WHY THIS ACTIVITY?
ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) agents have more than doubled detentions in the past few weeks, and their violent tactics against Oregonians are only getting more extreme. Meanwhile, the National Guard deployment to Portland is held up in the courts but could occur at any time.
Amidst all of this violence against our communities, those in power are trying to divide us and create an “us vs them” by scapegoating immigrants, trans and queer people, and others. Research shows that these actions are clear markers of authoritarian consolidation. But that same research also shows that the odds are in our favor: when there’s a huge nonviolent resistance movement of everyday people, we can turn the tide of authoritarianism. How do we get there? By creating the biggest possible “us” in this moment.
A big part of creating that big “us” is showing up to keep each other safe. We’re all working to be as prepared and resourced as possible to defend our neighborhoods and small towns from state violence.
WHAT IS THIS ACTIVITY?
This month, we are renewing our commitment to safe and welcoming communities by reviewing our Menu of Options for Community Protection and Rapid Response (below). This community protection work is part of ROP’s greater Action Plan, which you can check out here.
KTAs are all about no one group or person having to do it all. With many of us working together, we can build the movement we need. Choosing (or reaffirming) which course is best for your Human Dignity Group helps you stay focused on an action plan when the news cycle is trying to spin you in circles.
HOW TO COMPLETE THE ACTIVITY
- Meet with your leadership team to discuss the Community Protection and Rapid Response Menu of Options (see below). Not hitting what you want to work on? Check out ROP’s broader Action Plan for more options.
- Take some time to check in with each other and how this news is hitting each of you personally, too. What do you each need or have to offer in this moment?
- Take out your phones and add the PIRC Rapid Response Hotline number to your contacts: 888-622-1510. This is the primary place to report ICE activity, connect detained people with support, and plug into statewide rapid response resources.
- Select or reaffirm the options in the menu that your group is best suited for (see below). Ask yourselves:
- Where can you have the most impact?
- Is there someone already doing this in your community?
- Are you reaching out to impacted communities you aren’t a part of for input?
- Make a list of who will do what by when, and when you will check back in with one another.
- Reach out to ROP to let us know what you are taking on and what support you need from your local organizer!
Menu of Options: Community Protection and Rapid Response
Those in power are trying to consolidate their authoritarian control by pitting us against each other and scapegoating immigrants, trans and queer people, and others. Rural human dignity leaders have long been fighting for safe and welcoming communities for ALL Oregonians, and right now we need to protect one another more than ever. Whether you’re getting involved for the first time or starting a new campaign, this tool can help identify what is most strategic for your group and community.
Building our movement
The more of us, the more powerful we are. If you don’t already have a group, reach out to ROP to find out who’s active in your area!
- Create a Welcoming Team: Grow your group through organizing and attending potlucks and community events! ROP can share best practices, template sign-in sheets, and more.
- Build relationships with new allies: Ask business owners in your community to post signs declaring their support for immigrant neighbors and opposition to ICE, and to create a private area that ICE cannot legally enter without a signed judicial warrant. Find out more about this national noncompliance campaign at act.indivisible.org/signup/signs-solidarity-canvassing/
Flexing the Muscles of Our Movements
- Build or strengthen your community’s Rapid Response infrastructure: Reach out to ROP about what’s already happening in your area and how to get skilled up on ICE verification, Know Your Rights, and communications systems for rapid response. See the second page of this sheet for additional resources.
- Community protection and mutual aid: Make a plan for how your community can come together to fill the void left by cuts to federal and state-funded programs. That might look like hot meals, health care clinics, self-defense classes, or distributing family preparedness packets. What resources and skills can community members share with each other?
- Strengthen Sanctuary protections: After decades of rural communities organizing to build safe and welcoming communities for all, in 2021, the Oregon legislature passed the Sanctuary Promise Act (SPA) so that no local government or law enforcement agency can assist federal immigration enforcement without a warrant from a judge. There’s work to do to make sure it’s fully implemented! See the “Hungry for More” section on the back for more details.
Keeping Connected to the Movement
It can sometimes feel lonely out there, but know that you are not alone! Here are some ways to connect you and your group with the larger statewide movement for rural and small-town democracy
- Kitchen Table Activism (KTA): ROP member groups around the state receive monthly KTAs that offer timely coordinated actions. Sign up at https://rop.org/sign-up-for-updates/
- ROPnet: Stay informed about rural organizing and statewide issues, events, actions, and opportunities through ROP’s email newsletter. Sign up at https://rop.org/sign-up-for-updates/
- Caucus 2026: Gather with small-town and rural activists from around the state for the annual ROP Caucus and Strategy Session. Stay tuned for the location, date, and registration form!
Hungry for More? Additional Resources
Check out the complete Menu of Options, including additional resources, on the ROP website, here.
Kitchen Table Activism (KTA) is a monthly activity by the Rural Organizing Project. The idea is that small actions can lead to powerful collective results when groups of people gather to complete the same action across the state of Oregon. ROP works to keep each KTA easily achievable so that groups with other projects or groups with limited immediate energy can still complete the KTA each month.
