RCE Greater Portland:The Development of a Non-Profit and the Power of Governance

RCEs of the Americas 2016 ConferenceCuritiba, Paraná, Brazil

RCE Greater Portland, aka GPSEN

www.gpsen.org

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.

RCE Greater Portland2015-16: A Year of Transformation

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

Transformation process

Established Board of DirectorsApplication 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

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

Board

President &Executive Director

Governance

Outreach &

Communica-tions

Programs & Events

Research &

Curriculum

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

Achievements 2015-16

Programs & Events

• EcoChallenge• United Nations Day• AASHE Conference• Human Rights Day• Holiday Networking Party and

Awards• Youth Network – Virtual Conference• Earth Week• Hope and Resilience Training• Faculty Workshop• 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

Achievements 2015-16

Research & Curriculum

• Think Tank

• 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

RCE Greater Portland2016-17 Action Plan

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

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

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

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 Faculty Workshop

4. Youth Engagement:

• K-12 and College Student Networks

• Pen Pal Program

5. Sustainable Communities:

• EcoChallenge

• Volunteer Projects

How can we all increase our handprints?

Comments? Questions?

Thank you!

Educate ~ Empower ~ Engage