FRIDAY, AUGUST 2

Never Again Rally
Jewish Voice for Peace PSU is a student-led activist organization “seeking equity and a free Palestine.” “Never Again” refers to the atrocities of the Holocaust, and they’re calling on fellow activists—Jewish and non-Jewish alike—to join them in a rally against fascism and the US/Mexico border camps. (Fri Aug 2, 1-5 pm, Poet’s Beach, SW Waterfront near Marquam Bridge, FREE)

Informational Flyering at Fred Meyer—Fix the Wage Gap
Grocery store workers across the state are gearing up for a strike calling for better wages and more support. Join a grassroots group organizing a coordinated event during which they’ll distribute flyers outside of five Fred Meyer locations, specifically calling attention to equal pay for women. After all, women—especially Black and Latina women—continue to receive far lower wages than their male counterparts. Check Facebook for information on how to sign up. (Fri Aug 2, 6-7 pm, multiple locations in Portland and Clackamas, FREE)

SATURDAY, AUGUST 3

Saturday Crew
Hoyt Arboretum hosts monthly clean-up days for volunteers looking to roll up their sleeves and help preserve this majestic, 189-acre “living museum” that boasts more than 2,300 tree species from six continents. Can’t make it this month? Check out all the dates and sign up for one that works for you at tinyurl.com/SaturdayCrew19. No previous experience required—but do wear closed-toe shoes. Rain or shine. (Sat Aug 3, 9 am-noon, Hoyt Arboretum, 4000 SW Fairview, FREE)

TUESDAY, AUGUST 6

Kennedy School Friends & Family Night for Brown Girl Rise
What’s for dinner? Crispy pizza, heaping bowls of mac ’n’ cheese, and elk burgers... with a side of activism, of course! Dine at the courtyard restaurant at McMenamins Kennedy School and help support Brown Girl Rise, an amazing, inclusive grassroots group fostering community and learning for girls of color. Half of all sales will be donated to sustaining their work! (Tues Aug 6, 5 pm-midnight, McMenamins Kennedy School, 5736 NE 33rd)

THURSDAY, AUGUST 8

Strategies for Supporting Transgender and GNC Populations
Join Outside In healthcare professionals and Rep. Earl Blumenauer for a panel calling attention to the health disparities faced by trans, non-binary, and gender nonconforming people, along with methods for change. Vegan appetizers provided. RSVP required via Eventbrite:. (Thurs Aug 8, 6-8 pm, First Unitarian Church of Portland, 1226 SW Salmon, FREE)

Thawing ICE: A Walking Meditation
For the past two years, Buddhist Peace Fellowship has quietly hosted hour-long meditation walkarounds at Portland’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) building, with participants focusing on migration, separation, exclusion, and supporting immigration. Celebrate their anniversary by joining them in a peaceful walk. Children and signs welcome. (Thurs Aug 8, noon-1 pm, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, 4310 SW Macadam, FREE)

FRIDAY, AUGUST 9

“Reproductive Rights are Human Rights” Metal Benefit
Headbang in support of reproductive freedom and access to birth control for all genders! Join Usnea, Blackwater Holylight, Vouna, and Dire Trine for an evening of deliciously dark metal in support of the Northwest Abortion Access Fund and Planned Parenthood. This is also a chance to bid adieu to the forever beloved Tonic Lounge, which will close its doors permanently at the end of August. (Fri Aug 9, 8:30 pm-2:30 am, Tonic Lounge, 3100 NE Sandy, $10-20 sliding scale)

SATURDAY, AUGUST 10

A Pan African Festival
For the third year in a row, the Pan African Festival will promote network-building, awareness, entrepreneurship, learning opportunities, and more, with a focus on serving Pan Africans, be they African, Afro Latinx, Caribbean, or African American. Festivities are open to the public and include live music, health education, professional development, and financial literacy—all with tasty regional cuisine to boot. Be there. (Sat Aug 10, noon-8:30 pm, Pioneer Courthouse Square, 700 SW 6th, FREE)

SUNDAY, AUGUST 11

PDX Death Café at St. Johns Library
Let’s talk about death, baby. Drink tea and discuss the end of life with the Portland chapter of Death CafĂ©, an international movement for people who want to talk about mortality in an inviting, safe setting. The group hopes that by joining the conversation, attendees can grow comfortable with the subject matter in order to “make the most of their (finite) lives.” (Sun Aug 11, 2-4 pm, St. Johns Library, 7510 N Charleston, FREE)

August Bark About Hike: Gnarl Ridge Fire, 10 Years Later
Since 1993, Bark has provided countless opportunities for passionate conservationists to take action in support of the Mt. Hood National Forest. Part of their work includes monthly hikes—which, since this month marks the 10th anniversary of the Gnarl Ridge Fire, means you can learn about the crucial role of wildfires in the Cascade ecosystem and beyond. Check Facebook or call Bark at 503-331-0374 for itinerary and carpool information. (Sun Aug 11, carpools leave at 9 am sharp, meet at Hollywood Grocery Outlet, 4420 NE Hancock, FREE)

MONDAY, AUGUST 12

The Peoples’ Pantry Emergency Food Project
Need some groceries to hold you over this month? The Peoples’ Pantry has your back today and two times every month. Shop and fill up on staples at Hand Up Project’s emergency food program. Bring your own tote bag. (Mon Aug 12, noon-4 pm, Q Center, 4115 N Mississippi, FREE)

Monthly Keaton Otis Vigil
On May 12, 2010, two Portland police officers killed Keaton Otis, a young Black man, shooting him 23 times and tasing him twice. His family and community members have hosted monthly vigils to honor his legacy ever since. Join them. (Mon Aug 12, 6-7 pm, NE 6th & Halsey, FREE)

TUESDAY, AUGUST 13

East PDX Community Conversations with Commissioner Hardesty and APANO
Join Commissioner Jo Ann Hardesty in her series of community conversations, created to provide a space to for constituents to directly voice their concerns. Attendees will indicate their main concerns, and the top three issues will be discussed. RSVP required. ADA accessible. (Tues Aug 13, 6-8 pm, Orchards of 82nd, 8118 SE Division, FREE)

Race Talks: The Implications of Race and Water
Save the date for the latest event hosted by Race Talk, a series founded in 2011 by long-time activist Donna Maxey that centers cross-cultural conversations about social justice and community. Check Facebook for updates. (Tues Aug 13, 6-9 pm, McMenamins Kennedy School, 5736 NE 33rd, $5 suggested donation)