The Update: March 24th, 2023
March 24, 2023
What you'll find in this edition:
(Click on a link to jump down in the email)
Updates from our Representatives
Volunteer Opportunities
Clackamas Dems
(outside of the DPCC)
Special District Elections - Clackamas Dems Endorsements
Special District Elections are being held on May 16, 2023 for multiple positions including water districts, school boards, fire districts, and parks! Here is our current endorsement list:
Chris Groener - Clackamas Community College District, Director
Aaron Woods - Clackamas Community College District, Director
Linda Brown - Clackamas Education Service District, Director
Naomi Angier - Clackamas River Water District, Commissioner
Tessah Danel - Clackamas River Water District, Commissioner
Grant Howell - Lake Grove Fire District, Director
John Wallin - Lake Oswego School District, Director
Kirsten Aird - Lake Oswego School District, Director
Hendy Appleton - Molalla Aquatic District, Director
Paul Kemp - North Clackamas School District, Director
Jena Benologa - North Clackamas School District, Director
Glenn Wachter - North Clackamas School District, Director
April Dobson - North Clackamas School District, Director
Alex Halpern - Oregon City School District, Director
Pamela White - Oregon City School District, Director
Katie Wilson - Oregon City School District, Director
Sherry Patterson - Rivergrove Water District, Commissioner AND Lake Grove Fire District, Director
Nick Walden Poublon - Sandy Fire District, Director
Maegan Vidal - West Linn-Wilsonville School District, Director
Dan Schumaker - West Linn-Wilsonville School District, Director
Kristen Miles - Tigard-Tualatin School District, Director
Jill Zurschmeide - Tigard-Tualatin School District, Director
Crystal Weston - Tigard-Tualatin School District, Director
Matt Thornton - Sherwood School District, Director
Clackamas County Elections is Hiring!
Temporary Election Workers wanted! The Election Division's temporary election worker recruitment continues for the May 16 Special District Election and beyond. You can find details about open positions, requirements for employment, application instructions, and the Oath of Office for Temporary staff online at www.clackamas.us/elections/temporary-workers.
Please share this opportunity and consider applying yourself as they are looking to recruit up to 80 election workers that want to be a part of the democratic process. Shifts can range from a few hours to a few days but each election worker plays a critical role in conducting our elections. It is a hands-on way to experience the process!
On Wednesday March 22nd, Clackamas County Commission Chair Tootie Smith went back on her vote, joining her fellow Republicans Mark Shull and Ben West in killing the Project Turnkey purchase on Sunnyside Rd for transitional housing in Clackamas County. Remember this in 2024!Click here to read more.
Let the Clackamas County Commisioners know your thoughts by submitting public testimony.
The Volunteer and Recruitment Committee has started a Facebook group in which we plan on sharing volunteer opportunities within the DPCC. We would like to provide a community where we can make friends, and share outside resources and events that hold our shared values.Visit us!
We are always actively recruiting for all committees along with Precinct Committee Persons and the Neighborhood Leader program Contact us!
Updates from our Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley
• March 13, 2023 Merkley introduces bill to cap list price of insulin at $20 a vial
• March 14, 2023 Wyden, Merkley, Colleagues Press Walgreens, Put National Pharmacies on Notice to Ensure Mifepristone Access
•March 15, 2023 Wyden, Merkley, Colleagues Introduce the Paycheck Fairness Act
• March 20, 2023 Merkley and U.S. Interior Secretary Haaland Tour Oregon to Highlight Historic Infrastructure Investments on Public Lands
• March 22, 2023 Merkley, Wyden Announce $23 Million in USFS Investments to Strengthen and Defend Oregon Communities from Wildfire Threats
Updates from Governor Tina Kotek
• March 10, 2023 60 Highlights from the First 60 Days: Governor Tina Kotek Marks Two Months in Office
• March 21, 2023 Governor Tina Kotek Commends Legislature for Passing Affordable Housing & Emergency Homelessness Response Package
Updates from our Democratic U.S. House Representatives Earl Blumenauer and Andrea Salinas
• March 14, 2023 Congresswoman Salinas on President Biden's Executive Order to Strengthen Firearm Background Checks
• March 17, 2023 Rep Salinas talks mental health crisis KPTV Fox12 Oregon
• March 22, 2023 Blumenauer, Raskin Introduce Sarah Debbink Langenkamp Active Transportation Act - Legislation unlocks critical roadway safety funds for local governments, honors State Department employee killed in bicycle accident last August
• March 22, 2023 Reps. Blumenauer, Panetta, Thompson, and Schiff Reintroduce E-BIKE Act - Encourages the use of electric bicycles, or e-bikes, through a consumer tax credit.
