WASHINGTON COUNTY

Photo credit: M.O. Stevens / Wikimedia Commons

Recommended Events, Training, & Engagement Opportunities ...

Recommended Events, Training, & Engagement Opportunities ...

ART & CULTURE FAIR
Wed, Apr. 2, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
The Old Church Concert Hall
1422 SW 11th Ave, Portland, OR 97201

IndigenoUS Art Exhibit

Hosted by Portland Indigenous Marketplace

COMMUNITY EVENT
Tue, Apr. 8, 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Beaverton Resource Center
13565 SW Walker Road, Bldg 2, Beaverton, OR 97005

Mental Health Awareness Event

Hosted by Beaverton Resource Center

Flyers: English & Spanish

Register: Call (503) 591-9025 or Contact Meagan Della Zoppa at meagan@beavertonresourcecenter.org

COMMUNITY FORUM
Wed, Apr. 16, 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
Virtual
Zoom link will be emailed out

Shaping Beaverton’s Future: A Community Forum

Hosted by Beaverton School District, facilitated by BRIC Architecture
Flyers & Register: English & Spanish

Interested/Questions?
Contact Carina Santoro at carina.santoro@bric-arch.com

COMMUNITY EVENT
Thu, Apr. 17, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
The Auditorium
155 N 1st Ave, Hillsboro, OR 97124

Washington County Chapter Pre-Lobby Day Preparation


Co-hosted by Unite Oregon Policy & Washington County Chapter Teams

COMMUNITY EVENT
Sat, Apr. 19, 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
PSU Native American Student and Community Center
SW Jackson St, Portland, OR 97201

Arab American Heritage Month Cultural Night


Hosted by Arab American Cultural Center of Oregon (AACCO)

COMMUNITY EVENT
Sun, Mar. 30, 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Conestoga Recreation Center
9985 SW 125th Ave, Beaverton, OR 97008

Concert with Ramiro Ramírez

Co-hosted by Mitotiliztli Tezkatlipoka & Unite Oregon Washington County Chapter in partnership with THPRD

Flyers: ENG & SPA & Website

COMMUNITY EVENT
Sat, Mar. 29, 1:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Conestoga Recreation Center
9985 SW 125th Ave, Beaverton, OR 97008

Mexika New Year & Community Resource Fair

Co-hosted by Mitotiliztli Tezkatlipoka & Unite Oregon Washington County Chapter in partnership with THPRD

Flyer: ENG & Website

COMMUNITY EVENT
Wed, Apr. 2, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Beaverton City Library
9985 SW 125th Ave, Beaverton, OR 97008

Navigating Housing: Tenant Rights and the Road to Homeownership

Hosted by City of Beaverton in partnership with Unite Oregon Housing Justice & Washington County Chapter Teams

Flyers: English & Spanish

COMMUNITY EVENT
Sat, Apr. 5, 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Lao Buddhist Center Northwest
17676 SE Foster Road, Gresham, OR 97080

ຕັກບາດ ບຸນປີໃໝ່ – Lao New Year


Hosted by Lao Buddhist Center Northwest, Lao Community Center, and Wat Xao Phout Lao

COMMUNITY EVENT
Thu, May 15, 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM
The Venetian Hillsboro
253 E Main St, Hillsboro, OR 97123

20th Annual Crystal Apple Awards

Celebrating the incredible contributions of our educators!

Hosted by Washington County Chamber of Commerce


COMMUNITY FORUM
Thu, Apr. 10, 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Virtual
Zoom link will be emailed out

Shaping Beaverton’s Future: A Community Forum

Hosted by Beaverton School District, facilitated by BRIC Architecture
Flyers & Register: English & Spanish

Interested/Questions?
Contact Carina Santoro at carina.santoro@bric-arch.com

COMMUNITY EVENT
Sat, Apr. 19, 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Garden Home Recreation Center
7475 SW Oleson Rd, Portland, OR 97223

Marhaba Arab Celebration

Co-hosted by The Arabic House, Cool Islam, Lutheran Community Services Northwest, PRSG, and Garden Home Community Library
Flyers: English & Arabic

