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| What is AWB-Oregon? | Architects Without Borders – Oregon is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) charitable organization dedicated to providing architectural and planning services to communities in need. We are based in Portland, Oregon, where we hold regular meetings, support several project teams, and connect with our local community.
AWB-Oregon works to address issues of inadequate infrastructure, shelter and community facilities worldwide. The organization was formed in January 2005 as an affiliate of AWB-North America and AWB-International to support volunteers for the tsunami reconstruction effort in Southeast Asia. The enthusiastic response of the architectural community made clear the need to establish an organization that could facilitate participation by architects, related professionals and students in humanitarian efforts both locally and throughout the world. We are working with organizations to share the skills and talents of design professionals, understanding that this is essential to affect positive change. | |
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| How is AWB-Oregon related to other AWB organizations? | Architects Without Borders – Oregon is an independent affiliate of Architects Without Borders – North America and Architects Without Borders – International. We are based in Portland, Oregon, U.S.A. AWB-Oregon includes architects, planning and construction industry professionals and students. We work together with our affiliate and complementary organizations such as Engineers Without Borders. | |
| How can I learn more about AWB-Oregon? | Email us at volunteercoordinator@awboregon.org or attend our general meeting the fourth Wednesday of every month. |
| Who can volunteer with AWB-Oregon? | Anyone can volunteer! We need help with all aspects from design and drawing to grant writing and administrative tasks. One of our goals is to provide opportunities for design professionals, students, interns and dedicated volunteers to gain valuable experience in service, collaboration, design and construction. You can champion your own project or participate in an existing project at a variety of levels from project management to design and drawing to grant writing, administrative tasks, and work in the field. Please contact our Volunteer Coordinator for further and more specific opportunities. |
| Do I need special qualifications? | A passion for helping others is the primary qualification. The role of AWB-Oregon is to help professionals, students and other volunteers in our region become involved in projects and programs consistent with their interests and with our mission and goals, both locally and abroad. A passion for helping others is the only qualification needed. Your energy, support and involvement can make a world of difference. Volunteers from related fields including fundraising, grant writing, communications, healthcare, law, and business are also much valued members of our team. |
| How much time does volunteering with AWB entail? | As much or as little as you have available, most of our volunteers work professionally full time. However, since we are an all volunteer organization, all we ask is that you honor your commitment. |
| With what type of projects does AWB get involved? | Communities that experience a disaster or suffer from chronic insufficiencies that need outside help to rebuild. We aim to work closely with host communities to develop long-term, sustainable solutions and increase self-sufficiency and economic vitality in the host region. Architects and related professionals are trained to think strategically and to design in response to a broad set of criteria while attending to the specific needs of people. Our local efforts include working with the local universities to offer students an opportunity to be involved in all aspects of a design project – from concept to construction development. We also aim to provide architectural and design services to local communities and organizations that would otherwise be unable to afford or obtain architectural services and who are similarly aligned with our mission and goals. |
| How can I make a donation to AWB-Oregon? | You can make a donation online through our secure web partner or by mailing a check, made payable to: AWB-Oregon 403 NW 11th Avenue Portland, OR 97209 USA We thank you for your support! |
| How are donations to AWB-Oregon allocated? | Nearly all of the money we receive goes directly to funding our projects. All volunteer time, including board meetings, is provided on an individual pro-bono basis. We occasionally host special fundraising events which may require physical mailings. We maintain minimal operating expenses, receiving donated conference space and mailing address from AIA-Portland. Our largest expense is providing strategic transportation for key volunteers to active project sites around the world. |
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