Welcome to the February 2020 edition of the Equity Lens! The year has continued to be as busy as ever and the CCC staff has welcomed new leaders the team. This edition features updates and events from our members and community partners.
May 2018 Leaders Bridge eNewsletter
IN THIS EDITION OF LEADERS BRIDGE
CCC Staff Update - New Leadership Development Director
Alumni Spotlights
Coalition, Member & BRIDGES Events
Community Events
Leadership Opportunities
Career and Funding Opportunities
Welcome to the May edition of the Leaders Bridge, a bi-monthly enewsletter highlighting our leaders, events, and opportunities brought to you by the Bridges Leadership Initiative, our members, and key partners.
CCC Staff Update - New Leadership Development Director
I joined the Coalition and the Bridges Leadership Development Initiative as the new Leadership Development Director two months ago. Within a few weeks of starting, the Bridges team introduced me to their programs and helped set the stage for the Annual Bridges Leadership Convening held on March 10th. It was great to get to see so many powerful leaders so soon after starting with the Coalition. If you weren’t able to make it, find out more about this meaningful, informative, and fun event, HERE!!
March’s convening is just one of a number of leadership development projects underway. In the next few months be on the lookout for updates on the following:
- CCC will continue to develop and utilize tools within the Bridges Directory to share more opportunities for leaders to network, support and learn from one another, access meaningful jobs, and find opportunities to apply for placement on boards councils and commissions.
- CCC will host and facilitate more opportunities for cross-cultural understanding and leadership development, which so many alumni expressed interest in last month;
- CCC will continue to sustain and enhance our partnerships with Metro and Multnomah County; and,
Bridges Directory
The Bridges Directory is an online platform for Bridges alumni and participants to share their skills and interests with each other and with trusted partners who value our leaders and are committed to equity. If you are a current cohort member or Bridges Alumni, you can set up or update your profile here. The directory is not only a place to highlight your experience, it’s also a place to find out about jobs and openings in decision-making spaces, and stay updated about the myriad of events hosted by the Coalition, our members, and key partner organizations. We’re also working on expanding the functions offered on the Bridges Directory. Potential options include posting resumes, sharing resources for professional development by uploading documents or posting articles, or even using the Groups tool, which functions like an online forum and serves as a space people can collaborate and post discussion topics, photos, and or hold polls!
The Leaders Bridge will be published on a bi-monthly basis and each edition will also provide key leadership and civic engagement opportunities, board openings, and career opportunities. The newsletter features important dates, spotlight one or two current and past participants of the leadership programs, and highlight one of our member organizations and or their staff. If you want to spotlight a Bridges alumni or current cohort member, please contact me via email: Nakisha@coalitiocommunitiescolor.org!
Combined, the Bridges Directory and the Leaders Bridge will deepen connections and transform best practices for engagement between Bridges leaders, staff, and our community partners. Speaking of partners—If you are one of our valued partners or a Bridges leader working with an organization, business, or governmental agency and want to share an event your coordinating, a job opening, make sure you update your Bridges Profile in the Directory and then post your event or job there.
I’m looking forward to learning more about the amazing work of our members, the leadership development programs, and most of all our leaders, staff and partners.
Alumni Spotlights
Carmen Rubio, UNID@S
Carmen Rubio, Executive Director, Latino Network
Bridges Leaders and supporters may have met Carmen Rubio in her capacity as a transformational leader and Executive Director at Latino Network. She was recently recognized in the Portland Business Journal’s 2018 Women of Influence list! Carmen was a participant of Latino Network’s first cohort of Unid@s leadership development program, she was also its founder! Carmen first explored the development of the program because she had a vision about potential of the collective impact of Latino leaders in Oregon. She realized that Oregon was rich with talented, powerful and influential members of the Latino community and that as the community grows, so should its power, influence and support for one another. So in partnership with other community leaders, Carmen worked to create a program to unite Latino leaders, to build their collective power, and ultimately to improve the well-being of Oregon’s Latinos.
One of the most memorable and exciting experiences during the first Unid@s program was her cohort’s production of The Oregon Latin@ List. This heartening video celebrates the childhood stories, values, hopes and lessons that influence the leadership of the first Undid@s cohort. The voices of these leaders and many more continue to be heard as the leadership program is preparing to graduate its 6th cohort this June!