Interested/Questions?
Contact Nadine Elbitar at nelbitar@lcsnw.org

COMMUNITY EVENT
Sat, Apr. 26, 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Glenhaven Park
7900 NE Siskiyou St, Portland, OR 97213

New Year in the Park with Southeast Asian Oregonians

For volunteer, vendor, provide sponsorship, and performance opportunities, contact nyp.pdx.info@gmail.com

LOBBY DAY
Wed, Apr. 23, 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Oregon State Capitol
900 Court St NE, Salem, OR 97301

Unite Oregon Lobby Day

Hosted by Unite Oregon Policy Team in partnership with Area Chapters and Statewide Pillar Teams

Interested/Questions?
Contact Beth Chvilicek at beth@uniteoregon.org

MAY DAY MARCH
Thu, May 1, 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Salem Capitol Steps
900 Court St NE, Salem, OR 97301

International Workers' Day 2025

Stand in solidarity for worker’s rights and demand an end to mass deportations

Hosted by PCUN

COMMUNITY EVENT
Sat, July 19, 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Venue: TBD

Unite Oregon’s 3rd United for Action Summit

Co-hosted by Unite Oregon Washington County Chapter

Interested/Questions?
Contact Piyawee Ruenjinda at piyawee@uniteoregon.org

COMMUNITY EVENT
Sat & Sun, Mar. 29 & 30
12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Pioneer Courthouse Square
701 SW 6th Ave, Portland, OR 97205

HOLI - Portland's Festival of Colors

Hosted by Bollywood Dreams Entertainment


LOBBY DAY
Mon, Mar. 31, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Oregon State Capitol
Meeting details will be shared upon registration

PCUN Lobby Day 2025



Hosted by PCUN


COMMUNITY EVENT
Fri, Apr. 18, 4:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Hillsboro High School
3285 SE Rood Bridge Rd, Hillsboro, OR 97123

Children’s Day | Día de los Niños

Hosted by Hillsboro School District
Flyers: English & Spanish

Interested/Questions?
Contact Delfina Andrade at delfina@uniteoregon.org

COMMUNITY EVENT
Sat, Apr. 26, 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Multnomah Village
SW 35th Ave, Portland, OR 97219

Celebrate Earth Day 2025! (Observed)

Hosted by Multnomah Village

COMMUNITY EVENT
Wed, May 7, 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Adelante Mujeres
2030 Main St, Forest Grove, OR 97116

Forest Grove Festival of the Arts


Co-hosted by Forest Grove Public Arts Commission (PAC) and Adelante Mujeres Farmers Market

COMMUNITY EVENT
Sat, May 24, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Patricia Reser Center for the Arts
12625 SW Crescent St, Beaverton, OR 97005

I Am An American Live: AANHPI Month

Hosted by The Immigrant Story

COMMUNITY EVENT
Sat, May 3, 7:00 PM - 9:30 PM
The Vault Theater
350 E Main St, Hillsboro, OR 97123

“The Ballad of Iron Jo” by Elliot Lorenc

Hosted by Bag&Baggage Productions in partnership with Unite Oregon Washington County Chapter and City of Hillsboro

Interested/Questions?
Contact Juan Pedro Moreno Olmeda at juan@uniteoregon.org

COMMUNITY EVENT
Sat, May 17, 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Shute Park Aquatic & Recreation Center
953 SE Maple St Hillsboro, OR 97123

Community Safety Series: History of Large-Scale Emergencies in Oregon

Hosted by Hillsboro Parks & Recreation

COMMUNITY EVENT
Wed, June 4, 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Adelante Mujeres
2030 Main St, Forest Grove, OR 97116

Forest Grove Festival of the Arts


Co-hosted by Forest Grove Public Arts Commission (PAC) and Adelante Mujeres Farmers Market

COMMUNITY EVENT
Sun, Apr. 6, 1:30 PM - 6:30 PM
Tualatin Hills Athletic Center
50 NW 158th Ave, Beaverton, OR 97006

Volunteer: Eid al-Fitr Arab Celebration

Arabic-bilingual speakers encouraged to sign up!

