One of the biggest issues facing rural Oregon is the erosion of trust in local government and in democracy itself. One human dignity group, the Linn Benton NAACP, decided to address this by putting on an event called “Protecting Democracy: Civics Circuit Training.” The event was free and open to the public, and brought in […]
Read MoreResources
Exhibit Host Guide
Bridging Divides, Defending Dignity How rural Oregonians have moved democracyforward since 1992! Welcome to the Exhibit Host Guide for Bridging Divides, Defending Dignity: How rural Oregonians have moved democracy forward since 1992! We are excited that your community wants to host the traveling exhibit celebrating 30 years of rural organizing with the Rural Organizing Project! […]
Read MoreDownload of Bridging Divides, Defending Dignity–Sample press release.
For an online version of the Bridging Divides, Defending Dignity Exhibit Host Guide, go to this page.
Read MoreDownload of Bridging Divides, Defending Dignity–Sample email invitation.
For an online version of the Bridging Divides, Defending Dignity Exhibit Host Guide, go to this page.
Read MoreDownload of Bridging Divides, Defending Dignity–Conversation facilitation guide.
For an online version of the Bridging Divides, Defending Dignity Exhibit Host Guide, go to this page.
Read MoreDownload of Bridging Divides, Defending Dignity–Exhibit set up and take down instructions.
For an online version of the Bridging Divides, Defending Dignity Exhibit Host Guide, go to this page.
Read MoreDownload of Bridging Divides, Defending Dignity–Getting coverage: a media planning guide.
For an online version of the Bridging Divides, Defending Dignity Exhibit Host Guide, go to this page.
Read MoreDownload of Bridging Divides, Defending Dignity–Exhibit Host Guide.
For an online version of the Bridging Divides, Defending Dignity Exhibit Host Guide, go to this page.
Read MoreDownload of Bridging Divides, Defending Dignity–Sample Outreach Flyers.
For an online version of the Bridging Divides, Defending Dignity Exhibit Host Guide, go to this page.
Read MoreDownload of Bridging Divides, Defending Dignity–Logos and photos for promotional materials.
For an online version of the Bridging Divides, Defending Dignity Exhibit Host Guide, go to this page.
Read More
Spanish – Communications: Strategy lab – Presentation Slides
This is the Spanish translation of a slide presentation from a session at the 2023 Rural Caucus and Strategy Session. Here’s the description of the session: On Message, With Meaning – Rural Organizing Intensive Track #3 Join Robert Bray to learn how to do media messaging that breaks down complicated issues into clear statements and […]
Read MoreSpanish – Messaging, Messengers + Spokesperson Skills – Presentation Slides
This is the Spanish translation of a slide presentation from a session at the 2023 Rural Caucus and Strategy Session. Here’s the description of the session: Messaging Strategy Lab: More on Messaging + Spokesperson Skills – (Communication Track, Part 2) Always wanted to be an effective spokesperson and public speaker with a message to communicate? […]
Read MoreSpanish – On Message, With Meaning – Presentation Slides
This is a Spanish translation of a slide presentation from a session at the 2023 Rural Caucus and Strategy Session. Here’s the description of the session: On Message, With Meaning (Communication Track, Part 1) Learn how to do media messaging that breaks down complicated issues into clear statements and moves your target audiences without repeating […]
Read MoreCommunications: Strategy lab – Presentation Slides
This is a slide presentation from a session at the 2023 Rural Caucus and Strategy Session. Here’s the description of the session: On Message, With Meaning – Rural Organizing Intensive Track #3 Join Robert Bray to learn how to do media messaging that breaks down complicated issues into clear statements and moves your target audiences […]
Read MoreMessaging, Messengers + Spokesperson Skills – Presentation Slides
This is a slide presentation from a session at the 2023 Rural Caucus and Strategy Session. Here’s the description of the session: Messaging Strategy Lab: More on Messaging + Spokesperson Skills – (Communication Track, Part 2) Always wanted to be an effective spokesperson and public speaker with a message to communicate? We will go deeper […]
Read MoreOn Message, With Meaning – Presentation Slides
This is a slide presentation from a session at the 2023 Rural Caucus and Strategy Session. Here’s the description of the session: On Message, With Meaning (Communication Track, Part 1) Learn how to do media messaging that breaks down complicated issues into clear statements and moves your target audiences without repeating your opposition’s messages all […]
Read MoreWho Represents You?
