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Rural Oregon has been experiencing rapid changes. As of the 2010 Census, Latinos make up 12% of Oregon’s population and nearly 20% of Oregon’s youth. From 2000 to 2008 the local Latino population grew over 50% in nine rural Oregon counties and five now have populations of more than 20%. These changes in a time of such economic insecurity and vulnerability can cause insecurities, tensions and discomfort, making our small town communities vulnerable to fear-mongering and scapegoating.
Human dignity groups are well-situated to serve as leaders and guides as our communities experience these shifts. HDGs are already stepping up and initiating the conversation about how to represent our rural values by building a welcoming community. We are in a
Continue reading Rural Organizing Project – Welcoming Community
by Jeanine Elliott, Bethel Congregational UCC, Beaverton, OR
“After the first morning hour, the Christian’s day until evening belongs to work.” Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Life Together
“No work is too small to play a part in the world of creation.” Barbara Brown Taylor, An Altar in the World.
“The pitcher cries for water to carry and a person for work that is real. “ Marge Piercy, To Be of Use
Our Christian traditions have always given value to work as a part of life. The early religious orders incorporated work into their disciplines. While choosing a “vocation” in early times often meant a calling to work within the church, the Protestant Reformation reinforced the understanding that every Christian is called
Continue reading Conversation During a Time of Under- and Unemployment
Causa was founded in the fall of 1995 by farmworkers, immigrants and allies in order to defeat anti-immigrant ballot measures prepared for circulation to Oregon voters. Since 1995, Causa has defeated dozens of anti-immigrant bills, including attempts to pass E-verify, restrict bilingual education, reduce needed services for low-income immigrant families, and Arizona-style legislation. From 2009-2011 Causa expanded our work to advocate for statewide policies that positively affect Latino immigrant communities in Oregon such as health equity, affordable housing, and jobs and the economy. (Source: Causa website)
400 people attended Causa’s 14th Annual Statewide Immigrant Action Day in Salem on Saturday, January 21 to highlight:
• Restoring driver’s licenses for all in Oregon
• Stopping local law enforcement collaboration with
Continue reading Causa
by Carol Stirling, Boise First Congregational UCC
“You shall love your neighbor as yourself” — Matthew 22:39b
Jobs should lift all people out of poverty, not keep them in it. But in the U.S. and in Idaho, fully one-quarter of all jobs pay poverty-level wages. The federal poverty level is $22,050 for a family of four. However, research suggests the average family needs an income of about twice the federal poverty level, or about $45,000, to meet basic needs. By that standard, 54% of people in Idaho are unable to live life with basic needs met. Who are the low-wage workers — Most minimum-wage workers are young: 51% ages 16-24 and 21% ages 25-34. Most minimum-wage workers (59%) have
Continue reading Low-wage Jobs in Idaho – Peace in the Marketplace
by Karen Kulm, Vancouver First Congregational UCC
On Wednesday, January 4, Washington Sate Governor Christine Gregoire announced she will introduce legislation to make marriage equality a reality for loving, committed gay and lesbian couples. The bill will have multiple cosponsors in the Washington House and Senate. If the bill passes and the Governor signs it, the opposition is expected to launch a drive for signatures to delay the law until it is put to vote in November.
You can watch Governor Gregoire’s announcement here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LJu6MA_wF7o She indicates the flawed logic in the usual talking points against marriage equality. The Governor movingly speaks about her own religious convictions and her struggle to come to terms
Continue reading ON THE ROAD TO MARRIAGE EQUALITY
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