THURSDAY, JANUARY 11
Stop the Pacific Connector Pipeline Rally
If approved, a proposed pipeline called the Pacific Connector is slated to span 229 miles of Southwest Oregon from Malin to Coos Bay. Head down to this Salem rally and let Governor Kate Brown know how you feel. Portland carpools can be coordinated by emailing goto350pdx [at] gmail [dot] com. Oregon State Capitol, 900 Court NE, Salem, noon-2 pm, FREE
Together for Abortion
Celebrate more than 45 years of reproductive rights thanks to the 1971 Roe v. Wade ruling, and peruse art, eat vegan snacks, and belt karaoke tunes while a drag queen takes care of the stage work! Featured queens include Rakeem, Wanda Bones, Buckmaster, and more. Valentines, 232 SW Ankeny, 8 pm-1 am, FREE
Florida Prison Strikers Letter Writing and Infoshare
Portland Anarchist Black Cross (Portland ABC) will lead a strike in solidarity with the planned January 15 nonviolent work stoppage strikes within Florida prisons. This info session provides an opportunity for people to organize, discuss, and write letters to political prisoners. Supplies provided, and donations welcome. Anarres Infoshop & Community Space, 7101 N Lombard, 6-8 pm, FREE
FRIDAY, JANUARY 12
Black Leadership Round Table and MLK Celebration
The Multnomah County Democrats will host a panel and offer time for the community to collaborate on and help expand Black leadership within the state and beyond. Speakers include NAACP Portland President and Portland City Council Candidate JoAnn Hardesty, House Representative Janelle Bynum, and more. Hollywood Senior Center, 1820 NE 40th, 6-8 pm, FREE
SATURDAY, JANUARY 13
Rentersâ Rights Hotline Training
Every month, hundreds of renters call the Community Alliance of Tenantsâ hotline for help. The hotline is seeking more volunteers to ensure the resource remains available. Commitment is four hours per month for six months. Sign up for this training or learn about other opportunities at bit.ly/CAThotline. Community Alliance of Tenants, 2710 NE 14th, 1-4 pm, FREE
We the Dreamers Pop-Up Shop: T-Shirt Sale
We the Dreamers is a Portland-based grassroots group that hosts art-focused events and fundraisers by and for undocumented folks in the United States. Buy their beautiful new shirt and support future events in one fell swoop! Portland Mercado, 7238 SE Foster, 4-7 pm, FREE (T-shirts are $10-20 and cash only)
SUNDAY, JANUARY 14
Second Sunday: Beyond Fake News
While terms like âfake newsâ and âalternative factsâ are easy to laugh off, the truth is always at risk for misrepresentation, whether online, in conversation, or in media. Outreach librarian Kelly McElroy will host a community conversation about how to find accurate information every day. Oregon Historical Society, 1200 SW Park, 2-3:30 pm, FREE
Visit from Autism Service Dogs of America (ASDA)
Service animals help support a range of folks whether their needs are emotional, physical, or otherwise. The ASDA will set up a greeting station so museum attendees can calmly say hello with permission and learn more about their training program. Portland Childrenâs Museum, 4015 SW Canyon, 10:30 am-12:30 pm, $1-10.75
MONDAY, JANUARY 15
Yes on Measure 101: Portland MLK Day of Service Canvas
The Yes for Healthcare team in Portland will gather folks who are passionate about health care access and knock on doors across the city to spread the word about Measure 101 in anticipation of the January 23 election. Short training and materials provided. SEIU Local, 6401 SE Foster, noon-4 pm, FREE
Reclaim MLK Freedom and Unity March
Honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by participating in a peaceful march for freedom and unity. This is the fourth annual installation and marks another year of organization entirely by youth! Peninsula Park Community Center, 700 N Rosa Parks, noon, FREE
TUESDAY, JANUARY 16
Interrupting Hate in Public Spaces
In the face of public displays of hate, will you know how to best (dis)engage? This workshop hosted by the NAACPâs Portland branch covers skills for allyship, bystander intervention, and active nonviolence. While itâs free for active members, NAACP encourages new folks to sign up for membership. Annual dues start at $15 for youth and $30 for adults. First Unitarian Portland, 1211 SW Main, 4:30-7:30 pm, FREE
Cause and Effect: Racism, Poverty, and Public Health
The effects of racism are real. From systematic exclusion that hinders access to resources, disproportionate rates of incarceration, and emotional trauma, all can take a toll on health. Science on Tap epidemiologist Dr. Frank A. Franklin will discuss the intersections of inequality and public health and explore solutions for improvement. Alberta Rose Theatre, 3000 NE Alberta, 7-9 pm, $8-15
VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT
Transition Projects
Since 1969, Transition Projects has helped more than 10,000 people every year access services, resources, and tools to transition from homelessness to being housed. They help more than 800 people every night find safe places to sleep in the Portland metro area. Their programs include shelters, veteran services, day centers, and much more.
Opportunities and commitment: Weekly recurring volunteer roles (three to six-month commitment with shifts every week or every other week), volunteer meal provider (cooking hot meals at shelters or creating sack lunches with no long-term commitment necessary), and group volunteer roles (business hour opportunities that can be one-time or recurring with groups receiving tours and short information orientation before volunteering. Good for schools, families and friends, or corporations. One to two weeksâ notice needed). Contact volunteer coordinator Tamara Chacon at tamara [at] tprojects [dot] org