Hosted by THPRD

COMMUNITY EVENT
Sun, Apr. 13, 9:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Rood Bridge Park
3740 SE Rood Bridge Rd, Hillsboro, OR 97123

Sri Lankan New Year Celebration 2025

Co-hosted by Oregon Buddhist Vihara and Cultural and Arts Center of OBV

COMMUNITY EVENT
Fri, May 2, 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Cedar Mill Bible Church
12208 NW Cornell Rd, Portland, OR 97229

Community Health Resource Fair

Co-hosted by Unite Oregon Washington County Chapter
Flyers: English & Spanish

Interested/Questions?
Contact Delfina Andrade at delfina@uniteoregon.org

COMMUNITY EVENT
Sat, May 10, 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Venue TBD
Beaverton or Hillsboro

Mother's Day—Her Day


Co-hosted by Lutheran Community Services Northwest Beaverton & Portland Offices, Unite Oregon Small Business Team and Washington County Chapter

Interested/Questions?
Contact Nadine Elbitar at nelbitar@lcsnw.org

COMMUNITY EVENT
Wed, July 2, 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Adelante Mujeres
2030 Main St, Forest Grove, OR 97116

Forest Grove Festival of the Arts


Co-hosted by Forest Grove Public Arts Commission (PAC) and Adelante Mujeres Farmers Market

COMMUNITY EVENT
Fri, June 20, 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Meet at Salmon Springs Fountain
1000 SW Naito Pkwy, Portland, OR 97204

World Refugee Day Peace Walk

Co-hosted by The Community

Interested/Questions?
Contact Piyawee Ruenjinda at piyawee@uniteoregon.org

COMMUNITY EVENT
Wed, Aug. 6, 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Adelante Mujeres
2030 Main St, Forest Grove, OR 97116

Forest Grove Festival of the Arts


Co-hosted by Forest Grove Public Arts Commission (PAC) and Adelante Mujeres Farmers Market

Unite Oregon

Stand Against Hate

Non-Emergency Bias Response Hotline
1-844-924-BIAS (1-844-924-2427)

Trauma-informed operators are standing by 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Pacific time, Monday – Friday. Access to interpretation in over 240 languages. After hours? Leave a message and we’ll return your call. We accept all Relay calls.

In times of crisis, it's crucial to be prepared and stay connected. For a comprehensive list of Disaster Shelters & Centers (Refugios y Sitios Durante el Desastre) and available resources in Washington County, please visit the following link: Disaster Shelters & Resources in Washington County

We encourage you to share this information with friends and family to help ensure the safety of our community.

Stay up-to-date on emergencies and critical community updates by signing up for Washington County Public Alerts. This notification system covers all areas within the county, delivering important messages straight to your phone, email, or through a call.

To receive these alerts, create an Everbridge account and add your contact details. For the best protection, we recommend each household member register individually. Sign up here.

Emergency Preparedness: Stay Informed, Stay Safe

Order Your 4 Free At-⁠home COVID-⁠19 Tests. Every U.S. household is eligible to order 4 free at-home tests.

Our Chapter

The Washington County Chapter of Unite Oregon focuses on key issues prioritized by our members. These include advocating for higher wages for workers, advancing racial justice by ending police profiling, fighting for the rights and dignity of immigrants and refugees, addressing the affordable housing crisis, and promoting holistic community health and wellness.

We also work on planning and land use issues, improving transportation access and affordability, promoting economic justice for working women, advocating for environmental justice, and enhancing civic engagement. Our efforts are rooted in a racial justice perspective, with a strong emphasis on developing future leaders and building a robust movement for justice.

Our ongoing campaigns and initiatives aim to nurture new organizers and community leaders while maintaining a prominent leadership role within the community.

What are we working on right now?

