A partnership between PSU’s Community Environmental Services unit, PSU’s Institute on Tribal Government, the Northwest Native Chamber, and the Sustainable Purchasing Leadership Council, this EPA funded project will provide technical assistance, including a culturally relevant sustainable product curriculum co-created with community members, industry‐specific procurement resources, and support for implementing safer, more sustainable products plans and products, to Native American community leaders.
JOIN THE SUSTAINABLE PROCUREMENT ADVISORY GROUP
We are recruiting a group of six community and business leaders representing Native American businesses of all types that will meet four times during April and May 2024. This group will review materials from the Sustainable Purchasing Leadership Council and provide feedback in facilitated meetings.
The primary goal of the newly developed curriculum is to foster greater participation from Indigenous/Native firms in supplying services and products that align with environmental and social responsibility standards. We aim to achieve this goal through a multi-faceted approach.
Educating Large Native-Owned Firms: One aspect of our initiative involves working with large Native-owned firms to educate them on procurement practices that encourage the inclusion of sustainable purchasing. This includes providing training on how to identify and engage with Indigenous/Native suppliers, as well as integrating sustainability criteria into procurement policies.
Uplifting Indigenous/Native Firms: Another crucial aspect of our initiative is to support firms in developing marketable services and products that meet the requirements of firms with Sustainable Purchasing Policies. We aim to provide resources, guidance, and networking opportunities to help Indigenous/Native businesses navigate procurement processes and position themselves as preferred suppliers for organizations seeking sustainable solutions.
Where does the group meet?
The Sustainable Procurement Advisory Group will spend 10 hours over two months on this project. We will meet online four times (two hours each time) and ask you to spend two hours outside of meetings to review materials. You will be paid $85.70/hour for your time and expertise (total = $857).
Can I be in the Sustainable Procurement Advisory Group and participate in the program to switch to safer products in my business?
Yes, you can!
Email Amber Faist, Programs Director at the Northwest Native Chamber: afaist@nwnc.org.
Where does the group meet?
The Sustainable Procurement Advisory Group will spend 10 hours over two months on this project. We will meet online four times (two hours each time) and ask you to spend two hours outside of meetings to review materials. You will be paid $85.70/hour for your time and expertise (total = $857).
Can I be in the Sustainable Procurement Advisory Group and participate in the program to switch to safer products in my business?
Yes, you can!
How do I apply to be a member of the Sustainable Procurement Advisory Group? Or, what if I have more questions?
Email Amber Faist, Programs Director at the Northwest Native Chamber: afaist@nwnc.org.
Email P2Leaders@pdx.edu