Dear ROP network,
We hope that when you read this, you feel all the love we put in this envelope for you. Imagine this letter in your hands as one end of a thread tied to every other thread, weaving you into the big web that is ROP. Our network of two community centers, 95 Human Dignity Groups, and thousands of rural leaders is deeply connected by our shared commitment to creating joy and justice in rural Oregon and beyond, regardless of the growing level of repression we face.
We’ve never been here before as a nation, and it’s terrifying, but we’re charting our path forward together. Research shows that we must bring at least 3.5% of the population nationwide into mass nonviolent civil resistance to turn the tide of authoritarianism and build toward a new, just democracy. Our two community centers are serving thousands of rural immigrant community members while acting as critical hubs for community protection and mobilization. Each Human Dignity Group is growing its base of local leaders, bringing in 3.5% of Oregonians, town by town and county by county. Groups are taking local action as part of the following statewide strategies, combining small acts to form tidal waves of resistance:
- Strengthening the organizing capacity and power of autonomous, volunteer-led groups in every county in the state.
- Talking with our neighbors using our Co$t of Living Survey to bring more people into the movement and unite working-class people struggling to survive against the billionaires who are getting richer off our labor and resources.
- Training in mass nonviolent noncooperation and collective noncompliance. (ROP is part of leadership for an Oregon chapter of the national network Freedom Trainers).
- Building community protection through rapid response networks and holding local law enforcement accountable to state sanctuary laws.
All eyes are on Oregon as we organize our urban and rural response to the National Guard deployment. Amidst this urgency to build broad coalitions under rapidly changing conditions, ROP is helping to lead Oregon’s statewide campaign to counter authoritarianism and envision what comes next.
ROP’s model is tried and tested, and has grown in size and power over the last three decades. We have the organizing model we need to meet this moment, and we are being asked to share that with partners across the state and the nation. Your support will allow us to play increased leadership roles while continuing to criss-cross the backroads and be on the ground where our member groups need us most. Please contribute a meaningful amount to you and take action with us throughout 2026.
For love and justice,
The ROP Staff and Board
Please donate to help us sustain this work today and for the months and years ahead.
