TriMet’s new General Manager Doug Kelsey is pushing for higher transit fares. He says “we haven’t [raised fares] in nine years.” Such a move would make our daily commute more expensive. When fares go up, ridership goes down. It causes a downward spiral that […]
Our Values: Transit riders should make decisions about how the transit system functions. Riders’ ideas should be incorporated into all conversations that will impact their daily lives. We follow the leadership of low-income people, people of color, youth, seniors, and disabled people. These are […]
It’s a busy autumn for Bus Riders Unite! Launched in June, the #UpWithRiders campaign continues to pick up momentum. #UpWithRiders is a joint campaign of OPAL, Bus Riders Unite, and the Youth Environmental Justice Alliance to stop fare hikes and win truly public transportation […]
OPAL is so excited to introduce the newest member of our Organizing Team. Gabriela Saldaña-López (she/her) has assumed the role of the Bus Riders Unite Organizer, as we work to improve transit service, accessibility, and reduce fares across the region. Gaby is no stranger […]
Members and Organizers with Bus Riders Unite were at the TriMet Board Meeting on the morning of September 18th to testify in support of the #UpWithRiders campaign. Together, we will stop fare hikes and win safe and accessible public transit that is free of […]
We’re excited to introduce to the community our new Youth Environmental Justice Alliance Organizer, Alejandra Gallegos-Chacón. Alejandra was born in Quito, Ecuador. “I was born two weeks later than planned,” she says, “because even back then I wasn’t about to let a man tell […]
by BRU Organizer Orlando Lopez Almost four years ago, I walked into the OPAL office to interview for the Community Organizing position here at OPAL. About ten folks were sitting around the table. I must admit that it was the most intimidating interview that […]
A Movement of Movements was a huge success! Thank you to all our sponsors, all the attendees, and everyone involved in making the event our biggest, most inspiring annual event ever. On a balmy July evening, more than 400 people crowded into Revolution Hall […]
Objective: Strengthen and expand access to a basic human right for all immigrant communities. Issue: Environmental Justice communities, which includes our immigrant and refugee neighbors, are currently denied access to a driver licence. This inhibits transportation for these individuals, stifling a basic human right. 80,000 to 100,000 […]
OPAL Hour on March 13th was a huge success. We gathered with food, friends, wine and beer, and a fierce determination to build power for our communities. The real reason the OPAL Family gathers at OPAL Hour is to hear the OPAL Top Ten, […]