We are thrilled to announce that the Rural Organizing Project is hitting the road! We are travelling around the state for the next two weeks to share our research, analysis, and organizing strategies gleaned from the last 18 months of working with frontline communities in response to the Patriot movement. Join us for an event and share details with your friends across the state!
Over the last several years, we’ve seen a rise in militia organizing and activity in this state.
From an anti-Islam rally in Medford, to the armed takeover of a wildlife refuge near Burns, we see militias attempting to divide our communities and present false solutions to the very real social and economic issues that are facing rural Oregon. Away from the headlines, the Patriot movement is working to undermine local democracy in Oregon by funneling money into city and county-level elections, exploiting local vulnerabilities to recruit, and silencing political opposition through intimidation, vandalism, and threats of violence.
We’re hearing from frontline communities across the state that folks have had enough of the tactics of division that are being perpetuated by the militias. It’s time to listen, learn, discuss, and organize!
Please join us at one of our statewide tour stops to learn about what the Patriot movement looks like in Oregon and across the country. We will explore the political and economic roots of the Patriot movement, how Patriot groups and paramilitaries recruit, and the disruption Patriot groups have caused in communities across Oregon, including Harney, Grant, Josephine, Crook, and Baker Counties. We will also learn how these frontline communities have come together to repair, rebuild relationships, and address the unmet needs of their community.
We will be blogging along the way! Keep an eye out for updates from the road!
See you soon!
Beyond Burns: the Growing Patriot Movement
St. Helens, Columbia County
Thursday, September 29th at 6PM
Columbia Soil & Water Conservation District Community Room, 35285 Millard Road
Eugene, Lane County
Saturday, October 1st at 3PM
First Christian Church, 1166 Oak Street
RSVP and invite your friends on Facebook!
Medford, Jackson County
Sunday, October 2nd at 6:30PM
Medford Public Library, 205 S Central Ave
RSVP and invite your friends on Facebook!
Bend, Deschutes County
Thursday, October 6th at 6PM
Nativity Lutheran Church Sanctuary, 60850 Brosterhous Rd
Canyon City, Grant County
Friday, October 7th at 7PM
Canyon City Community Hall, 123 S Washington St
Baker City, Baker County
Saturday, October 8th at 2PM
Baker City Library, 2400 Resort St
Lostine, Wallowa County
Sunday, October 9th at 4PM
Lostine Church, 132 OR-82
La Grande, Union County
Monday, October 10th at 6PM
Eastern Oregon University’s Huber Auditorium, 102 Badgley Hall, 1 University Blvd