social

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

The needs of teen parents and their infants, young adults in juvenile custody and homeless street youth go too often ignored or unseen by the communities they live in. Though Portland is lucky to have one of the strongest social service networks in the country, it still struggles to serve its at-risk youth.

Audio (play now or download): 

FF Audio 2010-03-19 Are All Children the Future copy.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.

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FF Audio 2010-02-26 Census 2010.mp3

Poverty due to illness, job loss or other changing circumstances is often temporary. Generational poverty – two or more generations living in poverty – is by definition long term and encompasses a wide set of all-too-often ignored or discounted issues. People born to poverty face physical, emotional and sociological challenges to literacy, education and employment. In addition, childhood life-lessons differ greatly from those of the prevailing middle-class and often lead to misunderstandings and missed opportunities in professional relationships later in life.

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2009.06.12. CC Copy.mp3

The Oregon Department of Human Services (DHS) works to help Oregon’s most vulnerable people and families. Its responsibilities include assisting low-income families, providing mental health and youth counseling and aiding seniors and people with disabilities. DHS recently received an infusion of state and federal funds to help meet the greatly increased demand for important health and human services.

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2009.07.10 bills copy.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