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“We need to do what I call visionary organizing. Recognize that in every crisis, people do not respond like a school of fish. Some people become immobilized. Some people become very angry, some commit suicide, and other people begin to find solutions. And visionary organizers look at those people, recognize them and encourage them, and…

On Friday, March 18th at 3pm, Bus Riders Unite (BRU) will kick off the 2016 BRU priority campaign: a low-income fare and E-Fare alternatives. The event is at the JAMS space at 82nd and Division. The fight for environmental justice is a marathon. We invite our community to join us as we begin the next…

Since the campaign kick-off last November, youth organizers at Youth Environmental Justice Alliance (YEJA) have been working tirelessly to strategize next steps of the campaign, build relationships with other constituents and partners, as well as continue to develop youth leadership and skills. In December, the youth held an overnight retreat where they evaluated the program…

Trimet’s changing how we pay fare, and Bus Riders Unite has a plan to ensure the changes work for low-income people and people of color. This morning, the Trimet board passed ordinances to implement some of the changes Bus Riders Unite have been demanding since we first found out about Trimet’s plan. Victories: Free Rollout Period…

OPAL Environmental Justice Oregon Executive Director Huy Ong delivered a rousing speech today in Salem, demanding DEQ respond to the long-standing air quality concerns of communities of color and low income. Take action on air toxics: talk to your neighbors about the environment in which we live, work, learn, pray and play. Watch the video…

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Shawn Fleek, shawn@opalpdx.org, 503-915-5192 OREGON HOUSING LAW HIJACKED State Lawmakers Let Homebuilders Rewrite Laws In Secret The foxes are running the hen house: homebuilders and developers are now rewriting Oregon’s housing laws. Our preferred bill was one sentence long. It repealed the ban on Inclusionary Zoning. The homebuilders’ bill is ten…

Youth Environmental Justice Alliance (YEJA) leaders launched YouthPass to the Future last November. Youth are running a campaign to sustain, expand, extend and improve YouthPass for local students. It’s time to bring YouthPass to East Portland schools, and fully fund youth transit access. Watch this inspiring campaign video created by youth organizers and fabulous volunteer videographer Cathy!  …

Take action today! Tell your legislator: Don’t let developers push bad housing policies! In 1999 developers cut a backroom deal with Oregon legislators: they banned inclusionary housing. It was a mistake that led to our current housing crisis, and it’s a mistake now to continue letting developers write bad housing policies as we try to clean…