There are many ways to get involved with ASLA Oregon and we are always looking for volunteers. Whether you are interested in helping with a specific event or participating in a chapter committee, volunteering is a great way to build your network, give back to our community, and have fun! Check out the descriptions of the various active committees below, and let us know if you’re interested in joining one!
SPECIFIC Event
We are always looking for more hands to share the work of organizing our chapter events. Our two biggest annual events are the Design Symposium in April and the Awards Soiree in November. Other chapter and section events may occur throughout the year. Tasks range from graphic design, recruiting speakers, inviting the jury, organizing catering, or simply staffing the registration table. You can choose to volunteer for one, two or more events!
CLIMATE ACTION COMMITTEE
Help us build capacity for climate action and provide input to ASLA leadership on strategies for mitigating and adapting to climate change. The committee will support national efforts by looking at regional needs, exploring, developing, and promoting programs, products, and services that provide current research data and learning opportunities available to practitioners.
Communications Committee
Communicating with our members, our professional community, and the public is one of our highest priorities. Help us spread the word! Tasks include writing stories for the chapter website and Newswire, facilitating public awareness activities, and sharing posts on social media.
Education and Professional Development Committee
We support the lifelong learning of our community throughout all stages of professional development. ASLA Oregon volunteers organize continuing education events that meet state licensure requirements, connect emerging professionals with LARE preparation resources, and plan our annual Shadow Mentor Day with the University of Oregon’s ASLA Student Chapter. Tasks include identifying education topics, developing promotional materials, securing venues, and staffing events.
Emerging Professionals Committee
We seek to empower our emerging professionals to lead enriched, productive professional lives and guide their careers strategically. The Emerging Professionals Committee promotes community, recognition, and professional development for members in the first five years of their career. Events and activities include sketch crawls, plant nursery tours, trivia nights, happy hours, and educational opportunities. Membership in this committee is open to all members with an interest in supporting and mentoring the next generation of landscape architects.
Public Policy and Governmental Affairs Committee
We believe that landscape architects should use their voices in local, state and federal legislation related to the profession. ASLA Oregon works to establish relationships with elected officials and decision-makers to build awareness of the profession. Volunteer tasks include crafting responses to proposed legislation, planning Advocacy Day in Salem, developing chapter policy statements, organizing site tours for elected officials, and supporting advocacy efforts related to state licensure.
Urban Design Panel Committee
We value our relationships with the architecture and planning community. The Urban Design Panel is a committee sponsored jointly with the Oregon Chapter of the American Planning Association (Oregon APA) and the Portland Chapter of the American Institute of Architects (Portland AIA). Monthly meetings include presentations on projects undergoing Design Review in Portland. Volunteers facilitate meetings, provide comments and feedback to project teams, and write formal testimony to Portland Design Commission and Portland City Council.
Nominating and Tellers Committees
The Nominating Committee supports our annual elections by preparing a slate of candidates for our Executive Committee. Tasks include identifying potential candidates, recruiting members for the ballot, and participating in committee meetings in late spring and early summer. The Tellers Committee supports the election by verifying the results of our annual elections. Tasks include counting and validating election ballots and other confidential ballots of the professional membership and Executive Committee.
Audit Committee
The Audit Committee is responsible for the annual audit of ASLA Oregon finances. Tasks include convening the Audit Committee to perform the annual audit of accounts and reporting findings to the Executive Committee.
Constitution and Bylaws Committee
The Constitution and Bylaws Committee is responsible for periodic review our governing rules and proposing amendments to ensure consistency with the Constitution and Bylaws of ASLA. Tasks include reviewing proposed amendments and drafting amendments to our adopted Constitution and Bylaws.