. Comments? Questions?
Thank you!
Educate ~ Empower ~ Engage