The Community Oregon program, organized by Healthy Democracy – offers a series of opportunities to create stronger and more resilient relationships among Oregon’s citizenry in a way that aims to build and sustain a healthier democracy in Oregon through citizen to citizen dialogue. The first Community Oregon cohort will consist of approximately 20-25 participants. The ideal program participant will be an active community member who has an interest in and the courage needed to engage in the sometimes difficult but rewarding process of re-building a sense of community across the state. Participants are not expected to be representative of any organization or company – just themselves. The program seeks participants from a wide geographic area, and who are reflective of the diversity of Oregon’s population, including such aspects as political perspective, employment sector (e.g. agriculture, high tech, etc.), age, religion, national origin, etc. College students, retirees and unemployed persons are all welcome.
First: A three-day Community Oregon Camp retreat taking place from noon on Thursday, July 13 to noon on Sunday, July 16 at Kah-Nee-Ta Resort in Warm Springs, Oregon. A fun and challenging camp-like experience getting to know folks from all walks of life, led by facilitators from both urban and rural communities.
Second: An opportunity for immersion in a community significantly different than yours. One urban to rural, and one rural to urban community visit will take place between six-10 weeks following the Community Oregon Camp retreat.
Third: A one-day exposition to take place in the Portland area in the fall that will include all Community Oregon participants and special invitees to showcase what you’ve learned and invite support for projects you wish to develop or support as a result of your experience with the program.
A couple of key points:
– There is no fee for this program. It is 100 percent grant-funded, and includes room and board for the July retreat as well as travel reimbursement to and from each program activity. In short, there is no financial barrier to participation, except for the need to take a couple of days off work to attend the three-day retreat in July 13-16 at KahNeeTa Resort in Warm Springs.
– The program is designed to be both fun and challenging – in all the ways you may expect an experience like this with people who come from very different backgrounds and areas of the state. They seek people who are willing to describe their values and worldview to others, and are also willing to listen to the values and worldviews of others. The initial retreat in July will be guided by two experienced group facilitators, one from rural Oregon, and one from urban Oregon, who have designed a well thought-out process in order that meaningful and productive conversations can take place. We also intend to have a lot of fun!
– Questions? Contact Healthy Democracy at 503-841-6865
http://healthydemocracy.org/communityoregon/apply2017/
Healthy Democracy is nonprofit and nonpartisan organization working to elevate the voice of citizens and improve public discourse for the benefit of all voters.