Resources: Activism, Advocacy, and Organizing
Note: the below are not necessarily eligible for off-campus Federal Work Study. Please find FWS eligible opportunities here.
Asian Pacific American Network of Oregon (APANO)
The Asian Pacific American Network of Oregon (APANO) is a statewide grassroots organization that unites Asians and Pacific Islanders to achieve social justice. We use our collective strengths to advance equity through empowering, organizing, and advocating with our communities. APANO sends regular emails about campaigns, organizational updates, events, activities, and involvement opportunities. Subscribe to these updates here.
Address: 2788 Southeast 82nd Avenue, Suite 203, Portland, OR 97266
Phone: 971-340-4861
Basic Rights Oregon (BRO)
Basic Rights Oregon will ensure that all lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer Oregonians experience equality by building a broad and inclusive politically powerful movement, shifting public opinion, and achieving policy victories. Basic Rights Oregon works fearlessly and tirelessly to build a strong, vibrant, powerful, and progressive movement for LGBTQ equality. LGBTQ Oregonians exist in every community, and we understand that we have to engage in strategic, values-based coalitions to address the many needs of our communities. As such, building alliances with progressive groups that advocate for working families, racial justice, immigrant rights, reproductive justice, and campaign reform will be essential to winning policies that meet the varied needs of our diverse community. Find ways to get involved here!
Address: 310 SW 4th Ave., Suite #300 Portland, OR 97204
Phone: 503-222-6151
Black Lives Matter PDX
This is a local chapter of the Official #BlackLivesMatter Organization founded by Patrisse Cullors, Opal Tometi, and Alicia Garza. #BlackLivesMatter is an online forum intended to build connections between Black people and our allies to fight anti-Black racism, spark dialogue among Black people, and facilitate the types of connections necessary to encourage social action and engagement.
Cascade AIDS Project (CAP)
Cascade AIDS Project's mission is to prevent HIV infections, support and empower people living with or affected by HIV, and eliminate HIV-related stigma and health disparities. Founded in 1983 and incorporated in 1985 as the Cascade AIDS Project, CAP is the oldest and largest community-based provider of HIV services, housing, education and advocacy in Oregon and Southwest Washington. CAP has grown considerably since its beginning, from a two person staff to over 60, from a budget of $100,000 to over $6 million. CAP operates multiple programs from its main service site with the support of over 600 volunteers. Learn more about how to become a CAP volunteer.
Address: 520 NW Davis St., Suite 215, Portland, OR 97209
Phone: 503-223-5907
CAUSA (Oregon's Immigrant Rights Organization)
Causa works to improve the lives of Latino immigrants and their families in Oregon through advocacy, coalition building, leadership development, and civic engagement. Latino immigrants and their families are the heart of Causa and inspire, implement, and champion our work. Get involved in CAUSA's work here!
Address: 700 Marion St. NE, Salem, OR 97301
Phone: 503-409-2473 or 855-884-2287
Don't Shoot Portland
Don't Shoot Portland's regional and demographic relativity to the experiences in our community have forced us to unite as activists and social advocates for youth, families, and vulnerable community members. Our organizational work and activism, including direct community education workshops, support the outreach of our continued advocacy as first respondents and has helped community members contribute through direct engagement and legislative value. Contact Don't Shoot Portland to schedule panels, workshops, moderated discussions on race, poverty, and social and systemic discrimination. They are always looking to expand their work, and these necessary conversations are for the value of educational programming.
Email: dontshootportland@gmail.com
Momentum Alliance
Momentum Alliance is a youth-led nonprofit, with experienced coaches, whose mission is to inspire young people to realize their power individually and collectively and to mentor future social justice leaders.
Address: 5700 N Killingsworth, Portland, OR 97217
Phone: 971-244-4954
NAACP Portland
The mission of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People is to ensure the political, educational, social, and economic equality of rights of all persons and to eliminate racial hatred and racial discrimination. Locally, the Portland NAACP is focusing its efforts on economic equity, police accountability, and leadership development. NAACP Portland believes that when everyone is treated well and justly, all people benefit. Your NAACP leadership in Portland includes the following committees: Criminal Justic, Legal Redress, The Freedom Fund, Economic Development, Youth Council and Youth Leadership. NAACP Portland will provide more details and contact information as these committees develop their missions. For now, contact the NAACP secretary if you are interested in volunteering.
Phone: 503-928-6723
OPAL Environmental Justice Oregon
OPAL's mission is to build power for Environmental Justice and Civil Rights in our communities. Environmental Injustice comes from systemic, historic discrimination, displacement, violence, and exploitation. Race, class, and social status impact our lived environments. OPAL amplifies the voices of negatively-impacted individuals to address inequalities. We are building a movement for Environmental Justice led by those who are most impacted. OPAL ensures decision-makers cannot ignore the experiences of the people who have the most to gain, or lose, from policy outcomes. OPAL is looking for dedicated individuals to fill volunteer positions to support our organizing and operations. We have leadership and volunteer opportunities perfect for every skill level, age and ability. Sign up here!
Address: 3202 SE 82nd Avenue, Suite B, Portland, OR 97266
Phone: 503-774-4503
VOZ Workers Rights Education Project
Voz is a worker-led organization that empowers diverse day laborers and immigrants to improve their working conditions and protect civil rights through leadership development, organizing, education and economic opportunity. They provide disenfranchised day laborers with leadership development opportunities as well as classes aimed at providing them with the skills they need to secure long-term employment. Voz uses Popular Education methodology in their leadership development and grassroots organizing, and they have a strong history of community engagement as a worker-led organization. If you are interested in volunteering your time with VOZ, contact them directly or take a look at their volunteer and internship opportunities.
Address: 1131 SE Oak St, Portland, OR 97214
Phone: 503-233-6787