• March 22. 2023 Congresswoman Salinas Appointed to Democratic Women’s Caucus Leadership
Board of Clackamas County Commissioners
Here is a link to meeting schedules, bios, and contact information. Attend meetings, submit testimony, and email the commissioners!
The Clackamas County Commissioners have openings for their Advisory Boards and Commissions
The Clackamas County Commissioners are seeking interested residents to serve on county Advisory Boards and Commissions (ABCs). These ABCs offer residents the opportunity to become very involved in specific activities and the goals of Clackamas County.
Individuals interested in this opportunity can apply online or via a paper form that can be obtained from the Public & Government Affairs Department by calling 503-655-8751.
CCSD#5 Budget Committee - Street Lighting
Application deadline is March 29
To recommend fiscal year and supplemental budgets to the Board of County Commissioners.
Clackamas Workforce Partnership
Application deadline is April 12
To advise the Board of County Commissioners on the administration and implementation of the Workforce Innovation & Opportunity Act programs and initiatives within Clackamas County. The Act funds adult, youth and dislocated worker training programs.
Developmental Disabilities Council
Application deadline is March 31
To advise the Social Services Division Director and Developmental Disabilities Program Manager in planning and reviewing programs and recommending policy for Developmental Disabilities program areas. To recommend program goals and objectives to the Division Director, Program Manager and the Board of County Commissioners.
Click here for more details!
The Oregon Legislature session for 2023 is now in session!
Click here to find their agenda and how YOU can participate!
Visit Open States !
Discover Politics In Your State and Congress - Track bills, review upcoming legislation, and see how your local and federal representatives are voting.
There are a lot of things happening in the Oregon Legislature this session! Check out the following articles:
• February 28, 2023 Lawmakers consider eliminating Oregon’s tuition-free community college program to focus on providing aid to low-income students
• March 9, 2023 Proposed changes to Oregon's 25-year-old Death with Dignity Act could expand access
• March 14, 2023 OR Senate passes free immunotherapy coverage for children with PANDAS/PANS
• March 16, 2023 Semiconductor bill that would give Gov. Tina Kotek land-use power moves ahead
• March 17, 2023 HB 2002 Oregon bill would protect access to reproductive and gender affirming care
• March 17, 2023 Oregon bill aims to counter antisemitism by educating students about Jewish culture
• March 20, 2023 Oregon House votes to let Oregonians to pump their own gas
• March 20, 2023 Oregon Gov. Kotek seeks legislation to fight opioid overdoses
• March 20, 2023 Kotek targets behavioral health system crisis – and plans ahead
• March 21, 2023 Oregon lawmakers hear testimony on abortion, gender-affirming care
• March, 21, 2023 More Oregon state lawmakers are finally paying attention to child care issues.
• March 22, 2023 Oregon legislators to consider 3 new laws aimed at curbing gun deaths
• March 22, 2023 Bill to let motorcyclists slip past traffic passes Oregon Senate
• March 22, 2023 Bill to create a commission overseeing health care in Oregon jails has died
• March 22, 2023 Oregon lawmakers take up contentious data center clean energy bill
• March 22, 2023 Oregon Senate approves $200M for housing, homelessness
Oregon City Library Event
Local Author Talk | Notable Women of Portland
In-Person / Online
Thursday, March 30, 2023 from 5:00pm - 6:30pm
Join The Oregon City Library in honoring Women’s History Month with local author, historian, and Portland State University Professor Tracy J. Prince and her daughter, Zadie Schaffer (Stanford University), who will present their book, Notable Women of Portland, which uncovers the forgotten stories of local women and is changing how history is taught in the state of Oregon. Signed copies of the book will be raffled at the event.
