Hi everyone,
Welcome to the 350PDX newsletter, where we highlight action opportunities, upcoming events, and more. But first — we’re thrilled to introduce you to Cherice Bock, our new Policy Manager!
As the policy manager, Cherice Bock (she/her) leads city and state level advocacy, organizing to support policies that lead toward climate justice. Her career thus far has straddled the academy and the nonprofit world. With an MS and PhD in environmental studies and several years of experience in advocacy and organizing in Oregon, she brings both a commitment to relational organizing and a willingness to dive into policy details.
Cherice became committed to working on environmental and climate issues when the connections between colonialism, resource extraction, labor exploitation, and other systems of injustice became clear to her as she worked on peace and justice issues. A Quaker, social justice and peace activism has been part of her experience and tradition, and she recognized her own culpability and the connection between colonization and environmental issues when visiting the West Bank. Since then, Cherice dedicated her career to working toward justice while grounding this work in the soil, the water, and the interconnected relationships between all members of the earth community. Her commitment to a just transition includes advocating for policies that will be equitable, interrupt unjust systems, and create a flourishing society including all people and species. She does this work in part to help create a livable future for her two children.
Reach out to Cherice at cherice@350pdx.org to connect, as well as to learn more about upcoming opportunities at 350PDX to organize around city and state-level advocacy work that moves us towards a just transition.
In gratitude,
350PDX Staff (Anissa, Brenna, Cherice, Chris, Dineen, Eloise, Kiera, & Julia)
Take Action
For quick actions like petitions, check out our Take Action Page. Take the Pledge of Action for more updates.
Tell City Council to rescind Zenith’s oil-by-rail permit
For years, community members across the city have been opposing Zenith Energy’s dangerous oil-by-rail operations. Still, Portland City Council members betrayed Portlanders when they approved Zenith’s request to continue transporting crude oil through our community last December — and new records are showing they negotiated a dirty deal with Zenith behind our backs.
While City Council has let us down, we are still doing everything in our power to show them that the people of Portland are saying NO to Zenith Energy’s oil-by-rail. Please join us in signing this petition demanding City Council rescinds the permit they granted Zenith through these dirty backroom deals. Together, we can make our voices loud enough that they can’t ignore us.
Events & Opportunities
Rumble on the River Community Forum #9
Thurs, Aug 24, 6-8pm — Taborspace (5441 SE Belmont)
Join us TODAY (Thurs, Aug 24) 6-8pm for our next Rumble on the River Community Forum at the Taborspace (5441 SE Belmont). Rumble On The River community forums bring together expert voices to discuss the risks of the Critical Energy Infrastructure (CEI) Hub, a 6-mile stretch of aging tank farms, including Zenith Energy’s oil facility. The CEI hub holds 90% of Oregon’s fuel and stands on a seismic liquefaction zone in the Lower Willamette, putting us in in danger of a Deepwater Horizon level spill right on Portland’s riverfront. See you there tonight for a discussion on this critical issue!
River Toxics Tour w/ Mosquito Fleet
Sat, Aug 26, 10am-2pm — RSVP here
Have you heard about the Critical Energy Infrastructure (CEI) Hub? Join Mosquito Fleet in kayaks on the Willamette River to learn about this 6-mile stretch of industry along the river and the various threats it poses to public health, public safety and the environment. We’ll also loop you in to the community-led campaign aimed at raising awareness and taking actions to protect our communities from the CEI Hub. This is a longer paddle – we welcome folks of all experience levels but ask that you RSVP if you are confident you can paddle 4 river miles (approximately 4 hours). Please RSVP here if you would like to reserve a kayak and gear. Snacks will be provided, and we ask that you bring water, sun protection, and shoes you don’t mind getting wet. Additional information will be provided to folks who RSVP.
350PDX Volunteer Orientation
Thurs, Aug 31, 6-7:45pm — 350PDX office (3639 N Mississippi Ave, Portland) – learn more here
Come and hear more of what 350PDX is all about, meet some staff and volunteers, see our office space, and explore more how to get involved! We’ll start at 6pm with some pizza and wine/beer/soft drinks, and then have an intro training that covers what we’re all about. We’ll do some group exercises to get you practicing some of your new skills, and we’ll finish with some time to chat one on one about getting more involved or get your remaining questions answered. This will be an indoor masks optional event. See full accessibility information here, and feel free to email Chris (chris@350pdx.org) with any accessibility needs.
