SOLVE (formerly SOLV, Sustaining Oregon's Legacy by Volunteering,[1] originally an acronym for Stop Oregon Litter and Vandalism) is an environmental non-profit organization working throughout the U.S. state of Oregon. The group is based in Portland.[2][3]

SOLVE
Formation1969; 55 years ago (1969)
TypeNonprofit
93-0579286
Legal status501(c)(3)
HeadquartersPortland, Oregon
Board Chair
Doug Morris
Chief Executive Officer
Kris Carico
Websitehttps://www.solveoregon.org/
Formerly called
SOLV; Sustaining Oregon's Legacy by Volunteering; Stop Oregon Litter and Vandalism

History

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SOLVE was founded in 1969 by Oregon Governor Tom McCall with the goal of reducing and cleaning up litter and vandalism throughout Oregon. [4] In 1976, SOLVE hired Blanche Schroeder, Portland Chamber of Commerce lobbyist, to act as Executive Director of SOLVE on a part-time basis.[5] The first statewide citizen volunteer Beach Cleanup in the nation was organized by SOLVE in 1984.[4] Since then, annual beach cleanups have spread to every state in the U.S.,[4] all U.S. territories, and more than 100 countries around the world.

Jack McGowan became the director of the group in 1990, and continued as its leader until 2008.[4] Over time, SOLVE has expanded its work to include education efforts, removal of invasive species, and planting of native species.[6] In April 2008, Dianna Smiley took over as director after McGowan retired,[7] and she was replaced in January 2010 by Melisa McDonald. The current Chief Executive Officer is Kris Carico. [8][9] As of 2019, the organization had a $1.5 million budget.[10]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ SOLVE FAQ
  2. ^ Duin, Steve (September 7, 2003). "Overcoming division with a vision". The Oregonian. p. B1.
  3. ^ Mortenson, Eric (January 15, 2010). "SOLV, known for its volunteer beach and river cleanups, appoints new director". The Oregonian. Retrieved 17 March 2010.
  4. ^ a b c d Hill, Gail (March 26, 2008). "SOLV director hopes for record Oregon beach cleanup". The Oregonian. Retrieved 17 March 2010.
  5. ^ The Oregonian. September 27, 1976. {{cite news}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)
  6. ^ "Bringing Oregonians together to build a legacy of stewardship!". SOLV. March 22, 2012. Archived from the original on 2012-05-20.
  7. ^ Wood, Shelby (April 16, 2008). "SOLV gets new leader: Dianna Smiley". The Oregonian. Retrieved 17 March 2010.
  8. ^ "City bets on volunteer effort to cleanup Portland". KATU. May 4, 2021. Retrieved June 23, 2021.
  9. ^ "SOLVE Staff". SOLVE Oregon. Retrieved June 23, 2021.
  10. ^ "View SOLVE's 2019 Audited Financial Statements". SOLVE Oregon. April 29, 2020. Retrieved June 23, 2021.
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