Unite Oregon at the State Capitol to Advance Community Priorities
Over 100 community members, partners, and organizers met at the State Capitol in Salem early this week to face Oregon legislators and explain to them directly the gravity of the existential challenges BIPOC communities are facing and the urgency with which they need to be addressed. “We are excited to be here today to advocate for the issues our communities are facing on a daily basis and to advocate for policies designed to find solutions”, said Khanh Le, Unite Oregon’s executive director.
The organization’s policy agenda addresses the struggle of BIPOC communities that are exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and the economic recession. These priorities are the recommendations of the action summit that was held last August, during which Unite Oregon’s leadership council members decided policy priorities based on our community issues and to align with the core values of the organization and its strategic six pillars.
Senator Kayse Jama said “the political agenda you are advocating for is interesting and truly represents the needs of BIPOC communities. We will continue to work to bring this agenda to the finish line, however this requires a collective effort. It is equally imperative to continue the work until these issues are solved and our community members achieve the desired outcome.” He pointed out that this legislative session has been an interesting one as it is the first to resume in person after two years of online meetings. He noted that the priorities advanced by the community made it inspiring to the legislators.
Representative Annessa Hartman, who is championing some of Unite Oregon’s policy priorities, confirmed the importance of doubling the efforts during these last weeks of the session, saying “we are still working to pass these legislative priorities and we will not stop until all community issues are addressed.”
This Lobby Day is also part of Unite Oregon’s leadership building strategy amongst BIPOC community, which encourages them to actively participate in the political process as a way to make their voices heard and ensure their issues are addressed. Senator Kayse Jama, who is also the founder of Unite Oregon, said “the first time I stepped in this building, my question was how many people of color are serving here? The answer was one! Today, the BIPOC legislators make over 20 percent. This is an achievement that needs to be celebrated. However, we still need more. Not only as representatives, but also as advocates and lobbyists. Seeing Unite Oregon advocates here today is important and a step forward towards making a real change”.
Unite Oregon’s Lobby Day was an occasion to celebrate our community members and their continuous efforts to make their voices heard. The joy and the positive energy brought to the Capitol were “infectious” as described by Beth Chvilicek, Policy Outreach Coordinator at Unite Oregon. “Legislators and staff members at the Capitol were very receptive, we worked collaboratively to ensure our community members’ messages are heard and their concerns reach the table of decision makers. It was amazing to see, hear, and be part of this event” she continued.
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