Southwest Corridor Equity Coalition (SWEC)

Coalition Building | Leadership Development | Community Engagement | Community Organizing

The Southwest Corridor Equity Coalition (SWEC) is a collaborative initiative involving community organizations, residents, businesses, philanthropic partners, and government bodies. Established as part of the Southwest Equitable Development Strategy (SWEDS) during planning for transit and light rail improvements in the Southwest Corridor, SWEC aims to address racial disparities, economic inequities, and displacement risks in the area. SWEC has experienced significant growth as more individuals and organizations recognize the importance of collective action in achieving the SWEDS vision: a livable, affordable community with a strong economy and reliable transportation for all.

Tualatin Valley Highway Equity Coalition (TEC)

Coalition Building | Leadership Development | Community Engagement | Community Organizing

The TV Highway Equity Coalition (TEC) was established in early 2022 to unite residents, commuters, small business owners, and direct service organizations in response to a transit project planned by Metro Regional Government and other agencies. TEC's initial focus was developing the TV Highway Corridor Equitable Development Strategy (TEDS), which aims to create a livable, affordable, and economically prosperous community with reliable and safe transportation options. The EDS seeks to address potential impacts of this infrastructure investment on historically underserved communities, primarily by preventing displacement and providing essential services and resources.

Dare to Invest in Learning to Lead (DILL) African Male-Identifying Program (2025)

Leadership Development | Community Engagement

The DILL 2025 program, funded by the City of Hillsboro, is dedicated to training and empowering African immigrant and refugee men living in Hillsboro, Aloha, and Beaverton. This program aligns with Unite Oregon’s mission to uplift BIPOC communities and reflects our commitment to centering Black lives through partnerships with Black-led nonprofits across Oregon. Using Unite Oregon’s proven community leadership curriculum, this year’s program will develop 12-18 emerging African male leaders, providing skills that build on their unique lived experiences as immigrants and refugees.

Beaverton Multicultural Community Engagement Program (2024-2025)

Leadership Development | Community Engagement

Previously known as the Beaverton Organizing and Leadership Development (BOLD) and the Beaverton Inclusive Housing Cohort, this program continues to be recognized as BOLD due to its longstanding recognition. It includes two elements: civic leadership development and community engagement. The Beaverton Multicultural Community Engagement program seeks to familiarize participants with local government structure, functions, and services while promoting active participation. Participants can gain practical experience in leadership, community organizing, and advocacy, and receive valuable information on research, alternative solutions, and recommended actions for various community projects and programs, including Affordable Housing, Long Range Planning, and Cultural Inclusion. Ultimately, the BOLD program aims to support Beaverton's growth as an inclusive, multicultural city.

City of Cornelius Downtown Development's Anti-Displacement Anti-Gentrification Strategy (2024-2025)

Leadership Development | Community Engagement

In partnership with Unite Oregon and a Land Use Consultant, the City of Cornelius Downtown Development presents a comprehensive strategy focusing on four major elements: a Planning Phase, Support for Small Businesses, Housing Affordability/Ownership, and Community Development. This collaborative effort aims to address the challenges faced by marginalized communities, ensuring equity, inclusion, and resilience in the face of population growth and redevelopment.

Lombard West Property: Community Engagement for Equitable Development (2024-2025)

Leadership Development | Community Engagement

This community engagement project aims to support the City of Beaverton in preparing for and implementing an equitable process to select a property developer who will build regulated multifamily affordable housing units on the Lombard West site. The project is informed by and responds to the Beaverton Downtown Equity Strategy and the Beaverton Urban Redevelopment Area (BURA) Portfolio Redevelopment Strategy. The project consists of four phases: Pre-solicitation, Solicitation Evaluation, Post-Developer Solicitation, and Reporting & Program Evaluation. By fostering collaboration and engaging with diverse stakeholders, this initiative seeks to create inclusive and affordable housing solutions that align with the community's needs and aspirations.

Amity Orchards - Affordable Multifamily Housing in South Cooper Mountain, Beaverton by Wishcamper (2024-2025)

Leadership Development | Community Engagement | Community Organizing

This program emphasizes community engagement and leadership development, aiming to recruit and educate qualified applicants from diverse, multicultural backgrounds and marginalized communities. One key objective is to establish a Residents Advisory Council. This Council will collaborate with the Resident Services Coordinator, Wishcamper’s resident services partner Cornerstone Community Housing, and a developer representative.

