WEDNESDAY, MAY 3

Legislation 101: How the Oregon State Legislature Works and How to Make It Work for You
Ever wanted to know how a bill becomes a law? How about the most effective ways to make change when weighing emails, phone calls, online petitions, or tweets? Learn the answers to these questions and more at this informational public forum. Portland Community College, 2305 SE 82nd, 6:30-8:30 pm, free

The Rent Control Debate
Margot Black of Portland Tenants United will advocate for lifting the statewide ban on rent control in a debate with Dr. Gerard Mildner, professor at Portland State University. Moderated by XRAY.FM’s Jefferson Smith. All ticket proceeds benefit the community radio station. Alberta Rose Theatre, 3000 NE Alberta, 6:30 pm, $7

Let’s Talk: Potluck + Workgroups
Break bread and chat with neighbors before delving into workgroups at the latest installment of the Let’s Talk series run by community activist Margaret Jacobsen. Bring an open mind and dish to share. Topics include racial equity, local politics, police reform, and more. Childcare provided. Grant Park Church, 2728 NE 34th, 6:30-10:30 pm, $1+ suggested donation for All African People’s Revolutionary Party


THURSDAY, MAY 4

Shaun King
Writer and activist Shaun King is coming to the Rose City for a lecture entitled “The New Civil Rights and Global Justice” as part of a series hosted by the World Affairs Council of Oregon. Known for his use of social media to shed light on social justice issues, King speaks from a biracial experience and is an outspoken supporter of the Black Lives Matter movement. World Affairs Council of Oregon, 1200 SW Park, 7 pm, $20-170


FRIDAY, MAY 5

Cinco de Mayo Rally: Overcoming Oppression with Power
Skip the sombrero-themed frat parties this year and partake in an authentic celebration in support of Latinx communities instead. Revel in local music and art, and get geared up for more organizing at this event hosted by Milenio.org and Voz Hispana Cambio Comunitario. Shute Park Aquatic & Recreation Center, 953 SE Maple, Hillsboro, 5-7 pm, free


SATURDAY, MAY 6

The Ethical Landscapes of Women in the Cannabis Workplace
In case you haven’t heard, cannabis is a social justice issue! Hear stories about the problems that plague women professionals as the Ethical Cannabis Alliance embarks on creating foundational standards for the budding industry. This safe space is for womxn only. Shanti Om Yoga, 7334 N Chicago, 2:30-5:30 pm, free

Liberate! Fundraiser Art Show
Listen to stories by Filipino political prisoners and purchase unique works by Portland artists at this kid-friendly fundraiser to support incarcerated activists in the Philippines through JustPeacePH. Soak up the sounds of local DJs, live performances, and take plenty of breaks for food, drinks, and a photo booth. 3903 N Michigan, 6-10 pm, free


SUNDAY, MAY 7

Experiences in an American Concentration Camp
In honor of Asian American Pacific Island Heritage Month, George Nakata has been invited to speak about the time he spent during his youth in a Japanese internment camp. At the age of nine, Nakata and his family were forced from their Portland home to a camp in Idaho during World War II. Cerimon House, 5131 NE 23rd, 5-6:30 pm, $20 suggested donation (sliding scale), $10 students, $5 attendees 13 & under


TUESDAY, MAY 9

Here to Stay Fundraiser
Dine with the assurance that you’re directly giving back to organizations that fight for immigrant rights at this delicious fundraiser for Causa Oregon. Executive Director Andrea Williams will provide updates on how Causa is responding to the emerging needs of our most vulnerable communities. Lucky Labrador Beer Hall, 1945 NW Quimby, 6-8 pm, free

We Can Listen: Together We Make a Village
At this community conversation moderated by performer Julianne Johnson, members of Portland’s houseless community share the mic with reps from the Center for Public Interest Design and the POD Initiative to discuss the recent approval of the Kenton Women’s Village, a micro-dwelling community to be constructed for houseless women. The Old Church, 1422 SW 11th, 7-10 pm, free



VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT

Morpheus Youth Project
After separately leading workshops for radio journalism and theater improv at MacLaren Youth Correctional Facility in Woodburn, Carlos Chavez and Phil Stockton came together in 2011 to cofound the Morpheus Youth Project as a comprehensive, creative, and continued approach to supporting incarcerated youth in their transitions back into society through the arts. Programming has expanded to include creative writing, breakdancing, DJing, muraling, and more.
Opportunities: Crucial needs for fundraising, grant writing, and marketing help. As Chavez puts it, sometimes “the most important work is the least romantic.”
Typical commitment: Six-month minimum with regular shifts. Email info@morpheusyouth.org to get involved.