SOLV

SOLVE (formerly SOLV, Sustaining Oregon's Legacy by Volunteering, originally an acronym for Stop Oregon Litter and Vandalism) is an environmental non-profit organization working throughout the U.S. state of Oregon whose mission statement is: "SOLV builds community through volunteer action to preserve this treasure called Oregon". The group is based in Portland

History

SOLV was founded in 1969 by Oregon Governor Tom McCall with the goal of reducing and cleaning up litter and vandalism throughout Oregon. In 1976, SOLV hired Blanche Schroeder, Portland Chamber of Commerce lobbyist, to act as Executive Director of SOLV on a part-time basis. The first statewide citizen Beach Cleanup in the nation was organized by SOLV in 1984. Since then, annual beach cleanups have spread to every state in the U.S., 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. Over time, SOLV has expanded its work to include education efforts, removal of invasive species, and planting of native species. In April 2008, Dianna Smiley took over as director after McGowan retired, and she was replaced in January 2010 by Melisa McDonald. The current Executive Director is John Tortorici. As of 2011, the organization had a $2.2 million budget.

See also

• Oregon Bottle Bill

External links

• SOLVE (official website)
• SOLV recognized for sustainability work - The Oregonian