Registration is required, and there are in-person and online options available. Register for either at go.lincc.org/ocnwop.
American Women in Politics (Articles)
• Meet Some of the Women Who Helped Shape Oregon as We Know It From PDX Monthly
• Milestones for Women in American Politics From The Center for American Women and Politics
• Women’s Rights in Early America - Panelists explore the different aspects and dimensions of the fight for women’s rights in the 19th and 20th centuries—from economic and property rights to women’s suffrage and the right to vote. From The National Constitution Center
Visit theLeague of Women Voters - Clackamas County
The League of Women Voters (LWV) is a nonpartisan, grassroots nonprofit dedicated to empowering everyone to fully participate in our democracy. With active Leagues in all 50 states and more than 750 Leagues across the country, we engage in advocacy, education, litigation, and organizing to protect every American’s freedom to vote.
Founded in 1920, the League was a merger of the National Council of Women Voters and the National American Women’s Suffrage Association. Referred to as a “mighty political experiment,” it aimed to help newly enfranchised women exercise their right to vote. Learn more about their history.
CURRENTLY A HIGH NEED!
You can help grow the grassroots of the Democratic Party by joining our Neighborhood Leader Program. We will give you a list of 35 or so of your neighbors who are registered Democratic voters. You’ll also receive training, slate cards, candidate literature and similar materials to pass out to your list of voters. Won’t you join us and help promote our Democratic values and candidates in YOUR neighborhood? Apply here using our Website Contact Form.
Are you able to assist current Neighborhood Leaders in your district during the election season (by distributing materials, cutting turf, and fielding questions from other Neighborhood Leaders)? We are currently looking for House District Leaders for districts 41, 48, and 52!Contact us!
A Precinct Committee Person is a voting member of the County Democratic Central Committee and represents his/her precinct in the Democratic Party. An elected PCP is eligible to participate in electing county officers and selecting county representatives to the congressional district and state level.
Apply here using our online PCP Application.
It’s officially campaign season for school, fire, and water board candidates in Clackamas County. We can use your help at the office from now until Election Day (May 16) as we roll up our sleeves to support our endorsed candidates. If you can help, email Marie Karns at second-vice-chair@clackamasdems.org, and she will put you on the calendar. Let’s get Democrats elected to these key advisory board positions!
Our office is located at 609 Main Street in Oregon City. Get directions here!
Click here for a list of frequently updated current office hours!
Now Forming! ENG (electronic news gathering) video team for Clackamas County Democrats.
Are you a motion graphics person? Do you edit? Do you have time to share your media skills? Are you interested in learning more about producing media?
Clackamas Dems is seeking an audio person for on-location sound recording, a production assistant and a motion graphics editor for our new ENG (electronic news gathering) video team!
PURPOSE
Upgrade social media to include moving images, get beyond still photos and graphics.
Exploit moving image story function on Facebook and Tiktok
Produce "under a minute" clips for social media and blog posts to further our message.
Interview candidates for short sound bytes and interview voters for opinion pieces.
Cover special events, on call and where most needed.
NEEDS:
Do you have a camera with ON BOARD as well as MIC inputs for syncing lavaliers, external hand held and/or shotgun mics We will use external hand held "news" mic, clip on lavaliers, and/or a "shotgun" mic.
Opportunity to learn video/shooting/editing skills if you have no experience. An experienced producer will help you.
Producer/director to edit in iMovie. Nothing fancy. Content over bells and whistles.
Contact Hester Schell (Please include CLACK DEMS MEDIA TEAM in subject line).
The Platform and Resolutions Committee of the DPCC is the aspirational soul of our county party. One of its primary functions is to identify important social, economic, or political issues that need attention or action and then propose specific solutions to a targeted audience with the power or authority to take the recommended action. If you are bothered by an ill or injustice in our society (and who isn’t?) and have ideas about how to correct or address that issue, feel free to contact chair Scott Hays (scotthays63@gmail.com) with your thoughts. If you want to speak your mind at one of our monthly meetings … the third Wednesday at 6:30 PM … He can provide you with a Zoom link.