Born and raised in Hillsboro, Oregon, her maternal grandparents worked as Braceros, migrant farmworkers, from Durango, Mexico and were among the first Mexican-American families to settle permanently in the Hillsboro area of Washington County. Carmen was a first generation college student who became increasingly active organizing in student unions like MEChA and student government at the University of Oregon, and volunteering on political campaigns. Her commitment to social justice, advocacy and civic engagement informed her decision to study political science. Upon graduation, she worked for Milagro Theater and Metropolitan Group before joining the campaign as Field Director for a young Latina candidate. She has served as staff for Multnomah County Commissioner Serena Cruz, Portland Mayor Tom Potter, and Portland Commissioner Nick Fish, and she joined Latino Network as its Executive Director in 2009.
Carmen believes that her ability to choose her own career was a privilege due in large part to her family’s choices, she also understands that the choices currently being made impact future generations. Her mission to amplify and advance the strength and courage of the Latino community is fueled by the diversity of leaders, allies and community members who know the value of investing in people and in institutional change for social justice.
Carmen currently serves on the boards of the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, Coalition of Communities of Color and the University of Oregon Alumni Association. She is a 2015 Marshall Memorial Fellow, an American Leadership Forum of Oregon Fellow, and a member of the International Women’s Forum. She also serves as an appointed Commissioner on the State of Oregon’s Higher Education Coordinating Commission, where she strives to elevate the voices of underrepresented students and students of color enrolled in Oregon’s public colleges and universities.
Robin M. Johnson, African American Leadership Academy Cohort
Robin M. Johnson, Director of Equity Advancement, Center for Equity and Inclusion
Bridges leaders and alumni had the opportunity to experience Robin’s leadership in action during her keynote presentation and workshop facilitation at last month’s 4th Annual Bridges Convening. Robin graduated with the first cohort of the African American Leadership Academy (AALA, 2013). While participating in the AALA’s leadership development program, Robin developed a community based project that focused on the gentrification of the historical Black Community and the contributing role of the city’s current and past policies and practices. A clear and memorable learning moment occurred when, as a collective, her PAALF Leadership Program peers committed to understanding their shared and unique experiences through a shared framework and lens.
Robin cherishes the personal connections developed while participating in AALA, especially because the formation and cultivation of those relationships helped her navigate through institutional racism and overcome barriers she faced as a woman of color. So, as the Director of Equity Avancement with the Center for Equity and Inclusion, Robin continues to build important connections with, between and among her community and organizations. Additionally, she provides executive level coaching to ensure the success of infusing equity broadly and deeply throughout organizations, recognizing the importance of connecting organizational leaders to the development and process of creating their equity and inclusion plans.
Robin loves that the Coalition’s Bridges Leadership and or AALA Program provides an opportunity for each emerging or refining leader to be immersed in a culturally specific program that fits their unique needs. Personally, she hopes that her development as a leader continues to grow and deepen, and that her perspective continues to be broadened and deepened by linking arms with those around her.
Coalition, Member & Bridges Events
Portland United Against Hate (PUAH) Reception and Report to City Council
Please join us in celebrating our successful pilot project and the launch of the next phase of the Coalition's work with a brief celebratory reception directly in advance of our report to City Council on Thursday, May 3rd. We would welcome your presence and support at the Reception (1-2pm) and or at our Report to City Council (2-4pm).
During the reception, there will be food, drinks, a photo booth and we’ll hear a few words from Commissioner Chloe Eudaly! This will be a great opportunity to learn more about PUAH, show your support and network with the coalition’s members. Please RSVP.
Africa House's 2018 Gala: Growing Strong Together
When: Thursday, May 10th, 2018; 6:00 PM
Where: Melody Ballroom | 615 SE Alder St. Portland, OR 97214
Details: “Growing Strong Together" is an evening of fundraising and celebrating Oregon's African community members! Join us for a cocktail hour, dinner, live auction, and performances from our community members. Purchase Tickets Online. Questions? Interested in sponsorship? Please contact IRCO Development Associate Taylor Gibson at taylorg@irco.org or (971) 271-6423
Hacienda’s 20th Annual Latino Home Fair
When: Saturday, June 9th, 2018; 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Where: Madison High School | 27354 NE 82nd Avenue, Portland OR 97220
Details: Don’t miss out on this great opportunity to take advantage of all the resources CCC member Hacienda has to offer: meet real estate and mortgage professionals, learn more about products and services available to make your home buying experience a success. This is a family-friendly event with a designated kids’ area! For more information, see the Hacienda Website - Facebook Event - or Instagram
CCC's Summer Soirée
When: Tuesday, June 12th, 2018; 5:30PM
Where: Revolution Hall, 1300 SE Stark Street, Portland, OR 97214
Details: Together we're building the power of our communities for racial justice across cultures. Summer Soirée is our chance to come together as one community for an evening of conversation, idea sharing and inspiration.
