Events & Opportunities
July 24, 2019
Conversation Project: Ecology of Creative Space
What can an Aspen grove teach us about communication? What can we learn from a flock of geese about collaboration? Or from a mushroom about transformation? Oregon is experiencing a shift in the landscape of creative spaces in our communities. Population changes, (dis)investment, public policy or the lack of it, and climate change have all had a hand in opening, closing, and changing places that are important to us culturally and creatively. The natural world—of which we are a part—is constantly changing and evolving and has much to teach us about living in these times. Join facilitator Maesie Speer for a conversation that asks, Can we find inspiration from our natural surroundings to imagine new ways to build creative spaces? This conversation will include some hands-on activities.
6:30 p.m., Columbia Grange 267, Corbett
July 24, 2019
Conversation Project: Why DIY?
Are we as self-sufficient as we can be? As we should be? What are the pleasures and pitfalls of doing it yourself? This conversation investigates why we strive to be makers and doers in a world that provides more conveniences than ever before. How might the “new industrial revolution” of tinkerers and crafters affect American schools and workplaces? How do maker spaces or skills courses foster greater engagement and involvement? What could be left behind when we increase self-sufficiency in a community? All kinds of DIY interests are welcome: we can focus on foraging, permaculture, prepping, woodworking, or hovercraft making—or perhaps all of these at once! Through our shared stories, we will seek to understand more deeply how DIY functions in American life.
7 p.m., Southeast Uplift Neighborhood Coalition, Portland
July 27, 2019
Conversation Project: From the Desert to the Sea
What are people really asking when they ask, “Where do you live?” In Oregon, philosophical and political divides have deep connections to geographic location. This conversation, led by author Kristy Athens, will explore the assumptions Oregonians have historically made about each other based on both literal and figurative place—including east versus west and urban versus rural—as well as the potential benefits and harms of conflating where you are (or have been) with who you are.
2 p.m., The Dalles-Wasco County Library, The Dalles
August 2, 2019
Humanity in Perspective Information Session at Rosewood Night Out
Learn more about Humanity in Perspective, a free college course for adults living on low incomes who don't have a college degree at the Rosewood Night Out event.
5 p.m.–10 p.m., The Rosewood Initiative, Portland
August 5, 2019
Conversation Project: White Allyship in Close-knit Communities
What does it mean to be a white ally, especially in close-knit, rural communities? And what does it mean to have the support of white allies? What is needed from white people in our communities to move the conversation about racism—both statewide and nationally—forward in a productive and respectful way? In this conversation led by facilitator Alexis James, participants will have the chance to explore their identities, learn how to acknowledge different lived experiences without alienating friends and neighbors, and move toward action in their own communities. This conversation will set the table for bringing discussions about racism, white culture, and identity to your dining room, living room, and backyard BBQs.
6:30, Lake Oswego United Church of Christ, Lake Oswego
August 5, 2019
Conversation Project: What We Risk
What do we risk when we lay ourselves open through music, painting, or any other art form? What might we give up and what might we gain when we set out to craft something beautiful or provocative or simply expressive that the world did not previously hold? Given today's artistic economy, to what extent is exposure—to other people and of the creative self—desirable? Join artist and educator Jason Graham, a slam poetry champion and speaker who performs hip hop as MOsley WOtta, for a conversation exploring the relationship between self-expression and vulnerability.
6:30 p.m., Salishan Resort, Gleneden Beach
August 6, 2019
Humanity in Perspective Information Session
Learn more about Humanity in Perspective, a free college course for adults living on low incomes who don't have a college degree.
6 p.m.–7 p.m., The Rosewood Initiative, Portland
August 6, 2019
Conversation Project: Who Are the Deserving Poor?
If you’ve grown up in the United States, chances are you’ve been conditioned to trust that your individual success is earned through hard work. But if this is the case, what do we make of the millions of Americans who struggle with poverty, hunger, and job insecurity? Who is to blame for poverty? What qualities or conditions allow a person to be considered “deserving” of government and community support? Join facilitator Erica Tucker for a conversation that explores our beliefs about poverty and asks us to consider our assumptions about who should—and shouldn’t—be eligible for support.
7 p.m., Cook Memorial Library, La Grande
August 7, 2019
Conversation Project: Who Are the Deserving Poor?
If you’ve grown up in the United States, chances are you’ve been conditioned to trust that your individual success is earned through hard work. But if this is the case, what do we make of the millions of Americans who struggle with poverty, hunger, and job insecurity? Who is to blame for poverty? What qualities or conditions allow a person to be considered “deserving” of government and community support? Join facilitator Erica Tucker for a conversation that explores our beliefs about poverty and asks us to consider our assumptions about who should—and shouldn’t—be eligible for support.
7 p.m., Building Healthy Families, Enterprise
August 8, 2019
Facilitation Training
This two-day training will help you strengthen your skills in planning and facilitating conversations on issues you care about within your organization or in the broader community.
8:30 a.m., Oregon Humanities, Portland