Sometimes a problem can seem greater than what we have to give it.The lack of health care for so many of Oregon’s children is that way for me.After the defeat of Measure 50 this past fall and last week's failure to override Bush's S-CHIP veto (by 15 votes!!), I wasn’t sure we had what it would take to find the needed resources and political will.But Children First for Oregon’sKeep It Simple strategy gives me hope that – even if we can’t find new resources in an overlooked spot or redesign the programs to squeeze in 116,000 more kids – there’s something we can do – and we can do it NOW. Of course, all this in the context of continued work to 'solve' the greater problem.
I just love hearing the title "teach in." Harkens back, huh? Are you participating today? January 31st, after all, is the BIG DAY if you're into climate change. And we can be proud because it all started here - natch. At Lewis & Clark College, actually. Not necessarily a parent-friendly event, but an important one, nonetheless - if for no other reason than just about every single school in the nation is joined up and, while I am so very out of it on the many things that require babysitters, why miss all this?
What is it, anyway? Best described by them:
Focus the Nation is organizing a national teach-in on global warming solutions for America—creating a dialog at over a thousand colleges, universities, high schools, middle schools, places of worship, civic organizations and businesses, and directly engaging millions of students and citizens with the nation’s decision-makers. Focus the Nation will culminate January 31st, 2008 in simultaneous educational symposia held across the country. Our intent is to move America beyond fatalism to a determination to face up to this civilizational challenge, the challenge of our generation.
Meet your state legislators and join the conversation about shaping state healthcare & education policy! There are two separate twonhall meetings: one in February on healthcare, the other in March on education:
Healthcare on 2.06.08:State Representative Chip Shields, State Senator Margaret Carter and special guests are inviting the community to a Town Hall forum to map out North and Northeast Portland's health care agenda for the 2008 & 2009 legislative sessions in Salem. It's Wednesday 2.06.08 from 6:30 - 8 PM at the Urban League Multicultural Senior Center - 5325 NE MLK Blvd. (enter around back on Garfield).
I am one of those (probably annoying) people who has about a thousand ideas a day about things I'd like to do and write about - especially after a little too much caffeine. But this is one of my faves, and hopefully you'll be into it, too! While I seem to have enough opinions to keep Activistas busy (too many opinions, my husband would be the very first to tell you!), I can only imagine that one person's writing and one person's viewpoint can just make you yawn after awhile. Please don't agree with me in the comments - just nod your head quietly as you read...
The January 2nd vigils were only the first step to defending the domestic partnership law we all worked so hard to pass. There are no “do-overs” in a lawsuit. Basic Rights Oregon filed a motion to intervene in the lawsuit, and the court has granted our motion. We can now work closely with the State to defend the law from attacks by the extremist, out-of-state interests that want to turn back the clock on equality in Oregon.
The rest is up to you. We must take this opportunity to ensure that our voices are heard. Oregonians need to see thousands of us, from every corner of Oregon, who are willing to stand up and be counted. Please, pledge to attend the Jan. 30 Rally to Defend Equality in Portland, and commit to turning out your friends, family and neighbors for this critical event.
This law affects real people. Let your voice be heard. Gay or straight - it’s time to stand up and be counted. Sign the pledge to attend now!
Just a quick reminder that this event is this week! Wednesday @ noon, in fact. For those who cannot make it, we'll do out best to report out what we learn in a post and of course invite other attendees, panelists, and anyone else with a question or answer to chime in. As always, when choosing times and locations not everyone can make it. Were it not so. Good thing the internet - thus Activistas - is accessible whenever you have the time!
A Friendly Reminder: We hope parents can learn from parents about PPS's many great schools and how to choose the right one for your family - neighborhood, magnet, immersion, charter - without trying to sort out the issues surrounding the district's transfer policy. There are plenty of opportunities to engage in that (worthwhile but heated) conversation!
Looking for an opportunity to volunteer? Visit Hands On Greater Portland's website for loads of opportunities, with & without the kids. There are two slots to help out at the annual Celebrate Portland Public Schools! event this Saturday: 1 to 3 PM and 3 to 5 PM. They need people for the following jobs at the Expo Center:
It is nice to report some good news for once!! Even if it is in the context of generally terrible news about health care access. As you likely have heard, the Oregon Health Plan (OHP) is opening its rolls to qualifying families through a reservation and lottery process. Yes, just typing those words made me realize how ludicrous it is that in Oregon, in the U.S., this is how we parcel out healthcare! Yikes. Ok, so I'll restrain myself (for now!) and we'll talk about how to improve this disastrous situation later. For now, just some basic info you can use or share on how to get through the process. Here's how DHS describes it:
People interested in applying for OHP Standard benefits must place their names on the reservation list. DHS will mail a postcard to people on the reservation list that includes their reservation number. The postcard will only confirm that the person is on the reservation list; it does not guarantee an application for OHP Standard benefits. After the reservation list closes, a set number of names will be randomly drawn from the list. DHS will mail OHP Standard applications to those people whose names have been drawn. Because of funding limitations, not everyone on the reservation list will be sent an application.
I know I'm still pondering it - you? Glad it's out there, for sure, but feeling like angles were missed. Loved the historical stuff. So important (and more than a little terrifying) to know how we landed where we are with all this, and fascinating/horrific to see what women endured a century ago. Also interesting to note the comparisons with other developed nations. It is becoming clearer to me every day that the U.S. really does score dead last in all family-related public policies. It starts with birth and m/paternity leave and never really gets better! Aack.
For all who see this documentary in the coming weeks, we hope that you'll share your impressions here, start or continue the dialog (and action!!) that this movie was meant to stir up. So whether you just want to discuss the film and the many issues it raises, or you're ready to DO something, go ahead, weigh in! Because with the many, many births experienced by urbanMamas, we have a wealth of knowledge and a wide variety of experience and opinions to bring to this conversation.
Wow. On Tuesday evening I was lucky enough to witness the unveiling of some phenomenal family photos at OHSU's fancy new Center for Health & Healing. As the bagpiper walked slowly around a semi-circle of 10-foot-high black and white photos, each was uncovered to show the families who stood proudly beside them. Without a doubt I am not doing the photos or the families in them justice with my words.
The NW Down Syndrome Association has worked hard to promote inclusionary "people first" language, and OHSU recently joined forces with them to incorporate Respectful Language on its campus. A great example of local parent activists making a real impact. As NWDSA says about its exhibit:
It is our hope that in visiting this photo gallery you will come away with an understanding of our vision, and will join us in our dream of a community that is open and welcoming to all its citizens.
Sometimes a problem can seem greater than what we have to give it. The lack of health care for so many of Oregon’s children is that way for me. After the defeat of Measure 50 this past fall and last week's failure to override Bush's S-CHIP veto (by 15 votes!!), I wasn’t sure we had what it would take to find the needed resources and political will. But Children First for Oregon’s Keep It Simple strategy gives me hope that – even if we can’t find new resources in an overlooked spot or redesign the programs to squeeze in 116,000 more kids – there’s something we can do – and we can do it NOW. Of course, all this in the context of continued work to 'solve' the greater problem. 
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