Mid-May 2024 Newsletter
Hi Everyone,
Welcome to the 350PDX newsletter, where we highlight action opportunities, upcoming events, and more.
Yesterday, 350PDX staff, interns, and volunteers joined many others to support PCEF during a city council budget work session. PCEF funds will be supporting shovel-ready climate, clean energy, and environmental justice projects throughout the City’s bureaus. Because of PCEF, the City will be able to retain over 100 employees and pay for many exciting projects that will help us meet our Climate Emergency Workplan and other climate goals while providing community benefit and good paying jobs. Along with a broad coalition representing over 50,000 Portlanders we sent this open letter to city council about PCEF emphasizing the importance of keeping PCEF funds focused on its original intention: climate, environmental justice, and clean energy with community benefit.
Upcoming Events & Opportunities
May Action Night
5/15, 6:00-8:00pm, 350PDX, 3639 N Mississippi Ave.
Join us tonight for Action Night! Dinner is provided; feel free to bring a side dish. We will be leading a training around Climate Conversations and meeting in District groups to strategize bringing climate justice into the Portland city council elections. If you RSVP we’ll have a better idea of how much food to bring, but you’re welcome to show up even if you don’t RSVP!
William Jam: A Benefit for Land Back and Climate Justice!
Friday, May 17, 6:00pm, Green Anchors, 8940 N Bradford St, Portland, OR, 97203
Come support two of our wonderful movement partners on the banks of the Willamette for the second annual Willam-Jam: A Benefit Concert for Indigenous People’s Power Project (IP3) and Mosquito Fleet!
IP3 is raising funds to ensure the longevity of their new landback project as an Indigenous run and led space dedicated to upholding movement ideologies, land connection, reconnection, and rematriation. This project will continue IP3’s work of building capacity with Indigenous communities, networks, and partners with a sustainable base to gather, cultivate, and learn. Mosquito Fleet is raising funds to support a summer of activity on the water including kayaktivism trainings, social paddles, and the free kayak lending library.
Featuring the musical flavors of Supernatural Beavers, Mista Chief & Rising Buffalo Tribe, & Lapaushi, as well as food and beverages from Nico’s Ice Cream, Straightaway Cocktails, Asona Cuisine, and Tacos El Patrón! And did we mention screen printing, a raffle, silent-auction? Grab your friends, get your tickets, and meet us at Green Anchors! You can find more event details and RSVP here. Please share with your friends!
350PDX Volunteer Orientation
Monday, May 20, 6:00-8:00pm, 350PDX Office, 3639 N Mississippi Ave
Come and hear more of what 350PDX is all about, meet staff and volunteers, see our office space, and explore how to get involved! RSVP here. Pizza and drinks provided!
Northwest Forest Plan Amendment Webinar: Understanding the NW Forest Plan and What’s At Stake
Tuesday, May 21, 12:00pm, Online
Join the PNWFCA for a webinar unpacking the Northwest Forest Plan (NWFP) and the changes the Forest Service has proposed, affecting management of our PNW forests for decades to come! Presenters Brenna Bell, Dominick Dellasala, and Chandra LeGue will discuss the ins and outs of the plan, what the climate impacts are, and how to engage your community on taking action for the strongest plan amendments for the climate, ecosystems, and communities. Register here!
One World Films and Conversations: Burned – Are Trees The New Coal?
Saturday, May 25, 2:00–4:00 pm, Vault Theater, 350 East Main Street Hillsboro, OR 97123
Hosted by 350PX Washington County Team. Join us for an eye-opening event at The Vault Theater where we will explore the controversial topic of using trees as a source of energy. Through thought-provoking films and engaging conversations, we aim to shed light on the impact of deforestation and the growing trend of burning trees for fuel. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn, discuss, and be inspired to make a difference. Tickets are free! Click here for more info and to reserve a spot.
Save the Date! Forests are our Future Rally for Mature and Old Growth Forests
Thursday, June 13th, 3:00-5:00pm, Terry Schrunk Plaza, 431 SW Madison Street, Portland
Our mature and old-growth forests are some of our best climate solutions, but they are threatened by a 20th century paradigm that maximizes logging/timber extraction and profits at the expense of our forests, communities, and climate. The Forest Service and Biden Administration are creating management guidelines for the future of our region’s forests for decades to come. We need the Forest Service & Biden Administration to put a moratorium on logging mature and old growth forests to protect our communities and climate. More information about the rally coming soon – you do not want to miss this awesome event!
NEWS and UPDATES!
Celebrate two good news items from last week!
After advocating for months in support of a Sustainability & Climate Commission (SCC), the ordinance to create the SCC received a unanimous vote by Portland city council last week! The volunteer commission will be seated in 2025.
Second, the city council also approved the Climate Friendly Public Schools funding we’ve been advocating for. It is the first intergovernmental agreement using Portland Clean Energy Community Benefits Funds (PCEF) to be approved as a result of the PCEF Climate Investment Plan we advocated for last fall. Through the Climate Friendly Public Schools program, up to $50 million will be allocated to Portland-area public schools for climate resilience and emissions reduction projects; making our schools, neighborhoods, students, and educators healthier and safer from climate emergencies. Through this program and other PCEF projects, Portland is able to do our part in building a sustainable and just present and future in our region and world.
Interns:
We are excited to welcome five summer interns who will be helping us: organize climate and environmental justice tours with city council candidates, finalize and share a climate justice platform and voter guide, and coordinate some of our District organizing for climate justice. Please join us in welcoming Izzy Garcia, Carys John, Christopher Johnston, Santiago Nolasco Galicia, and Matt Stevenson.
Watch CD3 Environmental Justice Candidate Forum Video Before the Primaries!
If you’re interested in learning what candidates from Oregon US Congressional District 3 have to say about climate and environmental justice, please watch this video of the candidate forum we co-hosted with Portland Harbor Community Coalition, University of Portland, and other co-sponsoring groups. Though Rep. Maxine Dexter and Comm. Susheela Jayapal could not attend the forum, their answers are at the end of the video. Go to 1:27:21 for Rep. Dexter’s answers, and 1:57:10 for Comm. Jayapal’s answers. Candidates who attended the forum were: Michael Jonas, Ricardo “Ricky” Barajas, Rachel Lydia Rand, Nolan Bylenga, and Gary L. Dye. Make sure to vote in Oregon’s primary elections by May 21!
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.
In love and gratitude,
The 350PDX staff –
Anissa, Brenna, Cherice, Chris, Denise, Dineen, Irene
