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  • Writer's pictureOne Small Thing

June 8, 2020 Newsletter

Dear OSTPDX Members,


Sadly, the recent events and subsequent protests have cast a light on the institutional racism that is woven into the fabric of our country. This has made many of us dive deeper into our white privilege and think about what our responsibilities are to our fellow citizens and especially people of color.  While there are many fronts that we need to tackle this on (criminal justice reforms, education, economics, etc.), one small thing we could all do is support local businesses owned and run by people of color. Below is a link to black-owned businesses in the Portland-Metro area (everything from movers to restaurants to clothing stores). The list was put together by SEI (Self Enhancement Inc.), which is a great local non-profit that provides an array of services and enrichment primarily for black youth & families.  


https://www.selfenhancement.org/black-business


The Willamette Week also came out with this list of local black owned restaurants:https://www.wweek.com/restaurants/2020/06/02/these-black-owned-portland-restaurants-are-offering-takeout-and-delivery/


Also, read on for an important announcement by Swing Left and an urgent request to sign a redistricting initiative petition. 

Announcements

Get Informed – Stay Engaged OSTPDX Virtual Meeting Framing the Progressive Message and Activism in the Time of COVID Tuesday June 16 5:30 PM


Now that the Oregon primary has passed and we have all had a chance to take a breather, June will be the time to re-connect and re-engage with OSTPDX as we look towards the historic November general election. 


We will be hosting a teleconference with Dr Larry Wallack, emeritus professor of public health at the University of California, Berkeley, and the former dean of the College of Urban and Public Affairs at Portland State University. He will be back for an encore presentation on framing the progressive message. His presentation will prepare us to use values-based communications with voters, especially important in these divisive times.


Erica Goldman, PNW Regional Organizing Coordinator for Swing Left, Co-Founder of Indivisible Oregon and former group manager with Moms Demand Action will share with us Swing Left’s effective strategies and how you can get engaged for the November Election.


There will be plenty of time for Q&A or you submit your questions ahead of time on the RSVP, linked below.


Look forward to seeing everyone on June 16, pleaseRSVP here


Swing Left has temporarily paused their national volunteer events and are encouraging people to devote their time and energy to racial justice. They have provided these resources to support the movement for racial justice and further your own anti-racist work:

Actions & Events

Redistricting Initiative Petition


You might have received a mailer from People Not Politicians about Initiative Petition 57 to establish an independent redistricting commission rather than leaving the responsibility with the Oregon legislature. Legislatures are inherently partisan and an independent commission is likely to make better decisions, avoid gerrymandering and help keep appropriate voting blocs together.


If you did not receive the mailer, see below for an OPB item about theredistricting petitionand a link to download, print, sign and mail. READ THE INSTRUCTIONS, whichever petition you choose. It is very important that the correct instructions are followed for the type of petition you choose to print. If you collect signatures from others, note that the petition carrier mustsign and date. 


There is significant time pressure. These must be mailed by June 26.  We need 200,000 signatures. Thank you!


In Face Of Pandemic, Opponents Of Partisan Redistricting In Oregon Pursue New Ballot Initiative Strategy

OST-PDX Activist Reading Group

Our next meeting will be Thursday, June 11th, 7:00-8:30pm via Zoom. 


If you are interested in joining our meetings, contact Ken Rosenberg atrosenbergkd@yahoo.com.

Virtual Swing Left & Vote Forward Letter Writing


Vote Forward and Swing Left are working together to increase civic participation by sending letters to voters. If you’re interested in printing and writing letters on your own,click herefor more information. Listed below are some virtual letter writing events and you may search for othershere.


Write Letters to Voters Virtually with Indivisible Oregon and Swing Left!

Indivisible National has createdthis resourceon how to host your own virtual events and more information on letter writing parties specifically can be found here. 

Digital Events


City Club of Portland has put all of their programming online and is FREE to the public. Check out their upcomingvirtual events calendar

Articles


Visit our website –www.onesmallthingpdx.org– like ourFacebook page-- follow our Twitter account -- @onepdx.


Opinion: The black community deserves justice. Now is the time.


Racism is a deadly virus, too: A public health defense of these mass protests


Tear Gas Is Way More Dangerous Than Police Let On — Especially During the Coronavirus Pandemic


Defund the police? Here’s what that really means.


On Gun Violence Awareness Day 2020, I'm Grieving All Over Again


Stacey Abrams: I Know Voting Feels Inadequate Right Now


MINNEAPOLIS CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS ANNOUNCE INTENT TO DISBAND THE POLICE DEPARTMENT, INVEST IN PROVEN COMMUNITY-LED PUBLIC SAFETY


Democrats Unveil Police Reform Legislation Amid Protests Nationwide


Talking About Race: Whiteness 


Video:A conversation hosted by Urban League of Portland and Portland NAACP 1120 Branch, with Commissioner Hardesty, Mayor Ted Wheeler, and Governor Kate Brown.


Video:Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Man


Video:Interview with Don't Shoot PDX


Warmly,


Sara McKinney

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