WEDNESDAY, MAY 16
Save the VA from Privatization
Suzanne Gordon, a prize-winning journalist and author of The Battle for Veteransâ Healthcare, will speak about the need to preserve current VA programs including healthcare, especially in the face of privatization threats, alongside a panel of folks including veterans, VA caregivers, and union activists. Light refreshments provided. First Unitarian Portland, 1211 SW Main, 5:30-7:30 pm, FREE
Kat Blaque at PSU
For years, Kat Blaque has been a pioneer of social justice issues and debate through her digital platforms. Blaque is PSUâs keynote speaker during Pride Month and sheâll share her thoughts on a variety of issues through an intersectional lens. Smith Memorial Student Union, 1825 SW Broadway, 6:30-8 pm, FREE
THURSDAY, MAY 17
Israeli Springtime Feast
Yasmin Alishav is an Israeli chef and owner of the culinary production company Bitegeist. Alishav will partner with sommelier Jess White to serve up a decadent three-course meal with Feastly, a platform seeking to connect strangers and friends through shared dining experiences. A portion of earnings will be donated to the Palestine Childrenâs Relief Fund and offerings include baba ganoush, Muscovy duck breast, malabi adi, and more. Wine pairing add-on is $20 more. Reserve your seat online. Feastly, 912 SE Hawthorne, 6:30-8:30 pm, $43
Hearing: Labor and Human Rights Violations in Portland Paratransit
Paratransit services primarily help elderly people and folks with disabilities get around. According to Portland Jobs with Justice, there have been numerous reports of human and labor rights violations by First Transit, a subsidiary of multinational corporation First Group, which is outsourced by TriMet for LIFT service operations. The Workersâ Rights Board will offer recommendations following testimonies. University of Oregon Portland, 70 NW Couch, 6:30- 8:30 pm, FREE
FRIDAY, MAY 18
Mental Health First Aid Training
In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, Cascadia Behavioral Healthcare is offering free, eight-hour, comprehensive courses every Friday for people interested in learning how to respond when someone is experiencing a mental health crisis. From warning signs to whom to ask for help, this day-long class covers it all. And as their slogan poignantly explains, âSometimes first aid is you.â Cascadia Plaza Clinic, 2415 SE 43rd, 8 am-5:30 pm, FREE
SATURDAY, MAY 19
Neighborhoods Without Walls: A Conversation on Houselessness
Thereâs no better way to learn about issues affecting the houseless community than from folks experiencing homelessness. The Foster-Powell and Mt. Scott-Arleta Neighborhood Associations have collaborated with Sisters of the Road and Right 2 Survive to engage in a conversation and brainstorming session with the goal of solving community-specific challenges related to housing. Residents of the area are prioritized, but all are invited. RSVP on Eventbrite required. Saint Marks Lutheran Church, 5415 SE Powell, 9:30 am-1 pm, FREE
Oregon Tradeswomenâs 26th Annual Career Fair
Whether youâre a budding or established tradeswoman or a recruiter interested in equity, the 26th annual Oregon Tradeswomenâs Career Fair is the place to be. Offerings include seminars, networking opportunities, workshops, and an app to navigate it all. Past workshops include âClimb a Utility Pole,â âWire a Light and Switch,â and more. Head to tradeswomen.net for more info. NECA-IBEW Electrical Training Center, 16021 NE Airport, 9 am-3 pm, FREE
Pueblo Unido PDX One-Year Anniversary
In just one year, Pueblo Unido PDX has already made significant changes in many peoplesâ lives through their legal defense fundraising and housing advocacy in Rockwood. Celebrate by supporting another year of operation with an evening featuring speakers (including Maru Mora), a silent auction, raffle, and more. Leaven Community, 5431 NE 20th, 7:30- 10:30 pm, $50
SUNDAY, MAY 20
Youth Incarceration and Music Empowerment
Oregon continues to incarcerate youth at a rate higher than nearly every state in the country, including Louisiana and Texas. In Multnomah County, Black youth are 13 times more likely to be indicted than white peers for the same crimes. Listen to a panel of several advocatesâincluding Mic Crenshaw, Swiggle Mandela, Blacque Butterfly, and Carlos Chavezâwho use music to empower and reach incarcerated Oregon youth. Native American Student Center at PSU, 710 SW Jackson, Room 110, 1-3 pm, FREE
Depressed Cake Shop Portland
This one-day pop-up shop raises awareness and money for mental illness using the power of baked goods. Gray cakes and cookies, often brightly colored on the inside, are sold in an effort to encourage folks to speak openly about mental health issues. This event will benefit Baby Blues Connection in support of mothers and families working through perinatal mood disorders. Opal 28, 510 NE 28th, 1-4 pm, FREE
TUESDAY, MAY 22
Trans Healthcare Forum
Every year, Basic Rights Oregon hosts an annual trans healthcare forum. Topics this year include the OHP nondiscrimination complaint process, medical transition accessibility considerations for trans and gender diverse youth, and updates on coverage for gender-affirming care in OHP. Seating is limited, so register in advance. Portland Community College, Southeast Campus, 2305 SE 82nd, 6-8 pm, FREE
