In 2022, Unite Oregon’s Climate Action Team engaged with Black, Indigenous, and people of color and community members statewide to develop the Connecting People, Place and Politics to Grow Climate Power Report (2024). This report identifies solutions and dreams from frontline and fenceline communities who face the first and worst impacts of climate change.
We focused on engaging with community members in specific geographic areas around the state. We wanted to engage with rural and urban communities and primarily focus on Indigenous/Native and Black community members, as well as Latinex/o/a/e, Asian, Pacific Islander, and other people of the global majority.
INDIGENOUS/NATIVE RELATIONSHIP BUILDING
Indigenous organizing in Oregon places a distinct emphasis on honoring and engaging with the state's Tribal community. Rather than opting for broad, region-wide listening sessions, the Indigenous Organizing team at Unite Oregon opted for a more personal approach, conducting individual interviews. This method was selected to foster trust and forge genuine connections with Oregon's Indigenous communities—a process that continues to unfold.
By prioritizing this interview format, the group acknowledges the historical mistrust Tribal leaders harbor towards policy initiatives due to the legacy of colonialism and broken treaties.
In response, the team deliberately focused on nurturing relationships and proceeding at a pace dictated by trust. Through in-depth interviews, the team created a secure environment where Indigenous community members could freely express their viewpoints and narratives. This approach was chosen to empower Indigenous and tribal leaders by cultivating positive and supportive relationships.
This Earth Day, be part of the movement!
Our Climate Justice Team invites you to join us on April 22nd, 2024, for a dynamic Community Town Hall. Dive into the transformative insights of the Climate Justice Report, born from our statewide journey of listening and engagement in 2022.
Hear from inspiring community leaders, partners, and Unite Oregon members, and uncover powerful ways to stand up for BIPOC and frontline communities in the year ahead. Don't miss out on this opportunity to spark change!
Location: Zoom link will be sent to you after you register below!