For questions, contact Kodey Park Bambino at kodey@coalitioncommunitiescolor.org or (503) 200-5722
** For more events listings, visit the Bridges Events Website **
Committee Placement Opportunities
The following opportunities were shared with us by, John Gardner, Director of Diversity & Transit Equity, TriMet Department of Diversity & Transit Equity.
Transit Equity Advisory Committee (TEAC): TriMet is expanding the membership of TEAC. The Goal of the Transit Equity Advisory Committee (TEAC) is to provide insights, guidance, and recommendations to the General Manager on transit equity, access and inclusion issues. Members advocate for the concerns, issues, and challenges faced by low income, minority, underrepresented, transit dependent and other vulnerable populations they and their organizations represent.
TEAC provides a forum for the review and discussion of all aspects of TriMet service, including but not limited to service planning, Title VI, Environmental Justice, operational and capital investments, safety, security and workforce. Interested organizations are encouraged to contact John Gardner for more information.
Safety & Security Advisory Committee: TriMet’s forming a new committee to ensure for greater equity and transparency related to Fare enforcement outcomes. In an effort to improve upon processes and procedures while increasing transparency and working closer with our community stakeholders TriMet is forming a new Safety and Security Advisory Committee (SSAC). The SSAC is meant to be a broad-based advisory committee authorized by the General Manager. Working with the TriMet Transit Equity Advisory Committee (TEAC), the SSAC provides guidance to TriMet on issues related to operational safety and security.
The SSAC analyzes and recommends appropriate changes to policies, procedures, and training for enhancing security throughout the TriMet transit network, including deployment of resources for increased security presence; fare and code enforcement for equitable treatment of low income and historically underrepresented groups, youth and other vulnerable populations; oversight of the Administrative Hearing process for TriMet Code violations; and monitors safety and security performance. Interested organizations are encouraged to contact John Gardner for more information.
Community Advisory Council (CAC) for the Oregon Health Authority Office of Equity and Inclusion (OHA-OEI): The primary goal of the Community Advisory Council is to center Oregon’s community voices in OEI’s efforts to promote health equity and reduce health disparities. As advocates for vulnerable communities, the Community Advisory Council helps OEI proactively identify and address emerging and ongoing issues and opportunities. CAC members can expect to commit to two hour meetings every other month, with an additional two hours per month outside of meetings. Please see the attached Purpose Statement for more information and for member responsibilities.
The Oregon Health Authority is especially looking for diverse geographic, demographic, and other representation within Oregon. Please complete and return the attached applicationto be considered. Applications and optional demographic sheet (REALD form) are due on Monday, May 21, 2018 at 11:59 pm to Allison Varga, OEI Community Engagement Coordinator (Allison.varga@state.or.us) or (FAX: 971-673-1128).
Leadership Opportunities
CALL FOR PARTICIPATION!
This is a call for participation for BRIDGES alumni and current leadership cohort members to get involved in CCC’s Research Justice programming. Learn more about CCC’s Research Justice vision here.
The following opportunities are for BRIDGES alumni and current leadership cohort members who primarily live, work, and or have spent a significant part of their life in Washington County.
Leadership opportunities in CCC's Washington County Research Justice project:
The Coalition has launched a community-based participatory research project about the lived realities of communities of color in Washington County. Part of the project includes the production of a research report that reflects the lives and aspirations of communities of color in Washington County. Each community report will be used to mobilize and advocate for better outcomes for culturally-specific communities in Washington County.
Community reviewers: if you identify with any of the following communities and want to read the report before publication and provide feedback electronically and or through an in-person session.
- Asian community review: Monday, May 7, 6-8 PM, venue TBD in Washington County
- Contact Stefan Saing and Simeon Jacob by May 3rd.
- Slavic community review: Thursday, May 10 or Monday, May 14 6-8PM, Brookwood Library, 2850 NE Brookwood Pkwy, Hillsboro, OR 97124, Room B.
- Contact Lilya Yevseyeva by May 3rd.
- Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander community review: By May 14th, venue TBD in Washington County
- Contact Stefan Saing and Simeon Jacob by May 6th.
Report presenters: CCC Research Justice and Advocacy programs will be coordinating a workshop at the end of May to train community members to testify and present the research findings to city councils, school districts, and others. Please contact Shweta Moorthy by May 15 if you wish to participate in this leadership development opportunity.
Researchers in Regional Equity Atlas: a cohort of 12-15 community members living in Washington County will be resourced and trained through research justice workshops to design and implement small-scale research projects and co-develop an online equity tool along with our partners Ecotrust and 1000 Friends of Oregon starting in July 2018. Please contact Shweta Moorthy by May 15 if you wish to participate in this leadership development opportunity.
