civic engagement

For more than 30 years, the Portland Gay Men’s Chorus has been using music as a medium to address philosophical and social barriers faced by the LGBTQ community. Their musical performances have become powerful tools in the fight for social equality, positive personal identity and increased civic engagement.

Audio (play now or download): 

FF Audio 2011-12-16 PGMC MP3.mp3

How would our region be different if we:

• had a way of measuring progress in areas ranging from education, environment and the economy to health, housing and the arts?
• used those measures to discuss the region’s priorities and coordi¬nate actions among jurisdictions, agencies, and sectors?
• measured those things over time in order to stay focused on what is important?

Greater Portland Pulse (GPP) is a partnership between Portland State University, Metro and more than 100 organizations. GPP created measures for issues that are important to everyone in the region. The resulting report, The Path to Economic Prosperity: Education and the Equity Imperative, serves as a first-ever regional report card, against which future progress can be measured.

Audio (play now or download): 

FF Audio 2011-10-28 PDX Pulse MP3.mp3

The 2010 census will determine Oregon’s share of more than $400 billion in federal funds for schools, hospitals, job training and more. Census data also provides facts that help with research and advocacy on topics ranging from disease prevention to disaster preparedness.

Audio (play now or download): 

FF Audio 2010-02-26 Census 2010.mp3

Since 2004, the Skidmore Prizes have honored exceptional leaders under 35 who work in nonprofits and make under $35,000 a year. On November 20, City Club will host the 2009 Skidmore Prizes, which will be presented by City Commissioner Nick Fish.

This year's winners are Fowzia Abdulle of Bradley Angle House's Healing Roots Center, which provides emergency shelter and healing options for African and African-American women and children escaping domestic violence; lawyer Jennifer Gilmore of Child Centered Solutions, which gives a voice to children in divorce and custody cases; the Pixie Project's Executive Director Amy Sacks, whose organization provides animal adoption and affordable spay and neutering services; and Brandi Tuck, Executive Director of Goose Hollow Family Shelter, a winter emergency shelter that allows homeless families to stay together.

Audio (play now or download): 

2009-11-20 City Club edit.mp3

“The more time you get on the ground,” says forest conservation worker Amy Harwood, “the better the advocate you are.” Though Harwood is speaking quite literally about the ground – the one that makes up Mt. Hood – her phrase perfectly describes this year’s four Skidmore Awardees, whose on-the-ground activism strengthens our community. Since 2004, the Skidmore Awards have honored exceptional leaders under 35 who work in nonprofits and make under $35,000 a year.

Audio (play now or download): 

Nov 21 2008 CCOP copy.MP3

This past month, the U.S. experienced possibly the greatest financial upheaval since the Great Depression. As Americans struggle to understand how this crisis impacts their lives, a fierce presidential campaign is underway, with both candidates promising alternative solutions to the economic predicament.

Audio (play now or download): 

Oct 31 2008 CCOPcopy.MP3

Adults under 35 have been described positively as entrepreneurial, tech-friendly and hip, but also more negatively as self-absorbed, coolly detached and uncommitted. In the Portland area a number of young leaders have bucked the national trend toward declining civic engagement and have instead embraced lives of social entrepreneurship and service.

Audio (play now or download): 

pdx11 - 09-07.mp3