The Update: February 24th, 2023
February 24, 2023
What you'll find in this edition:
(Click on a link to jump down in the email)
(outside of the DPCC)
Volunteer Opportunities
Clackamas Dems
Apply or Nominate Someone for the Jill Thorn Grant!
For Women in Clackamas County Running for Office for the First Time
RUN FOR OFFICE!
Special District Elections are upon us!
Did you know that there are over 150 local positions in Clackamas County that will be on the ballot for the Special District Elections held on May 16, 2023? Multiple positions are up including water districts, school boards, fire districts, and parks! Here at the DPCC we can offer support if you would like to serve your community! Please contact us for more information on what positions will be open in your area!
The DPCC is currently creating a candidate portal for our website. Would you like to participate in its creation? Email us!
Clackamas County Elections is hiring! Temporary Election Workers and a Bilingual Elections Specialist!
Temporary Election Workers wanted! The Election Divsion's temporary election worker recruitment process is now open 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.
Join the Elections Team as a Bilingual Elections Specialist (Spanish Language)! Open recruitment is underway for a new full-time permanent position in the Elections Division. The first review of applications will be Feb. 27 so do not delay in applying. You can learn more and apply at clackamas.us/jobs or go directly to the job listing at https://bit.ly/3jT0ACS.
The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) is accepting applications to fill four positions on the Local Government Grant Program Advisory Committee.
Click here to read more!
Updates from our Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley
Board of Clackamas County Commissioners
Here is a link to meeting schedules, bios, and contact information. Attend meetings, submit testimony, and email the commissioners!
NEWS!
Clackamas County Board approves historic investment to reduce homelessness
The Clackamas County Board of Commissioners voted to approvea historic investment to own its first transitional housing property.
In a crucial step on the path to ending prolonged homelessness in the county, the Board approved purchasing the Quality Inn located at 9717 SE Sunnyside Road in Clackamas for $15.2 million. No county general funds are used for the purchase of the hotel.
Funding for the hotel purchase comes from an approximate $8.0 million award from the Oregon Community Foundation as part of Project Turnkey. The remaining amount is covered with a combination of state and Metro voter approved funds.
The hotel will provide approximately 100 rooms and a safe place free from violence and substance abuse for people to get the care they need, education and support to transition into permanent housing.
The program will have 24/7 security, property management and crisis staff. Services will include case management, support finding and applying to permanent housing, physical and mental healthcare, substance use treatment, financial education, and healthy food.
Click here to read about Project Turnkey, including the the myths, concerns about the project.
VOLUNTEER!
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.
Emergency Preparedness Council
Application deadline is March 1
Advises the Disaster Management Department and Clackamas County Board of County Commissioners on the development of activities, strategies, and priorities to achieve disaster preparedness in Clackamas County.
Historic Review Board
Application deadline is March 1
To advise the County on protection of historic buildings, sites and corridors
Click here for more details!
Housing Authority Launches Program to Help Renters Build Wealth, Move to Homeownership
The Housing Authority of Clackamas County (HACC) now has new tools to support low-income residents to build credit and save for the future. HACC has been selected by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to participate in the Asset Building Cohort of HUD’s Moving to Work program. The new program for residents will provide financial literacy and encourage savings, credit building, self-sufficiency and homeownership. In this first year of the Moving to Work program, HACC will open and match savings account deposits for down payment assistance for participating clients. HACC will also expand its existing credit-building program for participating clients. HACC is planning to launch additional services to benefit low-income families in future years. By integrating asset building programs like this, anti-poverty policies can more directly facilitate economic stability for millions of Americans. Watch the full announcement from HUD Secretary Marcia L. Fudge here.
The Oregon Legislature session for 2023 is now in session!
Click here to find their agenda and how YOU can participate!
Attn: Women in Clackamas County Running for Office for the First Time
Now Accepting Nominations for Jill Thorn Grant
The Jill Thorn Grant is awarded by the Democratic Party of Clackamas County (DPCC) to a woman in Clackamas County who is a Democrat preparing to run for public office for the first time. The recipient may use the $500 award at her discretion for training, preparation for a campaign or any other campaign-related expenses.
This award commemorates the legacy of Jill Thorn’s public service and the example her life provides to other women seeking to serve the community by serving in public office.
Requirements:
Registered female Democrat
Preparing to run for public office for the first time
Resident of Clackamas County or running for an office that includes at least part of Clackamas County
Nomination by a current DPCC Precinct Committee Person (PCP) using the Jill Thorn Grant Nomination Form OR direct application by using the Jill Thorn Grant Application Form.
Submission of either of these completed forms by March 15, as directed on the form, to Jill Thorn Grant Subcommittee Chair, Cornelia Gibson by emailor send by mail:
Clackamas County Democrats
ATTN: Jill Thorn Grant Committee
P.O. Box 680
Gladstone, OR 97027
Selection Criteria:
Demonstrated commitment to public service
Need for support in pursuing candidacy for office
Likelihood of success as a candidate for office
Candidate responses provided on the application form by the candidate or person nominating a candidate and responses from a personal interview
In addition to completing the application form, the candidate may attach a one-page resume to the application form.
Nominations and applications will be accepted until March 15, 2023.
Black History Month is about recognition, appreciation and observation of the contributions and accomplishments of African Americans to our society. It is American, Canadian and other countries' way of remembering the importance of people and events historically associated with Black (African Americans) in the month of February. Unfortunately, the celebration is limited to one month; however, the contributions should be remembered in each of the twelve (12) months.