TRAINING OPPORTUNITY
Equity Facilitation Intensive: Leading conversations for racial equity, diversity and inclusion - Designed for individuals with leading equity, diversity and inclusion efforts within their personal and professional environments. The Center for Equity and Inclusion’s Equity Facilitation Intensive is an opportunity to foster personal growth and develop the facilitation skills-set needed to lead complex and often challenging equity and inclusion conversations, trainings, or coaching sessions. Apply today!
When: July 9-13th, 2018 (9am-5pm); Follow-ups: 8/14, 9/11, 10/9, 11/6, and 12/4 (5:30pm-9pm); Interested applicants should be leading equity work in organizations/communities, have previous training with CEI, or have other relevant experience. Cost: $3,500 per person. Payment plans are available.
If you have any questions and or for application materials, please contact Robin Eisenbach
Career & Funding Opportunities
JOBS & INTERNSHIPS
Portland’s Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) has three job openings!
- Vision Zero Management Analyst – This is a data-focused role. Our partners at PBOT would love to secure candidates that have a “research justice” perspective to bring into PBOT. For more information about PBOT’s Vision Zero work and priorities, click here.
- Communications + Public Outreach Summer Interns– PBOT is especially interested in working with students and people who have skills in graphic design, web content management and or performing outreach to diverse communities (descriptions of these positions are coming soon, in the meantime, resumes can be forwarded to Irene Schwoeffermann, Public Involvement Coordinator at PBOT).
- Seasonal Maintenance Workers – these are entry-level positions that support our construction crews at job sites. On the job training is available and they have the potential to lead to long-term job opportunities!
Potential applicants are encouraged to contact Irene Schwoeffermann to schedule informational interviews.
Senior Coordinator, Community Engagement Program with TriMet
This position will report to the Director of Diversity and Transit Equity and will work across the agency, divisions to leverage capacity and opportunities in partnership with TriMet's Community Engagement Team and staff to ensure agency efforts are effective, authentic, and meaningful. The duties of this position will include supporting ongoing program development, coordinating community and stakeholder engagement, and improving agency efforts to strengthen and expand relationships with key community stakeholders with a focus on transit-dependent populations.
For more information, see the description for this position on the Bridges Jobs and Leadership Openings website.
Consciousness Raising Equity Facilitator with the Center for Equity and Inclusion
Consciousness Raising Facilitator/Consultants are responsible for raising consciousness, skills and internal capacity to advance equity, diversity, and inclusion within organizations. Facilitators frequently work in interracial teams but may occasionally individually lead workshops/ training for clients. These facilitators require an ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic and engaging atmosphere where learning is paramount, self-reflection is critical and where no one day is ever the same!
For more information, see the description for this position on the Bridges Jobs and Leadership Openings Website
Director of Advocacy with Oregon Food Bank
OFB seeks a highly skilled and strategic Director of Advocacy to join the Leadership Team. the Director of Advocacy is the driving force behind OFB’s mission-driven, non-partisan public policy, proposing the agenda and leading a talented team of lobbyists and grassroots advocates to implementation. For more information, see the description for this position on the Bridges Jobs and Leadership Openings Website
** For more job listings, visit the Bridges Jobs and Leadership Openings Website**
Funding
Kaiser Permanente Northwest (KPNW) Community Health Request for Proposal (RFP) Announcement. KPNW works in partnership with hundreds of community organizations to address the health needs and inequities affecting our Northwest neighbors. KPNW has announced a $630,000 Capacity Building Initiative.
Eligibility for this Request for Proposal is limited to nonprofit organizations working on issues that immigrant and refugee communities disproportionately experience. All organizations meeting the general criteria are encouraged to apply. However, priority will be given to organizations that are led by and represent people impacted by the issues that immigrants and/or refugees experience. Successful applicants will be working in the areas of economic opportunity, educational attainment, and access to health care, all key drivers of health. This initiative will support the KPNW service areas in both Washington and Oregon. These counties include:
Washington: Clark, Cowlitz, parts of Wahkiakum* and Skamania* counties.
Oregon: Clackamas, Columbia, Lane, Marion, Multnomah, Polk, Washington, Yamhill and parts of *Linn, and *Benton counties. *Organizations may email community.benefit@kp.orgto verify that they are located in a Kaiser Permanente service area.
Step 1: Submit letter of inquiry via email, a maximum length of three pages per instructions on the template, by 5 p.m. PST on Monday, May 16, 2018. Please e-mail to Community.Benefit@kp.org.
Step 2: Invited applications will be requested to submit a full application. See full RFP for detailed instructions.See attached RFP document and Letter of Inquiry template for full details and guidelines.