Social and community groups in Oregon: Diverse cultural community events. Strong focus on environmental activism. Active LGBTQ+ organizations. Numerous outdoor adventure clubs. Vibrant art and music scene. Supportive newcomer networks. Volunteer opportunities abound. Rich Native American heritage. Cooperative housing communities. Local food and farmer networks.
Diverse cultural community events.
BASE Southern Oregon hosts a variety of vibrant cultural community events, such as Juneteenth, MLK Day, Malcolm X Day, and Kwanzaa celebrations, which aim to foster connection, celebration, and empowerment within the multicultural community. In addition, the Central Oregon Community College's Office of Diversity and Inclusion organizes significant multicultural events like Indigenous Peoples' Day and Latinx Heritage Month. These events include forums on racism and social justice, thus promoting diversity and inclusion through both educational and celebratory activities. Similarly, the City of Eugene offers a range of community events, including the Native American Craft Fair and the Latino/a/e/x Artists & Cultural Event, which spotlight and celebrate diverse cultural heritage and community engagement.
Strong focus on environmental activism.
The Environmental Groups in Oregon website lists various environmental groups throughout the state, including organizations like Southern Oregon Climate Action Now, Beyond Toxics, Oregon Environmental Council, and Oregon Wild. These groups are actively involved in environmental activism, concentrating on pressing issues such as climate change, pollution, wildlife conservation, and the protection of natural resources. Their efforts play a crucial role in fostering sustainable practices and advocating for policies that safeguard the environment for future generations.
Active LGBTQ+ organizations.
Active LGBTQ+ organizations in Oregon include Basic Rights Oregon, PFLAG, Pivot's The Living Room, TransActive, TranzGuys PDX, and the Q Center, each providing various forms of support, advocacy, and safe spaces for LGBTQ+ individuals, particularly youth and transgender communities. These organizations focus on equality, health and well-being, education, and policy victories to address the specific needs of the LGBTQ+ community. For more information on resources and district efforts, visit the PCC Queer Resources page.
Numerous outdoor adventure clubs.
Oregon is home to numerous outdoor adventure clubs, including the Trails Club of Oregon, Mazamas, Chemeketans, and several Sierra Club groups, which offer a variety of hiking, backpacking, and other outdoor activities for different skill levels and interests. These clubs often have regular meetings, guided hikes, and social events, and many welcome non-members to join their activities. For more information on these activities, you can visit the Oregon Hiking Website and explore the opportunities for engaging with nature and the outdoor community in Oregon.
Vibrant art and music scene.
Portland, Oregon, boasts a vibrant arts and music scene, featuring numerous art galleries, museums like the Portland Art Museum, and live music venues such as the Crystal Ballroom, along with various festivals like the Portland Art Fair and Portland Jazz Festival that celebrate creativity and community engagement.
Supportive newcomer networks.
The Newcomers Welcome Club is a social and philanthropic organization in the Portland metropolitan area, providing a support network for newcomers, returning, and native Oregonians to ease transitions, make new friends, and get involved in various activities and community service. This club plays a vital role in facilitating connections and fostering a sense of belonging among its members, enhancing the overall community experience in Portland.
Volunteer opportunities abound.
The City of Oregon City presents a range of volunteer opportunities for those looking to give back to their community, including roles within parks and recreation, cemetery clean-ups, the Ermatinger House, Meals on Wheels, and various community events. Meanwhile, The Nature Conservancy in Oregon invites volunteers to engage in trail maintenance, habitat restoration, and landscape maintenance, crucial for managing natural areas. The Oregon Food Bank also welcomes volunteers for activities such as food sorting, repacking, and participating in seasonal garden projects, as well as advocating for policy changes. Finally, the American Red Cross in the Cascades Region offers impactful roles like Blood Donor Ambassador, Transportation Specialist, Social Media Volunteer, and Disaster Services to bolster community relief and emergency services.
Rich Native American heritage.
This resource provides detailed information about the nine federally recognized tribes in Oregon, including their histories, cultural traditions, and current activities, highlighting the rich Native American heritage and the government-to-government relationships with these tribes. Learn more about these important cultural connections and the ongoing efforts to honor and preserve them on the Oregon Tribes page.
Cooperative housing communities.
Cooperative housing communities in Oregon, such as those developed by SquareOne Villages, offer permanently affordable housing through member-owned and controlled cooperatives, providing benefits like affordable access, stable tenure, democratic control, and a sense of community, while requiring mutual accountability and a time commitment from members.
Local food and farmer networks.
In Oregon, local food and farmer networks thrive through the dedicated efforts of various organizations and directories, which foster connections between consumers and local farmers, ranchers, and producers. These entities, including the High Desert Food & Farm Alliance, Willamette Food and Farm Coalition, and the Oregon Farmers' Market Association, play a crucial role in promoting sustainable agriculture and community engagement across the state. An integral part of this network is the Applegate Valley Farm and Food Network, in collaboration with the Rogue Valley Food System Network and the Oregon Community Food System Network, which enhances the local food and agricultural system. Key initiatives include supporting farmers' markets, encouraging local purchasing, and advocating for sustainable agricultural practices. Furthermore, the Lane County Farmers Market in Eugene, renowned as one of the largest in Oregon, supports over 100 local farmers and food artisans, ensuring that their products are grown or made locally, and advancing food equity through various assistance programs and market currencies.