Amity Orchards features 164 affordable homes spread across three buildings, intentionally designed to meet the needs of families and seniors. The housing offers a mix of senior and residential units for households earning less than 70% of the area median income (AMI). For more information, visit the project website at www.amityorchards.com, managed by Guardian, Wishcamper’s property management partner.

Community Commons Events

Community Engagement | Community Organizing

Since March 2024, Unite Oregon has hosted Community Commons Events in welcoming spaces across Washington County. These gatherings aim to cultivate a Community of Learning and Sharing filled with food, music, and engaging activities. Serving as a beacon of unity, they foster an environment where learning and connection thrive. Your presence is not just welcomed but cherished. Unite Oregon remains a pillar of grassroots advocacy, driven by and for immigrants, refugees, people of color, and marginalized communities.

2025 Events:

Unite Nights! at Bag&Baggage Productions (2024-2025)

After a successful collaboration last season, we are excited to begin our second year of partnership with Bag&Baggage Productions. This season, we have received 25 complimentary tickets to distribute to Unite Oregon members, supported by the City of Hillsboro.

Past Programs, Projects, and Campaigns:

Washington County Civic Leadership Program (2024)

This comprehensive leadership training program equips emerging leaders with essential skills in government, advocacy, and intercultural community organizing. Participants will learn power analysis, strategy development, and effective testimony delivery, while exploring transformative justice as an alternative approach to addressing community challenges. The program aims to cultivate a diverse cohort of leaders who will drive positive change in Washington County.

Unite Oregon Youth Expo (2023-2024)

The Unite Oregon Youth Expo promises to be an incredible event as we continue to support youth from historically underrepresented communities. Immerse yourself in engaging workshops, thought-provoking guest speakers, and fun activities like games and a photo booth. Unleash your creativity with hands-on crafts and connect with like-minded peers who share your passion for making a difference.

Annual United for Action Summit (2022-2024)

A full-day event featuring workshops, community-building activities, and discussions to shape our future legislative agenda. The summit brings together members from various chapters to share local issues, build skills in community organizing, and strategize for change at both the local and state levels. The 2024 agenda includes a welcome address, chapter discussions, workshops, networking opportunities, and a closing circle. Through this annual event, we aim to foster collaboration and create a united vision for a more just and equitable Oregon.

Unite Oregon Annual Action Agenda (2021-2023)

The Unite Oregon Action Agenda is an annual list of policy priorities voted on by its members during the Annual Action Agenda Summit. These priorities shape the organization's focus for each legislative session and fuel local and legislative campaigns. Unite Oregon Action is committed to building a unified political intercultural movement for justice in Oregon, led by immigrants, refugees, rural communities, and people experiencing poverty. Their values emphasize Black liberation, decolonization, and centering the needs of marginalized communities.

New Affordable Multifamily Housing Site on 209th Ave (Aloha) - Vision and Values

Community Engagement

This project focuses on community engagement and leadership development for a new affordable multifamily housing initiative in Aloha. Metro purchased three acres at 3140 SW 209th for this future complex. Starting in winter 2024, the Housing Authority of Washington County will plan the development, which will include 86 to 100 apartments for low-income households (30-60% of the area median income, about $34,000-$67,000 for a family of four). The complex will feature a mix of one, two, and three-bedroom apartments, along with on-site parking.

Dare to Invest in Learning to Lead (DILL) for African Women (2023)

In partnership with African Heritage Education Empowerment Community (AFRHEEC), Unite Oregon launched the first civic leadership program for emerging African women leaders in Washington County. The DILL program successfully supported participants in building relationships, gaining civic and political knowledge, and developing community organizing and leadership skills. Although the program has concluded, its positive impact on the community will continue to be felt.