This is the text version of an infographic in the 2022 STAND Election Guide. In the United States Congress: Two US Senators represent all of Oregon. One US Representative represents your district in Oregon In the state legislature in Salem: One State Senator AND One State Representative represent you, based on where you live in […]
Read MoreVoter Communication Strategies – Spanish Version
Tips and tricks on how to communicate with voters in the lead up to any election, and use this moment to build relationships and strengthen your local group! This tool is also available in English here.
Read MoreHealing Justice Conversation Agenda / Agenda de conversación sobre la justicia de sanación
[Español abajo] Amidst the unanticipated challenges of the last few years, we have learned an incredible amount about how to build strong groups and support one another so that we are ready to meet whatever comes. With so much to do, it can be easy to forget about the things that sustain our organizing for […]
Read MoreHost Guide for Bridging Divides, Defending Dignity
This guide will help you decide when and how to host ROP’s 30th-anniversary exhibit, “Bridging Divides, Defending Dignity: how rural Oregonians have moved democracy forward since 1992!” The guide includes suggestions for accompanying events, all of the logistical details you might need, a planning timeline template, outreach strategies and materials, a media planning guide, and […]
Read MoreReproductive Justice Resource List
This list is growing over time! Let us know what you are reading, watching, and sharing by emailing office@rop.org and we can update this page! Reproductive Justice Organizations Cascades Abortion Support Collective is a volunteer-run organization in Portland, serving all of Oregon. For FREE, confidential abortion and reproductive health care support please call or text […]
Read More
Sign-In Sheet
Sign-in sheets are a great way to collect contact information for people that show up at your events, rallies, or group meetings!
Read More
No Special Duty: Podcast Teach-In Guide
Organizers with the Mid-Valley International Workers of the World (IWW) chapter in Benton County hosted a teach-in last fall (2020), where they invited community members to join them to listen to and discuss the RadioLab episode “No Special Duty.” This episode uncovers multiple stories of policing across the US where the Supreme Court ruled that law […]
Read MoreMeet & Greet with Your Legislator: Sample Agenda
Check out this tool for tips and tricks for how to set up a meeting with your legislator!
Read More
Making a Threat Assessment – Spanish
Making a Threat Assessment: What is an assessment of a threat? How do you do it? The link below is the Spanish version of this tool. It is also available in English here!
Read More
Equipos de Seguridad para Organizadores Rurales
Información basico de equipos de seguridad para organizadores rurales. This resource is available in English here
Read More
Planificación de Seguridad: Preguntas para Acciones y Eventos
Una guía para crear planes de seguridad para acciones y eventos. This resource is available in English here
Read MoreStrategy Sessions
ROP convenes statewide strategy sessions for rural organizers across Oregon and the country to grapple with the multiple overlapping crises that our communities are facing. This page will continue to be updated with registration information for upcoming strategy sessions, recordings of past strategy sessions, and instructions on how to host your own strategy session with […]
Read More
Rural Mutual Aid and Wildfire Response Resources
This list of resources, mutual aid, and wildfire response options was compiled in 2020. Some of the information may be out of date. Send us info at office@rop.org on what you are doing and we can update the list! General Resources ROP hosted a Rural Mutual Aid and Wildfire Response Strategy Session on 9/16/2020. Watch […]
Read MoreSafety Teams for Rural Organizers
A breakdown of safety team basics for rural organizers. Este herramienta esta disponible en español aquí
Read MoreSecurity Planning: Questions for Actions and Events
A guide to creating a safety plan for events. Este herramienta esta disponible en español aquí
Read More
Making a Threat Assessment – English
A brief one-pager on what a threat assessment is, why they’re important, and how to do one! Este herramienta esta disponible en español aquí
Read More
Voter Communications Strategies – English Version
Tips and tricks on how to communicate with voters in the lead up to any election, and use this moment to build relationships and strengthen your local group! This resource is also available in Spanish here.
