I recently met Dr. Juan Andrade Jr., a civil rights leader whose life story struck me deeply. Early in his career, while teaching civics to children of migrant farmworkers, he was arrested and fired for speaking Spanish in his classroom. What could have silenced him instead fueled a lifelong commitment to justice and community empowerment. He went on to become one of only a handful of Latinos to be honored by both the President of the United States and the Government of Mexico for his service and leadership.
Hearing his story reminded me how much this work matters. His arrest for speaking Spanish in the classroom decades ago is a reminder of how long immigrant and refugee communities have faced fear and injustice. And that fear is still very real today. For many, simply speaking Spanish or looking Latino can feel risky. Families live with the fear of people disappearing without warning, of loved ones suddenly gone. I know what it feels like to experience that kind of absence, to have a family member here one day and gone the next. That quiet worry follows children into classrooms and lingers in families every day. It is history repeating itself in ways that should give us all pause.
At the same time, I see the other side of the story every day. Immigrants and refugees are here in Oregon working hard, raising families, and contributing to their communities. They are teachers, small business owners, volunteers, and neighbors who continue to build better lives while strengthening our state. We cannot forget to support them too — to make sure opportunity, safety, and belonging are possible for everyone.
And in all of this, there is something else we cannot lose sight of: our joy. Even in the middle of chaos and fear, joy is resistance. Joy is community. Joy is the reminder that we are more than our struggles.
We cannot always control the chaos around us, but we can keep showing up for each other. We can share food, tell stories, laugh, and build. That is how we get through: by remembering that fear is not the whole story. Our communities are strong, our contributions matter, and our joy cannot be taken away.
As we move ahead with our strategic planning, I hold onto that reminder. Our work is about dignity, safety, belonging, and also joy, because joy is what makes it possible to imagine and build a future where every person can contribute, thrive, and feel at home in Oregon.
Warmly,
Jessica Ventura
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Survey on impact of government funding cuts on nonprofits in Oregon - closes Sept. 26
The Nonprofit Association of Oregon (NAO) and Coalition of Communities of Color (CCC) are working together to get a pulse survey out about the impact of government funding cuts on nonprofit organizations in Oregon. Findings from this survey will allow both organizations to advocate for nonprofit organizations when engaging with elected officials.
Your responses will be visible to NAO and CCC staff. Your data will be stored on Coalition of Communities of Color Qualtrics account. We will not sell your information to any outside organization, government or other entity.
The survey will take approximately 5 minutes to complete and will close on Friday, September 26.
Complete the 2026–2030 Consolidated Plan Survey by September 30
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The State of Oregon, as a recipient of HUD (the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development) funds, is collecting information on the housing needs of residents and communities in Oregon. We're asking for your help by taking a short survey.
Thank you for those who have already provided input. This is a final reminder that the survey closes next Tuesday, September 30, 2025.
The information you share will help shape Oregon's next Consolidated Plan - a key document used to determine priorities for federal funding received from HUD Community Planning and Development grants.
This survey is for people working in housing, community development, lending, social services, fair housing, or advocacy. We're especially looking for feedback about current housing needs in smaller cities and rural areas. We also want to know about statewide issues that affect low-income residents and federally protected groups.
Your responses will help shape a meaningful Consolidated Plan. This survey takes about 15 minutes, and your answers are confidential.
Need help? If you have questions on the planning process or if you need the survey in another language (besides English or Spanish), alternate formats, or other accommodations, contact: Frankie Lewington: frankie@rootpolicy.com
General inquiries: ORconsolidatedplan@hcs.oregon.gov
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Legislative and Policy Advocacy Trainings with OIRA
OIRA is launching a series of three trainings this fall to support community engagement with the upcoming short session starting February 2026. The intention of these trainings is to empower community leaders with the tools, knowledge, and best practices to advocate for immigrant and refugee communities in Oregon's legislature.
WHEN: The trainings will take place once a month starting mid-October. Exact time and date will be sent out soon.
SCHEDULE:
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Date
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Topic
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Key Takeaways
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October
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Civic Engagement and Coalition Building
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Understand what is “civic engagement” and why it is important for immigrant/refugee communities. Explore the importance of building a coalition to advance policies in the legislature.
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November
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Why (and How) to Engage with Elected Officials?
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What role do elected officials play in policymaking? How to hold these individuals accountable? Best practices for meeting and delivering messages with elected officials.
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December
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The Oregon Legislature 101: Process and Timeline
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Understanding the purpose and intent of the legislature. Understand the role of community in the legislative process.
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January
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Lobby Day
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Spend a day at the capitol speaking with legislators!
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WHERE: Virtual, Zoom link available upon registration. To receive a calendar invitation and Zoom link for the trainings, please complete this form. We encourage you to send the registration link to all those who you think might be interested. However, given the current national climate, we kindly ask that you do not distribute the link widely on a public forum.
Lutheran Community Services Northwest offering free online citizenship class from October 8 - December 17
Class Details
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Format: Online via Zoom
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Schedule: Wednesdays, 6:00 – 8:30 PM
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Dates: October 8 – December 17
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Cost: Free (registration required)
How to Register
- Complete the New Student Form
- After submitting, participants will receive a confirmation email with next steps.
Eligibility Permanent Residents (Green Card holders) may apply for U.S. citizenship:
- 90 days before their 5-year anniversary, or
- 90 days before their 3-year anniversary if married to a U.S. citizen.
For questions or more information, please contact me at oyeager@lcsnw.org or 503-731-9583.
 Stronger Together: Supporting Immigrant Communities
Saturday, October 25, 2025 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM PT Via Zoom
Please find the outreach materials for the second Stronger Together event in this folder: 📂 Outreach Materials
Additional links:
🌐 Event & registration page on UO website: uniteoregon.org/unite-events/stronger-together-20251025
📝 Registration page (short link): https://bit.ly/4ghig3F 💻 Embed code: Google Doc
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