We are currently looking for regular volunteers to help with the following committees:
Email volunteer-team@clackamasdems.org to apply for any of these committees or fill out our Website Contact Form.
Candidate Portal Are you knowledgeable about elections and what candidates need to succeed? Or are you good at research and information-gathering? We are putting together a Candidate Portal on our website that will provide information to prospective candidates. This is a short-term assignment and you’d be working with people from several of our committees.
PCP Handbook Revision Do you have experience as a Precinct Committee Person? Do you have good writing skills? We need a couple of people to help update our PCP Handbook, last revised in 2018. This is a short-term assignment that should only require a few hours time commitment.
Neighborhood Leader Committee Have you been a Neighborhood Leader and enjoyed it? Would you like to spread the word to others? Or are you a data wonk who wants to learn more about the intricacies of VAN and turf cutting? The Neighborhood Leader Committee promotes and trains Neighborhood Leaders and tracks the effectiveness of the program with data. This committee meets monthly.
Finance/Fundraising Committee Do you like to plan events? Do you enjoy working with donors and speakers? Or do you have an aptitude for all things budgetary? Then this committee could use you! The Finance/Fundraising Committee proposes and reviews budgets and conducts fundraising events. This committee meets monthly.
Campaign Committee Do you want to help Democrats get elected? Do you like researching? Or are you a people person who likes to talk with others? Then maybe the Campaign Committee is right for you. This committee determines and executes strategies for getting Democrats elected in Clackamas County. This committee meets monthly and may have extra assignments near elections.
Technical Operations: Light computer skills required. There are a variety of technology-related tasks that we need help with, including helping administer surveys and organizing Google Drive files.
Communications: Graphic design, social media.
Platform and Resolutions: Help researching and drafting proposed party resolutions in coordination with other committees.
Justice: Help research and draft resolutions with an eye towards social justice.
Volunteer and Recruitment: Volunteer Committee: Composing and publishing this newsletter, leading efforts to recruit and retain volunteers and PCPs.
Young Democrats: Reaching out the youth of Clackamas County in order to give voice to the next generation and generations after us. Providing agency over the future they will inheret. Anyone that is committed to helping increase youth involvement in the Democratic Party is welcome!
Veterans: Advocating for Veterans in Clackamas County. We are always looking for volunteers and anyone interested in Oregon legislations that affect Veterans.
LGBTQ: Are you LGBTQ or an ally and interested in joining a LGBTQ caucus in Clackamas County? This group will be working toward educational exchange, networking and advocate for equal rights. If you are interested in helping with bylaw creation, and volunteering please contact us!
Email volunteer-team@clackamasdems.orgto apply for any of these committees or fill out our Website Contact Form.
Webinar: Homeless Solutions Coalition of Clackamas County Community Conversation
4/20/2023 07:00 PM - 08:30 PM
The Homeless Solutions Coalition of Clackamas County, a nonprofit grassroots organization, will discuss a shared vision for solving homelessness through local partnerships. The panel will include participants from Clackamas County, Oregon City Police Department, and other local service agency partners.
Attend virtually
Register for this meeting
See Event Page for details
Chronic Disease Self-Management Program (CDSMP) from Clackamas County
Thursdays, April 13th - May 18th from 2pm - 4pm @ Milwaukie Center
Do you live with a chronic condition or care for someone who is? Clackamas County offers this free six-session workshop to help you improve your health and outlook on life. More info and registration can be found here: https://bit.ly/3IAi7bh
Clackamas County is offering free housing mediation services
Clackamas County is offering housing mediation services to help community members resolve conflicts and prevent evictions.
Housing mediation services are offered at no cost to participants through June 30.
Click here for more information on housing mediation services.
Housing Authority of Clackamas County
Coordinated Housing Access (CHA) aims to help people find immediate, alternative housing arrangements, which may include rental assistance or other financial help. If this is not possible, CHA will talk with you about any housing waiting lists you may qualify for. Here is a link to their online intake form.
