What 

Why

How Does it Work

What is it Doing

Benefits

 

 

Check out the SOSI web site for information, events, resources, and opportunities to get involved.

What is it?

The Sustainable Oregon Schools Initiative (SOSI) is a long-term, comprehensive, state-wide program to help interested districts and schools integrate sustainability into their operations and classrooms.

SOSI's goal is to move Oregon’s K-12 school districts and their schools toward a comprehensive state of sustainability, guided internally by a system for its implementation and management, and supported externally by resources from a permanent statewide program.

It is being developed with a multi-stakeholder process and guided by a Steering Committee with staff support from the Zero Waste Alliance.

Why

The concept of sustainability means meeting current needs without reducing the ability of future generations to meet their needs. A growing body of scientific evidence demonstrates our society is damaging the balance of our natural systems. Current trends in climate change, pollution and resource depletion will impact our health, econommy, culture and affect our children’s and grandchildren’s ability to live safe, happy and healthy lives.

How does it work?

SOSI carries out its work by engaging a large, broadly representative group of stakeholders that choose to participate, including schools and school districts, school associations, non-profit organizations, businesses, government agencies, parents and individuals. This group is developing the comprehensive set of topics and issues that lead to sustainability for K-12 schools.

Interested schools can choose to utilize the tools and resources that are being developed through this initiative to review their current operations and then to select one or more topic areas to pursue based on a variety of benefits as described below. Assistance will be available for these efforts as needed.

What is It Doing?

  1. Engaging a diverse group of stakeholders, who contribute their knowledge and work jointly to develop the resources.
  2. Developing a comprehensive vision of sustainability for K-12 school districts and schools. This vision provides the framework for the tools and resources being developed.
  3. Expanding the comprehensive, resource-rich Sustainable Oregon Schools website, as the focal point for school sustainability.
  4. Developing a sustainability assessment tool for schools and school districts. The assessment tool will be beta-tested and revised as needed.
  5. Developing model systems for districts or schools to begin and manage their progress toward sustainability.
  6. Developing a state-level sustainable K-12 schools award program, which will provide recognition of successes while generating interest among schools.
  7. Preparing to provide education, outreach and support to schools and school districts in order to increase interest in the initiative and to identify those that would like to participate.
  8. Laying the foundation for a permanent state sustainable schools program. At the conclusion of this initial multi-year effort the pieces for a permanent program will have been developed and momentum to use them begun.

Who Cares?

Many key organizations and individuals formally endorse the Sustainable Oregon Schools Initiative. A full list is available on the official SOSI web site.

The state of Oregon is a strong suppporter of sustainability education. See the Governor's November 2009 proclamation.

What Are the Benefits?

  • SOSI's work will increase the number of schools and districts that are working to become more sustainable.
  • Districts and schools will experience such benefits as reduced costs, risks and environmental impact, and increased academic performance, community support, and personal health.
  • Students, with their experience and knowledge of sustainability, will be better prepared to find good jobs and become future leaders.
  • These leaders will be better able to successfully manage and even reverse current trends.
  • Oregon will be a national leader in sustainability and will provide a unique model for the nation.

 

This Sustainable Oregon Schools Initiative is the next stage of a sustainable schools project that was initiated by the Governor and convened in 2003 by the Secretary of State as an Oregon Solutions project. In 2006 responsibility was passed to the Zero Wase Alliance to develop this larger, comprehensive initiative.

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Updated 1/31/10