Volunteer with CEP
Tackling Climate Change as a Team
Looking for a meaningful way to give back, learn new skills, and make a real impact in Portland? Community Energy Project offers unique volunteer opportunities where you can be part of creating healthier, more energy-efficient homes — all while helping build a stronger, more climate-resilient community. Whether you're interested in volunteering with friends, your neighbors, or bringing the whole team from the office, we have options that fit your goals.
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"...Projects felt meaningful, purposeful, and personal."
“It was a great opportunity to serve the community with my colleagues and clients. We had the chance to meet some of the homeowners of the homes we were serving, which brought things to life and the service projects felt meaningful, purposeful, and personal. even just a few hours with many hands makes the load lighter.”
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"Thank you for this opportunity!"
“CEP is a wonderful organization. Thank you for the opportunity to understand how your clients access benefits from your organizations through technicians and volunteers.”
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"I had a wonderful time."
“Aleksi and Jenna did an excellent job leading our fence staining team in the Lents neighborhood. Task instructions were clear and organized. Our team of 10 operated very efficiently under CEP's guidance and we were fully equipped with the appropriate tools and materials needed to finish the job. I'd volunteer with CEP again in a heartbeat, I had a wonderful time.”
Individual Volunteer Opportunities
Individual volunteer opportunities vary by season
Fall/Winter (Sep-Feb): Peak season – opportunities include weatherization teams, leading workshops, answering phones, or assisting at community fairs.
Spring (Mar-May): Conducting follow-up surveys on the phone
Summer (Jun-Aug): Community events (tabling) and inventory
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After a client has attended a workshop or in-homes services, we like to follow up with them. This gives folks a chance to provide feedback and helps us to improve our programs. In addition, our findings are used in our reports to our funders.
Minimum age: 18. (2-4 hours each time)
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Volunteers and staff representing CEP distribute information about our programs at various community events throughout Portland and the surrounding area. This is a good way to meet other fantastic people in the non-profit community.
2-4 hours each time
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We have three programs that give away thousands of free supply items with workshops. It takes a lot of time and effort to assemble kits for 1,100+ workshop participants. This can include some heavy lifting.
Opportunity varies
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In the busy season we have opportunities to answer phones, enter data, and help clients process their paperwork.
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If you would like to do “on the ground” work, take pride in doing a job right, and are familiar with basic tools, this is a great position. Using energy saving materials such as interior vinyl storm windows, individuals and teams of volunteers weatherize the homes of 230 seniors and people with disabilities every year. We provide training for all of our volunteers before heading out to the homes.
Minimum age: 14. (Typically 4-6 hours each time) Most weekdays, and many Saturdays from October to February.
Click below to get started!
To begin the process of volunteering with CEP, schedule an appointment for a volunteer meeting to discuss your interests and available opportunities. All volunteers participate in an orientation and receive relevant training. Oftentimes orientation and training can occur on the first day of service.