Clackamas County “Repair Fairs”
Free community events that bring volunteers with fixing skills and people with broken items together!
Clothing, textiles, bicycles, small electronics and home appliances. They also do minor jewelry repair, and sometimes will have someone to sharpen knives and tools. Bring items small enough to be easily carried by one person, and do not bring any items that are leaking, dangerous, dirty or have a strong odor. Some stipulations apply. Click here to find out more.
Upcoming Repair Fairs:
April 8 – Wilsonville Public Library, 8200 SW Wilsonville Road, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
May 13 – Happy Valley Library, 13793 SE Sieben Park Way, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Other scheduled days are: Estacada (June 10), Molalla (June 24), Canby (Sept. 23), Oregon City (Oct. 7).
New affordable housing units open in Happy Valley (Fuller Station)
The project was funded in part by Clackamas County’s share of Metro affordable housing funds. Click here to read about it.
211INFO.ORG
211info.org is a private, community-based nonprofit organization funded by state and municipal contracts, foundations, donations, and community partners in Oregon and Southwest Washington. 211info serves Clark, Cowlitz, Skamania, and Wahkiakum counties in Washington and the entire of State of Oregon.
Profound Life Change Stories Podcast - From Campaign Consultant Jamie Mathis
Click here to listen!
Librarian Catherine McMullen decided to run for the elected office of Clackamas County Clerk in 2022.
Learn about her journey into elected office, what it takes to run for office, the difference between running and governing, and how to be an engaged and informed voter.
You can learn more about the work Catherine is doing at: https://www.clackamas.us/clerk https://clackamasvoice.org/
Clackamas Community College
Career and Technical Education Showcase
Tuesday, April 11, 4-7 p.m., Holden Industrial Technology Center
Clackamas Community College opens doors to more than 90 degree and certificate programs. If you want to step out of the traditional classroom and into a hands-on workspace and earn a certificate or a degree that gets you job-ready in two years or less, Clackamas Community College is the right choice.
Students, their families and community members are invited to learn more about some of our career technical programs. At CCC, you can learn all the skills you need to make a big impact in a career that's engaging and continually evolving.
Instructors will be on hand to talk with you about their programs. Tour the buildings, shops, and labs and meet with employers. Learn how to pay for college, including free money like scholarships and grants.
Click here for more information.
Supporting Equity-Minded Candidates
Join Unite Oregon City for their CCEC Quarterly Meeting
April 13, 2023, 4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Zoom. Click here to register.
Todos Juntos Clackamas County - Active Parenting of Teens
Click here to register!
Step Up Clackamas - A community gathering for students of color and families in Clackamas County!
Step Up Clackamas is a student-led event that centers the experiences of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) youth and students in Clackamas County, Oregon. The goal of Step Up Clackamas, defined by a student-led steering committee, is to create an accessible and impactful event that allows attendees to learn from each other and celebrate our communities, as well as provide youth an opportunity to share how Clackamas County can be a more welcoming place for everyone.
Pre-Register Here! Registration will also be available on the day of the event!
Clackamas County Children's Commission
Brand-new center in the Canyon Creek Road area of Wilsonville!
Click here to read all about it!
Barlow Free Food Market and Resource Day
Free food, diapers, wipes, and formula and they will be taking applications for our services!
Where: ClackCoKids Barlow Center, 109 E. 2nd Street, Canby, OR 97013
When: Saturday, Mar. 25, 10 am-12 pm
Clackamas Workforce Partnership
Clean Slate Clackamas Project
• Oregon City
Clean Slate Clackamas clinic is located at Children, Family & Community Connections (CFCC) on the 2nd and 4th Monday of the month, offering free legal services to people in the Clackamas County area seeing criminal record expungements.
The clinic aims to help all our community members reduce barriers to employment, housing, and education that keep our community from enjoying the benefit of full participation and a clean slate forward.
Contact expungement@clackamasworkforce.org for more information
• Rural Community Clinic Dates & Locations
Clean Slate Clackamas expungement clinics aim to help all our community members reduce barriers to employment, housing, and education. They are dedicated to increasing access to justice, education, and career training, by helping those who qualify remove this barrier and help to create a second chance for a better way of life. Resources available include DACA, eviction expungement, name & gender marker changes and criminal expungement for those that qualify.
