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Regional Liaison Program

What are Regional Liaisons?

Regional Liaisons serve as a two-way connection between the organization’s board and communities across the state. Liaisons help elevate regional perspectives, share timely information from the field, and strengthen relationships that support effective recycling, organics, and reuse systems.

Regions are currently aligned with DEQ regions. However, the AOR Board may adjust boundaries as needed.

  • Northwest Region: Clackamas, Clatsop, Columbia, Multnomah, Tillamook, and Washington counties
  • Eastern Region: Baker, Crook, Deschutes, Gilliam, Grant, Harney, Hood River, Jefferson, Klamath, Lake, Malheur, Morrow, Sherman, Umatilla, Union, Wallowa, Wasco, and Wheeler counties
  • Western Region: Benton, Coos, Curry, Douglas, Jackson, Josephine, Lane, Lincoln, Linn, Marion, Polk and Yamhill) and has regional offices in Coos Bay, Eugene, Medford and Salem counties

What Regional Liaisons Do

  1. Represent Your Region
    • Serve as a point of contact between local stakeholders and the organization.
    • Bring regional priorities, challenges, and opportunities to the board’s attention.
    • Ensure local government and program perspectives are reflected in statewide conversations.
  2. Share Regional Intelligence
    • Monitor developments related to recycling, organics, reuse, and materials management in your region.
    • Flag policy changes, market shifts, facility openings/closures, funding opportunities, and emerging issues.
    • Share insights that help inform board discussion, advocacy, and programming.
  3. Build and Maintain Relationships
    • Stay connected with local governments, service providers, nonprofits, processors, haulers, reuse organizations, and other partners.
    • Strengthen existing relationships and help identify new partners or members.
  4. Support Membership & Engagement
    • Identify potential new members and make warm introductions to staff when appropriate.
    • Share organizational resources, events, and opportunities with regional contacts.
    • Help identify ideas for workshops, tours, or webinars relevant to your region.

Time Commitment

The Regional Liaison role is designed to be meaningful but manageable for busy professionals. Estimated total time commitment: approximately 2–5 hours per month, with occasional higher engagement during outreach or events.

Monthly

  • Submit a brief written regional update (15–30 minutes).
  • Participate in a board meeting when scheduled for verbal updates (60–90 minutes, rotating).

Quarterly

  • Attend a virtual liaison roundtable (1 hour).

Ongoing

  • Regional outreach and relationship-building (approximately 2–5 hours per month).

Optional

  • Attend the annual conference or regional events when feasible.

Expectations

Regional Liaisons are expected to:

  • Participate consistently for the full term
  • Communicate professionally and respectfully on behalf of the organization
  • Share information objectively and accurately
  • Maintain confidentiality when appropriate
  • Coordinate with assigned board mentors and staff contacts
  • Meet basic reporting deadlines

Term & Support

Term Length: One year, with the option to renew.

Support Provided:

  • Assigned board mentor
  • Dedicated staff point of contact
  • Reporting templates and guidance
  • Access to shared resource hub and liaison network

Who Should Apply

This role is well suited for individuals who:

  • Are active in recycling, organics, reuse, or sustainable materials management
  • Have strong local or regional networks
  • Are comfortable sharing insights in both written and verbal formats
  • Value collaboration and constructive problem-solving

Interested in Serving as a Regional Liaison?

Applications and nominations are welcomed from members across the state. 

APPLY NOW

Thank You to Our Sustainable Oregon 2025 Sponsors

Title Sponsor

Waste Connections

Scholarship Sponsor

Metro