Mission Statement
Among the most critical societal challenges of the next 50 years are the rapidly-growing and linked ecological and social crises arising from stresses on supplies of energy, water, and food. These crises are not simply about the adequacy of supply relative to demand, they are also the result of the complex social relations within and among societies, in the past, present, and future. There is a crying need for research, education and advocacy that can help to mitigate, if not ameliorate these crises. The Sustainable Systems Research Foundation is a 501(c)3 non-profit based in Santa Cruz, California, whose ultimate goal is to provide education, research, and advocacy to help sustain our planet for present and future generations. directed toward a global, multi-generational project of designing and building a sustainable and just civilization on the ground through pragmatic, well-designed, replicable, and scalable implementation of sustainable systems policy, education, research, and infrastructure based on emerging best practices. SSRF’s goal is taking on wicked problems in the community commons, developing and providing education, research, and advocacy to help sustain our planet for present and future generations. The organization focuses on the development of sustainability-related curricula and their delivery; public policy analysis; hands-on community-based research and green enterprise; and public advocacy and outreach, through collaboration with educational, public, and community partners.
Description
The Sustainable Systems Research Foundation (SSRF) is seeking one or more mature volunteers who have experience with, or are interested in, managing operations and projects and can dedicate four or more hours per week to the organization. Projects include: accessory dwelling units as affordable housing; helping businesses and organizations improve procurement to reduce waste and recycling; fostering the transition to renewable energy; and developing sustainable urban farms and agriculture. The ideal candidate will have worked in a responsible managerial position in business, academics or non-profits, including budgeting, future planning, outreach and communication, and supervision of staff and team projects. Experience in grant-writing and fundraising is a plus. Current SSRF staff includes the two principal founders, a paid office manager and paid intern, and a recruitment and development volunteer. Oversight is provided by a seven member Board. The organization shares an office with Convergence Research, a consulting firm, at the Wrigley Building on the West Side of Santa Cruz. More information about SSRF can be found at the organization’s website at https://sustainablesystemsfoundation.org/, writing to sustainablesystemsresearch@gmail.com or by calling Ronnie D. Lipschutz at one of the following numbers: 831-708-5836 (office); 831-423-1084 (home); 831-588-7625 (cell). If you are interested in volunteering with us, please send an email and attach your CV.