Washington County ARPA Funds Advocacy (2023)

Washington County received $117 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds intended to support communities impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly those already experiencing economic and health inequities. However, recent reports suggest that the Washington County Board of Commissioners is considering allocating a portion of these funds to the local jail and a juvenile detention center. This decision is a clear misuse of resources as the funds were meant for investments in housing assistance, job development, health services, and other areas affected by the pandemic. The potential investment in the carceral system exacerbates systemic oppression and undermines the initial intent of providing relief to communities in need.

Washington County Equitable Housing Coalition (2020-2023)

This three-year community-organized coalition successfully educated the public and addressed housing issues such as affordable housing and eviction protection in Washington County. Although the program has ended, you can still access valuable housing resources shared by our coalition, nonprofit partners, and government agencies on the program's website.

Beaverton Inclusive Housing Program (2020-2023)

We partnered with the City of Beaverton on this multicultural community engagement program, which emerged from the city’s commitment to applying a lens of racial equity and tailoring community engagement approaches for housing-related programs and projects. 

Beaverton Organizing and Leadership Development (BOLD) (2012-2023)

The BOLD Program is a leadership development and civic engagement training designed to empower emerging immigrant, refugee leaders, and leaders of color in Beaverton. Over the past 12 years, the program has equipped over 200 participants with essential skills to enhance their involvement in city government and contribute to a more inclusive and multicultural community.

Community Commons Events (2024)

Community Engagement | Community Organizing

Since March 2024, Unite Oregon has hosted Community Commons Events in welcoming spaces across Washington County. These gatherings aim to cultivate a Community of Learning and Sharing filled with food, music, and engaging activities. Serving as a beacon of unity, they foster an environment where learning and connection thrive. Your presence is not just welcomed but cherished. Unite Oregon remains a pillar of grassroots advocacy, driven by and for immigrants, refugees, people of color, and marginalized communities.
2024 Events:

Our Leadership

The Unite Oregon, Washington County Chapter is locally led by a community leadership council consisting of 5-10 members who reside in our community and are passionate about fostering a multi-racial, multicultural democracy that is inclusive of all. We prioritize immigrants, refugees, and people of color for leadership council positions. Additionally, 2-4 members of our leadership council are elected to serve on Unite Oregon's statewide Board of Directors.

Washington County Chapter Community Leadership Council

The Community Leadership Council for Unite Oregon’s Washington County Chapter has been on pause since May 2024, with our recent council term officially ending in October 2024. Since January this year, our chapter and organization are actively hiring new leaders—Chapter Director and Executive Director, respectively. Once our new leadership is in place, we will engage in a comprehensive review of our operations.

This pause is not a setback but an opportunity. We are committed to working alongside our community leaders to conduct a thoughtful assessment and planning process to strengthen and grow the Council. Together, we will build a more powerful and impactful organization that serves our community and amplifies our collective voice in the face of ongoing challenges.

We remain dedicated to the work of uplifting and empowering our communities. Change is on the horizon, and we are ready to move forward—stronger than ever.

Welcome to Beaverton: A Guide for Immigrants, Refugees, and Other Newcomers

Explore this valuable resource, originally created by Piyawee Ruenjinda, our former Washington County Leadership Council member and now a staff member, in collaboration with Joan Goldhammer of the Beaverton First United Methodist Church. Version #2 has been carefully updated by volunteers and BOLD alumni Olga Cherevatenko and Zhulma Zárate, along with Piyawee, one of the original contributors. For comments, questions, or suggestions, please email: WelcometoBeaverton@gmail.com.

Browse the Welcome to the City of Beaverton Resource Guide

Meet the Team

Je Amaechi
she/they | English
Organizing Director
Acting
Chapter Director

Delfina Andrade
she/her/ella | Spanish, English
Community Health Worker
(Photo: Anita and Delfina)

Ernesto Oliva
he/they/el | Spanish, English
Southwest Corridor Equity Coalition Manager

Piyawee Ruenjinda
she/they | Thai, Lao, English
Lead Community Organizer

Juan Pedro Moreno Olmeda
he/they/el | Spanish, English
Community Organizer

Alex Vargas Hernandez
he/they/el | Spanish, English
Community Organizer

Contact Washington County Chapter Team.