Introduction:
We as Pro-activists of Oregon (ProActOR) understand that being an activist isn't only about reacting to situations that directly harm the most marginalized people in our society but also by being proactive in finding solutions to address the root causes of systemic harms and create long-lasting, sustainable, and impactful change.
Root causes of social, economic, and environmental disparities are deeply integrated. For us, addressing these disparities looks like investing time and resources into community.
Who we are:
ProActivists of Oregon is a group of activists and advocates dedicated to endorsing progressive candidates and measures that align with our values, particularly those committed to confronting and dismantling systemic racism, economic inequality, and other forms of oppression.
While we may not agree on all issues, we share a common commitment to equity and justice, particularly as it impacts our local communities. We prioritize listening to and uplifting the voices of those most impacted by systemic inequities, ensuring that their perspectives guide our advocacy.
Furthermore, our efforts are grounded in an intersectional approach that recognizes the interconnected nature of oppression, and we hold ourselves accountable by engaging in continuous learning and transparent evaluation of our actions.
Goal:
To dismantle systemic inequities by addressing their root causes and creating a more just and equitable society through proactive education, advocacy, and community-driven solutions.
Mission:
ProActivists of Oregon is committed to transforming our society by fostering an intersectional approach to activism that prioritizes the voices of marginalized communities. We aim to ensure that the next generation is equipped to challenge systemic disparities and create sustainable change. Our mission is to advocate for and endorse progressive policies and candidates that align with our core values of equity, justice, and community empowerment.
Rationale:
Pro-activists of Oregon work from the understanding that the society in which we all live comprises interconnected systems that influence who we are, how we act, and what positions we will take in life. Starting from this perspective allows us to better imagine holistic, pragmatic solutions to address the disparate outcomes that marginalized communities face.
Behavioral science has come to understand some basic conclusions about human development that directly impact every child that is raised in our society. This awareness is that the human organism is both epigenetic and neuro-plastic. This means that not only do environmental conditions largely shape and determine human behavior but that a positive or negative change in the environment can also lead to physiological changes to the body and mind. The implication of this is profound; the environment we decide to create is directly responsible for the behaviors of the people that are raised in it. Intervention in childhood development can make a significant difference in the outcomes of the lives of children and the lives of others.
Therefore, if we wish to solve the problems that affect our society, we must reorganize the conditions of our society so that the ideal behaviors are incentivized. If we are not starting our conversation about solutions with this awareness, we are at best attempting to mediate symptoms without treating the cause. So, our first step at Pro-Activists of Oregon is to build a framework that focuses on finding solutions that address root causes through education and putting what’s learned in the classroom to action in the community.
Based on the introduction, who you are, and the rationale provided, here’s a suggested goal, mission, and plan for ProActivists of Oregon (ProActOR):
Plan:
1. Education and Training Programs:
- Development: Create comprehensive education programs for K-12 youth that focus on understanding systemic inequalities, human development, and the power of collective action.
- Implementation: Partner with local schools, community organizations, and educational institutions to integrate these programs into curricula and extracurricular activities.
- Evaluation: Continuously assess the impact of these programs through feedback from participants and community members, making adjustments as needed to ensure effectiveness.
2. Community Engagement and Advocacy:
- Listening Sessions: Organize regular listening sessions with marginalized communities to understand their needs and ensure their voices are central to ProActOR’s advocacy efforts.
- Endorsement of Candidates and Measures: Actively support and endorse progressive candidates and policies that align with our mission of addressing root causes of systemic harm.
- Campaigns: Launch awareness and action campaigns that highlight key issues, mobilize community support, and push for legislative and social change.
3. Accountability and Continuous Learning:
Intersectional Approach: Regularly engage in training and reflection sessions that deepen our understanding of intersectionality and its implications for our work.
- Transparency: Maintain transparent communication with our members and the communities we serve about our goals, progress, and challenges.
- Evaluation: Establish a system for regularly evaluating our strategies and outcomes, with input from the communities we seek to uplift, to ensure we are effectively addressing the root causes of systemic disparities.