It's Your Oregon: Karen Shoebottom

Michigan native, Karen Shoebottom moved to Portland four years ago. She began volunteering with the Oregon Environmental Council shortly after seeing Al Gore’s documentary, “An Inconvenient Truth: A Global Warning.” As she keenly recalls, “It scared me to death. I immediately started researching volunteer opportunities in order to help make a difference.  I did my research and found that OEC matched what I was looking for, an organization that promotes smart, livable programs and policy. I went to volunteer orientation and signed up!  I enjoy being in the community and talking to people, especially when I can help raise awareness.”

Her greatest concerns: bringing global warming to a halt, cleaning up the air, water, and soil, and preserving wilderness areas. She’s also adamant about the health of our children and deeply concerned about their future on this planet. She elaborates, “My hope is that everyone pitches in to help If everyone takes just one action it would make a huge difference.

I'm passionate about raising awareness and showing everyone that the little things we can do every day are just as important as the bills and regulations we get passed.”