Welcome to the 350PDX newsletter, where we highlight action opportunities, upcoming events, and more. But first, we have two exciting training opportunities for you next week! Join us for our “How a Bill Becomes a Law in Oregon” training on Monday, Jan 29, and our “Organizing 101” training on Tuesday, Jan 30.
How a bill becomes a law in Oregon (virtual training)
Mon, Jan 29, from 7-8PM on zoom – learn more and register here
350PDX is hosting a virtual training on “How a bill becomes a law in Oregon” right before Oregon’s 2024 short legislative session begins. Learn how bills are made, how to track them through the legislative session, and how to make your voice heard alongside others at 350PDX and in the larger climate justice community. In recent years, Oregon has passed some exciting legislation relating to climate justice and reducing our state’s environmental impact. We’ll share about some of the climate bills you will want to follow this session and show how you can get involved in policy advocacy.
Want to receive more frequent updates about the 2024 Oregon legislative session? Fill out this form!
Organizing 101 (in-person training)
Tues, Jan 30, from 6-8PM @ 350PDX Office (3639 N Mississippi Ave) – learn more and register here
Join us for an in-person “Organizing 101” training to learn more about how to turn your awareness and activism into strategic community organizing! We’re go over some 101 organizing principles and skill-building. Whether you’re brand new to organizing or have been doing the work for years, you’re welcome at the training!
Topics we’ll cover:
- Community Organizing — The Power of the Majority
- The Role of an Organizer — Why Organize?
- Equity & Power in Organizing
- The Importance of having One-on-One Conversations
This is also a good time to come and pickup flyers, posters, yard signs, etc. to put up in your neighborhood. This will also be a food and drink potluck! We’ll provide a main dish and some beverages (non-alcoholic and alcoholic) and please feel free to bring other food and beverages to share. This will be an indoor masks encouraged event. See full accessibility information here, and let us know any accessibility needs.
In gratitude,
350PDX Staff
P.S. We’re hiring!
350PDX is currently hiring for two positions: a Communications Manager and an Outreach & Organizing Manager. You are welcome to apply – by Feb 2! Both positions are full-time (350PDX considers full-time as 30 hours/week) starting on or after March 4th, 2024, with an annual salary of $56,887. Benefits for each position include generous PTO (3+ weeks/year) as well as an organization-wide 2-week vacation in the summer, flexible work hours, professional development funds, and $300/month toward company health insurance.
Take Action
For quick actions like petitions, check out our Take Action Page. Take the Pledge of Action for more updates.
Tell your Legislator to Support HB 4083: The Clean Oregon Assets Legislation (COAL) Act
- Phase out publicly traded investments in coal,
- Halt new investments in coal, and
- Report on the phase out of coal.
Our financial institutions must halt financing of fossil fuel expansion and phase out all fossil fuel holdings. We can begin this process in Oregon by moving our investments away from coal. Contact your Representative and Senator and urge them to support this important bill this legislative session!
Take action for clean air in Multnomah County
Here in Multnomah County, we have a huge opportunity to fight back against the gas industry and enact policies that ensure cleaner and safer air for us all to breathe. But the County needs to hear from YOU to take this action.
Join us in telling Multnomah County Commissioners: We need Clean Air Quality Standards NOW!
Chair Jessica Vega Peterson: 503-988-3308 mult.chair@
Sharon Meieran: 503-988-5220, district1@
Lori Stegmann: 503-988-5213, district4@
Julia Brim-Edwards: 503-988-5217, district3@
CALL SCRIPT
“Hi _____. My name is _____ , I live in ______. I’m calling because I am urging you to use your power as our local health authority to fight for air quality standards for our community. I’m concerned about appliances that leak dangerous methane gas and toxic pollutants in the buildings in our community, and I think it’s time for the County to take bold action. Pollution from our stoves, heaters, and fireplaces can cause conditions like asthma and heart failure. Please take action on this important issue.”
Events & Opportunities
350PDX February Action Night
Wed, Feb 7, 6-8:00PM — 350PDX Office (3639 N Mississippi Ave) – learn more and sign up here
Climate Cafe PDX
Thurs, Feb 8, 6:15-7:45PM — location TBD, learn more here
Join Climate Cafe PDX, an informal, open, respectful, confidential space to process climate related emotions with people in our community. Free and open to all. This is also a space for exploration of thoughts, feelings and experiences rather than what we are doing about the climate crisis. LOCATION TBD, email climatecafepdx@gmail.com for updates.
Actions with Don’t Shoot PDX
Throughout the week, across the city – details here
Worker Solidarity Actions
Throughout the week, across the city – visit the Portland Jobs with Justice page for more info. Also see their list of solidarity actions.
News & Updates
The 350PDX Policy Team is starting to meet
350PDX recently started a new volunteer-run team — the Climate Justice Policy Team! This group is building on the work of the City/County Watchdog Team and 350PDX’s work to advocate for strong legislation that moves us toward a just and sustainable future. In addition to keeping an eye on our city and state political leaders as the City/County Watchdog Team did, the Policy Team will also play a bigger role in organizing Portlanders to integrate a climate justice focus into all policy decisions at the city and state levels. Through the Policy Team, we can build and leverage our collective power — showing legislators that there a large number of voters advocating for strong climate action in city and state politics. The Policy Team will also support our other campaign teams at 350PDX, uplifting work to defend Oregon forests, fight fossil fuels, help build a just transition to renewable energy, and more.
Reach out to Cherice (350PDX Policy Manager) at cherice@350pdx.org to join a meeting, or sign up here to join the Policy Team.
Want to receive more frequent updates about the 2024 Oregon legislative session? Fill out this form!
Thank you Dar Williams and Amy Ray!
We wanted to give a huge thank you to Dar Williams and Amy Ray for inviting 350PDX to table at their Portland concert last night (Jan 23), for donating 10 signed posters for us to sell, and for announcing our campaign to stop the Drax Group’s plan to build an industrial biomass energy plant from the stage.
Communities in the Blast Zone coming together
Do you live in the blast zone of Zenith’s oil trains? Use this map to find out. If you do, call and write to the City of Portland and share that you live in the blast zone and are concerned for your safety. You can also pick up a yard sign to have in your front yard or apartment window to educate your neighbors about the blast zone and what they can do to #StopZenith. Send an email to stopzenith@350pdx.org to coordinate receiving a yard sign from one of our team members.
The 350PDX Fossil Fuel Resistance Team is also helping folks hold Neighborhood Parties to educate their community about the issue, reach out to dineen@350pdx.org and lisebethjacobs@gmail.com to learn more.
Opinion: We must invest in tree care to protect trees and our communities
“Climate change and its severe impacts force us to live with dual realities: We need trees more than ever and we need to recognize that extreme weather can turn them into hazards. After hundreds of trees and large limbs fell around the Portland metro area during this historic winter storm, we know that people may be concerned about the trees in their neighborhoods. The impact of a downed tree is serious and often devastating.” Check out the full Op-Ed from our partners at Friends of Trees in the Oregonian here.
In love and gratitude,
The 350PDX staff
