Oregon Advocacy Commissions Office

The Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs to Host Statewide Veterans Day Ceremony at Oregon State Capitol Park – and you’re invited! The celebration will honor Oregon veterans of all eras and will be hosted at the Oregon State Capitol State Park located on Court Street Northeast in Salem — directly in front of the main entrance of the Oregon State Capitol Building. This event is open to the public with accessible pathways and seating areas for those needing accommodations. This event is outside, please plan accordingly. For questions, visit: buff.ly/40hycwV To livestream the event, visit ODV’s Facebook page at https://buff.ly/2B9iwji

Need an afternoon pick-me-up? Check out Bobby Fouther's Dancing in the Dark, premiering TODAY at 2 PM at the Souvenir Art Gallery.

“The Asian and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community is the fastest-growing racial group in the country, growing over four times as rapidly as the total U.S. population and is expected to double to over 47 million by 2060. Despite this tremendous growth, AAPIs are one of the most understudied racial groups in the country. It is critical to collect, analyze, and disseminate data on AAPIs to address masked needs within AAPI subgroups. Lack of data, including granular data on AAPIs, contributes to the model minority myth — the notion that virtually all AAPIs are self-sufficient, well-educated, and upwardly mobile. Greater access to disaggregated data will support better policies that reflect AAPI community realities and needs.” - White House (website) Shout out to Senator Michael Dembrow who was quoted in this article. He is helping to champion Oregon Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander Affairs (OCAPIA, of which I am a member) priorities such as data disaggregation and a legislative concept that will hopefully turn into a bill in the 2025 session. (If as I recall, the legislative concept would not be limited to education but would be across state agencies but prioritized by the Oregon Governor’s or Legislature’s priorities to start/pilot. More to come. Meanwhile, check out some of the why re: data disaggregation.) And I quote: -------------- A state Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander Affairs has made collecting more detailed data on ethnicities at the state level a priority. Senate Education Chair Michael Dembrow, a Portland Democrat who is set to retire before the upcoming session, is working on a legislative concept to address this issue, though it’ll be up to other lawmakers to see it through to the finish line. “We want to be able to target those students who need support most,” Dembrow said. “If this can help us to do that, it’s necessary.” Oregon Advocacy Commissions Office

Happy Birthday to our wonderful Health Equity Project Facilitator, Kaj Jensen!

We (Oregon Advocacy Commissions Office) had a great discussion with Governor Tina Kotek Wednesday evening on a range of topics. As Vice-Chair of the Oregon Commission on Black Affairs, my biggest emphasis is that education outcomes for Black youth must improve dramatically. One statistic I gave the Governor was that only 19% of Black third graders in Portland Public Schools are reading at grade level. The State is responsible and accountable for educating youth and making sure they succeed. I am committed to any efforts to this end. A big thank you to our staff team Terrance Saunders, Saba S., Ava Stevens, MS, MBA, Kyl Myers, PhD, MS and the rest of our team for their hard work in organizing this gathering. More to come! 👑

Last evening, I had the privilege of attending an event at the Governor’s Mansion with Governor Tina Kotek and the First Lady in recognition of Oregon Advocacy Commissions Office. It was a wonderful opportunity to reflect on volunteer commissioners' crucial work to advocate for equity, justice, and the well-being of all Oregonians. Thank you to Governor Kotek for her unwavering support of our mission. Together, we continue to strive for positive change in our communities. #Advocacy #Oregon #Equity #CommunityLeadership

Spent last evening at the Governor’s Mansion with the Governor in recognition of Oregon’s Advocacy Commissions. Thank you Governor Tina Kotek for being a supporter of the important work that the volunteer commissioners do! #orpol

Before Hispanic Heritage Month wraps up, a few words from Chair Katya Butler. #HHM2024 #HispanicHeritageMonth

Happy National Coming Out Day! Coming out takes a lot of courage and bravery. It can often be very stressful and simultaneously liberating. Today, we celebrate everyone who's been able to come out, and send love to those who are not quite ready - or safe - to do so. #ComingOutDay

Less than two percent of philanthropic support is given to organizations supporting women and girls.  So, what does that mean for WFO? It means that there is a big gap for us to fill if we ever want organizations that are serving women and girls to have equitable financial support.  It means that the work and the role that WFO plays is critical to gender equity and justice. Lastly, it also means we can't do it alone.  So, today, on this very important day; let's honor "Give to Women and Girl's Day" by becoming a member of WFO and collectively addressing this funding gap. Today, let's also talk the two percent, with our friends and family and encourage them to also become members.    Click link below to become a member: https://lnkd.in/gW9Gj5Gi #Oregon #GivetoWomenandGirlsDay #GenderJustice #GenderWarriors #WomensFoundationofOregon #WomeninPhilanthropy