350PDX Action Night & Pedalpalooza Ride! – the theme is climate superheroes!
Mon, Aug 28, 6-8pm — RSVP here
350PDX has monthly, in person gatherings where you’re invited to meet people in the climate justice community and take action together! This August, our Action Night will also be a Pedalpalooza bike ride we’re hosting alongside Climate Curious. Show up dressed in your favorite climate superhero outfit at 6 at Irving Park to then join a 40 minute bike ride to Mocks Crest Park. You can also join us at Mocks Crest Park at 7pm for a picnic/potluck and the chance to take action, get to know other climate folks, and enjoy food/drink. This is an Action Night you don’t wanna miss! RSVP here.
Celebrate No More Freeways Campaign Wins!
Thurs, Aug 31, 5:30-7:30pm — Laurelhurst Park, picnic area by the Oak and 35th entrance
After consistent, powerful push-back from the community, the Rose Quarter and I-205 freeway expansion projects have been paused indefinitely! Come celebrate this win with Youth vs ODOT activists, to also mark the 6th birthday of the No More Freeways campaign. Join folks at Laurelhurst park on August 31st – learn more here. With special guest Rep. Khanh Pham.
Join us in calling on Portland City Council to rescind Zenith’s permit!
Wed, Sept 6, 9am — City Hall (1221 SW 4th Ave) – learn more & RSVP here
Join us in showing up in huge numbers at the Portland City Council meeting (at City Hall, 1221 SW 4th Ave) on Wednesday, Sept 6th. We particularly want to hear from those of us who live in the Blast Zone of Zenith’s oil trains (that’s 250,000 Portland residents – check out this map to find out if that’s you).
These past few weeks, it’s come to light that members of the Portland City Council spent the end of last year striking a dirty backdoor deal with Zenith Energy. Records requests have revealed that Commissioners Rubio and Ryan were coordinating with Zenith officials to ensure they would receive their permit. And while the City was shutting out public participation, Zenith was treating Rubio and Ryan to VIP boat tours and site visits. We don’t deserve to have our elected officials going behind our backs, making a deal with a corporation that is threatening our community’s health and safety. Together, we’ll confront the City Councilors responsible for this backdoor deal and expose their reckless behavior to the Portland public and local media. Join us!
Contemplative Practices for Activists and Other Engaged Humans
Thurs, Sept 14, 6:30pm-8:00pm — Process Work Institute (2049 NW Hoyt St, Portland) – please RSVP here
These are monthly gatherings to explore various meditative, contemplative, and creative practices to explore feelings, deepen our intention, and support our hearts as we contemplate and clarify our role as citizens. Drawing from both traditional and emergent ideas and practices, we grow our sense of belonging and groundedness with joy, gratitude, and radical honesty. Facilitated by Barbara Ford and Elva Redwood. All are welcome!
Portland Climate Strike!
Fri, Sept 15 — Save the Date, more info coming soon
Join Portland Youth Climate Strike this September 15th to strike for the climate! Follow Portland Climate Strike on Instagram to stay in the loop. More details coming soon!
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
Flash Futures PNW: A Climate Fiction & Art Contest — deadline extended to Sept 30!
Deadline extended to Sept 30 for our brand new creative competition – Flash Futures PNW: A Climate Fiction & Art Contest (hosted by 350PDX, the Breach Collective, Oregon Physicians for Social Responsibility, and Portland Neighbors Welcome)! Contest winners will have their work published in a zine launched in the spring, 2024, and the top three winners in each category (writing and visual art) will also receive cash prizes.
The Prompt: What do you imagine for the future of climate justice work in the Pacific Northwest? Tell us a story (through visual art or in writing) about what that work could look like in the future – 10, 50, 500+ years from now. We invite you to dream boldly!
Join the 350PDX Book Club!
The 350PDX Book Club meets every 2 months and discusses the most important books of our time, alternating between fiction and nonfiction. We just met last night to talk about The Ministry for the Future, and we’re now deciding on what nonfiction book to read next, which means it’s a great time to join! Our next meeting is Weds Oct 11, 6:30 – 8:00PM, so you’ll have plenty of time to read the next book if you get involved now.
Sign up to our book club list here, or reach out to chris@350pdx.org.
In love and gratitude,
The 350PDX staff
