ST. HELENS, Ore. — Rural Organizing Project (ROP) today announced a settlement agreement that updates jail policies to ensure compliance with Oregon Sanctuary Promise Act. The settlement establishes new or modified procedures for booking, release, and federal custody requests at the Columbia County Jail. “This agreement is a victory for community safety,” said Martha Ortega, […]
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Redefining Rural
As I grew to understand the broader historical context of my area, the pieces of the puzzle came together. I began to understand where I fit in.” Dear ROPnet, Charlie Bloomer, a high school senior from Sandy, uses their voice and talent to shift dominant narratives in and about rural Oregon, build community power, and […]
Read MoreThe Co$t of Endless War for Rural Oregonians
Dear ROPnet, How are you doing? We are reaching out to you all to connect, take a collective deep breath together, and lean into the strength of the incredible ROP network in this moment. We’ve been making sure to slow down and check in with each other, too. Here are some clips of Emma and Hannah’s […]
Read MoreRural Oregon Joins Mass Mobilization on 4/5
Dear ROPnet, On April 5th, rural Oregonians are taking to the streets, joining over 1,000 coordinated Hands Off protests on this national day of action. Human dignity leaders across the state are planning and participating in this mass mobilization to tell the Trump-Musk regime that we will not watch quietly while they take anything they can get […]
Read MoreROP Virtual Gatherings
ROP often convenes statewide virtual gatherings for rural organizers across Oregon and the country to connect and build shared analysis and strategy. This page will continue to be updated with registration information for upcoming virtual gatherings and recaps and recordings of past gatherings. For recordings of past strategy sessions, check out our YouTube here! Upcoming […]
Read MoreKTA: Register Your Group for the Rural Caucus and Strategy Session!
What is the Activity? For over 30 years, rural organizers and community leaders from across the state have come together for the Rural Caucus & Strategy Session to reflect on the last year and plan for the year to come. Join us to share what you and your group have been working on, connect with […]
Read MoreWe Have More Power Than You Think
Dear ROPnet, You’re not alone if you’re looking around and feeling powerless or at a loss right now. As we’re experiencing an onslaught of attacks on our fundamental freedoms, we wanted to share this reminder from our dear friend Scot Nakagawa that we often have more power than we realize. Today, on the anniversary of […]
Read MoreA Summer of Joy and Justice
Dear ROPnet, Across the state, rural organizers centered joy and community building in their organizing this summer. Communities gathered together in parks, community centers, church basements, and living rooms to build relationships, break bread, strategize, and have some good ‘ol-fashioned fun! We were reminded of the importance of sharing these stories and images in a […]
Read MoreOregon Remembrance Project Seeks Reconciliation and Connection
This ROPnet was written by Charlie Bloomer. Charlie is a high school student from Sandy who’s writing ROPnets with us this summer. Are you interested in joining ROP’s volunteer communications team as well? Email emma@rop.org if you have a few hours and want to pitch in! Now on with Charlie’s ROPnet… Dear ROPnet, When Oregon Remembrance Project (ORP) founder Taylor […]
Read More“Inclusivity” Used to Weaken Josephine County Schools
Dear ROPnet, In Josephine County, human dignity organizers have been dealing with school board members who hide under a veil of supporting inclusion while really trying to put bubble gum in the gears. Since democracy requires well-informed community members who participate in the democratic process, we want to take some time to unpack the sneaky […]
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