Read MoreDe-escalation Flash Cards
Folks in Clatsop County created these flashcards which are easy to print and hand out at your next rally to ensure all of your demonstration participants are on the same page about how best to engage with counter-protesters.
Read More
Ballot Basics: Who Represents You?
Check out this graphic to learn more about who represents you and what different elected officials make decisions about.
Read More
Questions to Ask Law Enforcement about Their Collaboration with Immigration and Customs Enforcement
Want to talk with your local sheriff or police chief to make sure they aren’t collaborating with Immigration and Customs Enforcement? Are you not sure where to start? Check out this list of suggested questions and set up a meeting with the chief or the sheriff! If you want further support, you can always reach […]
Read More
Organizing Resources for Coronavirus Response
Coronavirus is deeply impacting our communities. Below you will find a list of ideas and resources compiled from across the state of how rural Oregonians are meeting each others’ needs and calling for structural change at this moment. We will be updating this page with resources as we receive them. Send us any resources and […]
Read MoreChain of Deportation
The text in these graphics reads: Links in the Chain of Deportation US policy and militarization worsening global refugee crises Racism toward immigraant communities creating fear and isolation Private detention centers and corporate profits Public institutions collaborating with ICE Law enforcement collaborating with ICE Jails used as detention centers ICE active in our courthouses No […]
Read More
ICE Contracts Database
Your source for comprehensive, independent and nonpartisan information about U.S. federal immigration enforcement.
Read More
Stand Guide (2018)
Liberty and Justice for All! WELCOME TO A VOTER GUIDE by small town Oregonians for small town Oregonians. This is a real people’s guide to real issues and important decisions that you face this year. Every election cycle we are faced with critical decisions that impact our communities. The coming election illuminates challenges on many […]
Read More
Tools for Building Welcoming Communities
ROP’s guide for organizing Welcoming Communities across Cultures, based on the best practices we’ve pulled together over time.
Read More
Family Preparedness Packet
This packet will help everyone create a Family Preparedness Plan, regardless of immigration status.
Read More
Sample Letters to the Editor, Occupation in Harney County
This document shares example Letters to the Editor on Armed Occupation in Harney County
Read More
Up in Arms – PDF
Up in Arms: A Guide to Oregon’s Patriot Movement is a groundbreaking report and toolkit designed to support local communities, reporters, public officials, and community activists under siege from or curious about armed militias and other Patriot movement groups. This guide was developed by Rural Organizing Project in partnership with Political Research Associates through extensive research on the right-wing movements and by pooling the local expertise of rural community leaders and scholars. It exposes, explains, and offers alternatives to this movement.
Read MoreStand Guide (2016)
Welcome to Our 2016 Voting Guide! Welcome to a voter guide by small town Oregonians for small town Oregonians. This is a real people’s guide to real issues and important decisions that you face this year. In rural areas across the state people are engaged in common undertakings revolving around care of their families, their […]
Read MoreMilitia/Patriot Movement and Rural Organizing Tools
The Rural Organizing Project condemns the armed occupation of the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge as a publicity stunt by militia groups from outside of Oregon to further their own ideologically-driven agenda. The activities of the occupiers ignore and disrespect the local community’s calls to handle the situation peacefully.
Read MoreStand Guide (2014)
WELCOME TO A VOTER GUIDE BY AND FOR SMALL TOWN VOTERS Most of us share common dreams with our neighbors. We want decent jobs that allow us to put food on the table and to take the occasional vacation. We want to know that our schools are working hard to educate our children. We want […]
Read More
Organizing to Save Rural Post Offices
Saving post offices and protecting a US Postal Service run by, of and for the people is about our Constitutional rights and, for rural Americans, it is also about having a thriving democracy.
Read More
Email Communication Tips
Email has become one of the main ways we communicate with each other and with our members. Therefore we need to think strategically about how we use email as an organizing tool. The goal is to have messages read and used. The effectiveness of email in our organizing relies on leaders committed to building a […]
Read More
