From low-income energy bill discounts to new programs on transit and water justice, we wanted to share with you some opportunities to take action for environmental justice in Oregon:
Sign up for low-income energy bill discount programs
For example, a household of four with an income of less than $60,000 could qualify for a discount of 25% or more on home electricity and gas bills. Sign up at your utility provider’s website below:
Apply to join the Water Justice Leadership Institute
There is still time to join the Oregon Water Justice Leadership Institute and learn how to advocate for water justice in your community. This is a statewide program and we are especially seeking more applicants from outside of the Portland Metro area. There will be 10 virtual sessions total from March 2023 - July 2023.
The Water Justice Leadership Institute is a project of the Oregon Water Futures Collaborative which also convenes the Oregon Water Justice Network. We’re inviting new members!
The Oregon Water Justice Network consists of monthly gatherings and online community that include tribal partners, community leaders, community-based organizations, and a few close allies from the non-profit environmental space. The goals of the Oregon Water Justice Network are:
Learn about water justice work happening across the state
Build relationships with one another to strengthen a statewide water justice movement and community
Share stories, experiences, and resources
As a thank you for spending your lunch time with us, a $25 gift card for DoorDash is sent to each participant after every monthly gathering.
Please email Isabel Sanchez at isabel@coalitioncommunitiescolor.org if you're interested in joining the network.
Apply by March 2nd to join a Community Review Panel for the Portland Clean Energy Fund (PCEF)
Two community review panels of 6-8 people from communities on the front lines of climate change (low-income folks, people of color, people with disabilities, and more) will read the preliminary and full drafts of Portland's Climate Investment Plan before it heads to City Council for approval. The plan will guide how the Portland Clean Energy Fund spends ~$100 million per year for the next five years. This opportunity involves 6.5 hours spent in meetings and there is a $450 incentive to help remove barriers to participation.
[Apply by March 2nd at the City of Portland's website]
Apply to join the PCEF Committee by March 5th
Committee members are responsible for recommending the Climate Investment Plan (CIP) to Portland City Council and evaluating the effectiveness of the program in achieving its goals. There are three openings available, and particular skills are desired in the following areas:
Knowledge of Native American history, an understanding of the diversity of the local American Indian/Alaska Native community, and issues surrounding the Urban Indian experience.
Knowledge of practices for promoting minority-owned and/or women-owned businesses.
Join OPAL Environmental Justice's "Seeding Our Liberation" Cohort and Advocate for Public Transit Justice [Feb. 28]
Seeding Our Liberation is a 12-week, stipended environmental leadership development program at OPAL Environmental Justice Oregon. Members will take part in twelve workshops aimed at building communications, organizing, and public speaking skills. This is a great entry-level opportunity to learn more about environmental justice organizing and advocate for better public transit in Metro Portland.