We must remember the true mission of Black History Month is not only to promote, expose, preserve, interpret, research and disseminate information about Black life, history and culture globally for Black Americans but also to show respect and appreciation to Black people. Diversity, equity and inclusion afford us a larger vision within our increasingly smaller world. Diversity encompasses, but is not limited to ethnicity, race, age, gender identity, sexual orientation, economic circumstance, physical and mental abilities and characteristics and philosophy.
Black History Month focuses on demonstrating a growing awareness to address how white power and privilege have been institutionalized and become inherent of white advantage shaping our world. Black History Month should structurally recognize the racism that serves as a barrier to many Blacks. We as Democrats must engage in strategies to develop a shared understanding against systemic racism across all levels of society.
To broaden your perspectives, I recommend reading the following:
1) White Fragility(Why It's So Hard For White People to Talk About Racism) by Robin Diangelo;
2) His Name Is George Floyd (One Man's Life and The Struggle for Racial Justice) by Robert Samuels and Toluse Olorunnipa of Washington Post;
3) Michelle Obama The Light We Carry (Overcoming in Uncertain Times)
Submitted by Mary-Elizabeth Harper, Chair
Black Caucus Clackamas County Democrats
Racial Equity Support Line @Lines for Life
The Racial Equity Support Line is a service led and staffed by people with lived experience of racism. They offer support to those who are feeling the emotional impacts of racist violence and microaggressions, as well as the emotional impacts of immigration struggles and other cross-cultural issues.
Lines for Life gets it. And they’re here to talk. To support. To connect.
The person who answers may be a stranger – but understands what you’re going through. They’ll listen to your situation as you talk through your feelings, and may offer resources based on what seems most helpful to you.
Call today at 503-575-3764. Available weekdays from 10am to 7pm, Pacific Standard Time. If you have questions or want to reach the Director of Equity & Engagement, please contact Darryl Turpin at DarrylT@linesforlife.org.
Links and Resources:
Support local Black-owned businesses
Uplift Black organizations and Black leaders in the community by supporting and highlighting them on social media and daily interactions.
Learn more about Black History Month
Watch TEDx Talk – Black History is American History
Attend local events, read this local guide.
The Anti-Racism Daily has a free daily newsletter to learn how to build a more inclusive community.
The Equal Justice Initiative is committed to ending mass incarceration and excessive punishment in the United States, to challenging racial and economic injustice, and to protecting basic human rights for the most vulnerable people in American society.
Planned Parenthood - Links to Black Reproductive Justice partner organizations. Learn more about how to support their important work: In Our Own Voice, Sister Song, Black Mamas Matter Alliance, The National Birth Equity Collaborative
Read about Habitat for Humanity’s commitment to closing the Black homeownership gap
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!
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.
We are looking for PCPs who wish to join us on this committee. It certainly helps if you have good writing skills, but it is not essential. Passion over issues and a desire to right wrongs is equally important. Please, 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.
At their last meeting, they identified the following issues as things to consider:
• Finding better ways to protect fresh drinking water sources in Clackamas County.
• Holding police accountable for their actions through creation of community-based police oversight committees (modeled after the committee just created in West Linn)
• Defining consequences for school board or city council members who do not follow the rules for public meetings
Please email Scott Hays or Fill out our Contact Form if you are interested!
Are you in House District 40 or are willing to drive to Oregon City? Consider spending some time in the DPCC Office in downtown Oregon City!
Second Vice-Chair Marie Karns is looking for members who can take on a monthly 4-hour shift there. In general, shifts are in the 9am to 6pm range, most any day but Sunday. If you can help out, email Marie at mkarns54@gmail.com.
If you can’t commit to a monthly shift, and you can help out at the office during special events like the Teddy Bear Parade, also email Marie! She’s creating a DPCC Office Pool for special events because we are going to SHOW UP!
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!
The Communications Committee is currently looking for writers to help with several upcoming projects!
You don’t need social media or web skills- just be someone who wants to contribute through writing! Contact Lisa Nichols.
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).
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.
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.
Clackamas County Children's Commission
Home-Based Program Manager, Tiffany, needs YOU to join their Healthy Families Advisory Committee! Check out their blog post to read more about her position and find out more about the committee.
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.
Clackamas Workforce Partnership
Clean Slate Clackamas Clinic - 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
Clean Slate Clackamas Clinic - Estacada
Join Clackamas Workforce Partnership on Saturday, March 11, 2023, open anytime between 12pm and 6pm located at AntFarm in Estacada (350 SW Zobrist St. Estacada) for an expungement clinic - DACA renewals, eviction expungement, name/gender marker changes and criminal expungement.
Application is available in English and Spanish: For more information, emailexpungement@clackamasworkforce.org
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
Oregon AFSCME's latest Weekly Legislative Update.
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 live in the Sandy/ Hoodland/ Estacada/ Boring region of House Districts 18, 51 and 52.
Their purpose is to work to organize and elect Democratic candidates. They come together to learn how to be more effective in both influencing the voters AND influencing our elected officials about issues that are important to us. They welcome your presence, your ideas, your experience- together we can move mountains!
Click here to find out more information.
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.
Indivisible OR - Indivisible Tuesday (11:30am)!
Meet with Senator Wyden & Representative Blumenauer's Staff
https://www.mobilize.us/activateamerica/event/549623/
Federal GSA Building - Outside plaza level - 911 NE 11th Ave
Meet with Senator Merkley's Staff
https://www.mobilize.us/activateamerica/event/549640/
World Trade Center Portland - Outside Plaza - 121 SW Salmon St
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.