EcoReps

Get involved. Be the change.

Who we are

Portland State University’s EcoRep program seeks to educate and train student leaders to model and promote environmentally and socially responsible behaviors in their resident halls. The program began in January 2011 to create change in the residence halls around a variety of sustainability issues. EcoReps distribute resources, design innovative projects, as well as create, coordinate and host activities in their residence halls. The activities provide other residents with opportunities to understand and integrate broader behavior change as well. EcoReps work hard to promote the philosophy that we can, and do make a difference!

Our Leadership Framework

The EcoReps program values process as much as purpose. The program is built around the Relational Leadership model (Komives, Lucas, & McMahon, 1998) to be

ethical, empowering, and inclusive.

EcoReps actively shape the program's vision, direction, and learning goals. Decisions are made collaboratively with the value that everyone has something unique to offer.

EcoReps are leaders for sustainability in their most immediate community, their residence hall. As an EcoRep, you gain leadership skills through in-depth training both in leadership and sustainability issues taught by local experts. EcoReps also have the opportunity to apply for a one-credit leadership credit that will appear on their academic transcript.

The Program

Fall Term - Knowing

Practice and learn about personal sustainability

In the fall term, EcoReps receive in-depth training about a wide variety of topics. We discuss "voluntary simplicity," leadership, and practice our skills to be prepared to role model sustainable behaviors.

Winter Term - Being

Build connections and host programs

During the winter term, EcoReps host a Conservation Challenge in Broadway and Ondine residence halls. We plan fun events and outreach projects that engage our peers while practicing the skills we learned together in the fall. Click on the following link for information and descriptions of the programs EcoReps hosted during the 2012 Conservation Challenge.

Spring Term - Doing

Design and create change

In the spring EcoReps will connect and participate in Earth Day celebrations, as well as design their own personal projects. We focus on understanding and developing each EcoRep's unique skills through career and resume workshops, reflection, and guests speakers.

Below is a list of EcoReps' personal projects from spring 2012:

• Eco Craft Table at PSU's Earth Day celebration in the park blocks
• Housing Green Guide: a guide to living sustainably on campus
• Signs in multiple languages that educate international students about sustainability
• Cobb earth bench built in the PSU Community Orchard
• Trashion Show: a fashion show where all the clothes are made from trash (see the picture to the right)

Sustainability themes

• Mindful consumption and purchasing
• Reducing, upcycing, and recycling
• Food systems and composting
• Energy conservation
• Social sustainability and equity
• Building community

How to apply

If you are interested in being a 2012-2013 EcoRep please email Jennie Sharp, Residence Life Sustainability Liaison, at sharp2@pdx.edu. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

Get in touch with us

Jennie Sharp, Residence Life Sustainability Liaison | sharp2@pdx.edu | 541.645.0688

Heather Spalding, Sustainability Leadership and Outreach Coordinator | hspaldin@pdx.edu | 503.725.5598