We strive to center our policy and advocacy work on the individuals and communities in Oregon who are the most marginalized and impacted by the systemic inequities of racism, xenophobia, misogyny, ableism, transphobia, homophobia, socioeconomic injustice, and other types of oppression.
These communities include Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) communities, immigrants and refugees, people with varying abilities and disabilities, LGBTQ+ communities, and people experiencing poverty and other socioeconomic injustices. We believe that each and every person has inherent dignity and value and that no person is disposable. We recognize that people are often disadvantaged by multiple sources of oppression based on their identity markers. We recognize that identity markers do not exist independently of each other and that each informs the others, often creating a complex convergence of oppression.
We seek to create real – not performative – public and community safety, wellness, and care through democratic values and processes that recognize, value, and are rooted in our fundamental civil liberties and civil rights.
No one in Oregon should face criminal charges without access to legal representation; it is a fundamental constitutional right. Hundreds of Oregonians have been in limbo, many in custody, simply because they can’t afford an attorney.
Oregon has more work to do to ensure safe, equitable, and continuing protections and access across our state. Our rights are under attack and we must fight back together.
Oregon’s legislator salaries are among the lowest in the country. Raising legislative pay will encourage diversity of lived experience at the Capitol, benefiting all Oregonians.
The removal of voting rights from Oregonians while they are incarcerated in a state prison is an affront to civil liberties. Expanding voting rights to incarcerated individuals will strengthen our democracy and align with Oregon’s rich tradition of making voting inclusive and accessible.