Location:
Molalla – April 8, 2023 | 12pm – 6pm | AntFarm -213 N Molalla Ave, Molalla OR
Sandy – May 13, 2023 | 12pm – 6pm | AntFarm – 39140 Proctor Blvd, Sandy, OR 97055
Oregon Food Bank
Oregon Food Bank Ending Hunger Power Nights (EHPN)
Phone Banks Wednesdays, from 5:15-7:15 pm PST
Hosted by Oregon Food Bank https://www.mobilize.us/mobilize/event/543279/
Virtual Zoom Event! Join the Oregon Food Bank and their Efforts To Build An Inclusive Democracy In Oregon By Signing Up For One (Or More!) Of Our Virtual Phonebanks for Ending Hunger Power Nights.
Only together can we eradicate the root causes of hunger 🌱
For any questions or comments please feel encouraged to contact Juell Towns via email at jtowns@gmail.com.
Oregon AFSCME
Oregon AFSCME's 2023 legislative agenda includes worker safety, equitable workplaces, and lobbies for a better place to live and work for all Oregonians.
Read Oregon AFSCME's 2023 Legislative Agenda
Track the status of pro-worker bills as they pass through Oregon Legislature
Oregon AFL-CIO
The Oregon AFL-CIO is the statewide federation of labor unions representing over 300,000 working Oregonians. They build power for workers through political campaigns during elections, legislative advocacy, and beyond.
The Oregon Labor Dispatch is a weekly email and blog series designed to keep Oregon’s workers informed of the latest news about unions, worker power, and much more. Click here to read the latest edition, or click here to subscribe!
Oregon Trail Democrats
The Oregon Trail Democrats' purpose is to work to organize and elect Democratic candidates. They reside in the Sandy/ Hoodland/ Estacada/ Boring region of House Districts 18, 51 and 52. They conduct hybrid meetings on the 4th Tuesday of each month. Please emailOregon Trail Democrats for more information!
Click here to find out more information about Oregon Trail Democrats.
Stable Homes for Oregon Families
Write representatives in Salem to say no to high rent increases and stop fast track evictions.
Click here for more information on what Stable Homes for Oregon Families are working on.
Healthcare for All Oregon (HCAO)
HCAO educates about and advocates for an equitable, affordable, comprehensive, high-quality publicly funded universal healthcare system that will improve the lives of individuals, families and communities across Oregon and throughout the United States. Click here for more information.
Articles of General Interest:
Examples of Ableist Language You May Not Realize You're Using - From Dictionary.com
Tips For Inclusive Language Around Reproductive Rights by The Trans Journalists Association via Human Rights Campaign
What's intersex? Intersex is an umbrella term that describes bodies that fall outside the strict male/female binary. There are lots of ways someone can be intersex. - From Planned Parenthood
Sign up for newsletters, attend townhalls,
write letters, and view legislation!
Sign up up to get newsletters and townhall notices from Oregon House and Senate legislators of your choice by clicking here.
Donate to our “Yes We Can Sustaining Fund”
There is no more urgent time to give than now! The Clackamas Democrats urge your supporting contributions to the Yes We Can Sustaining Fund. This fund maintains operations and programs that support our ability to assist Democratic candidates and build a stronger, progressive Oregon. Make a one-time or monthly donation of as little as $5.
Officers for the Democratic Party of Clackamas County
Chair: Cris Waller
chair@clackamasdems.org
First Vice-Chair: Nicholas Walden Poublon
first-vice-chair@clackamasdems.org
Second Vice-Chair: Marie Karns
second-vice-chair@clackamasdems.org
Secretary: Morgan Buck
secretary@clackamasdems.org
Digital Secretary: Jason Rambo
digital-secretary@clackamasdems.org
Treasurer: Eric Carlson
treasurer@clackamasdems.org
Paid for by the Clackamas County Democratic Central Committee PAC, ID #293. The top donor was the Ken Humberston for Clackamas County Commission
PAC.
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