Advocacy & Civic Engagement Overview

Empowering communities

The Urban League of Portland is regarded as one of the leading organizations representing low income residents and communities of color in greater Portland.  In addition to providing direct programs, the League engages in advocacy on behalf of its constituents, conducting public education, organizing and outreach on issues relevant to its mission. Since 1945, the Urban League has been at the forefront of campaigns for civil rights and social justice.

Although advancements have been made over the decades, low-income and communities of color are still subject to disparities in education opportunities, housing, employment and opportunities for economic development. As a result of many social determinants the African American and Latino population is generally not empowered to be effective advocates on issues that impact their lives. They are often disengaged or excluded from the decision-making process in the city, county, state and nationally.

Accomplishing The Urban League Mission

The mission of the Urban League of Portland is to empower African Americans and other to achieve equality, education, employment and economic security. Our Advocacy goals empower communities to affect change, policies and decisions that impact their lives. It is consistent with the League’s over-arching goal.

Key accomplishments

  1. Organizing seniors to participate in rally and testify at hearings against County cuts. The cuts were largely restored.
  2. Facilitated a delegation to Salem to participate in a legislative lobbying.
  3. Played a leadership role in establishing a forum to set legislative priorities.
  4. Lobbied the Portland Community Development Commission for more economic development opportunities for communities of color.

In the coming year our goals include:

  1. Community training on effective lobbying
  2. Raising Public awareness and intervention on legislative priorities
  3. Active engagement of people of color in the legislative session Community candidate forums

Advocacy and Civic Engagement Partners

  • African American Alliance
  • AARP
  • Albina Ministerial Alliance
  • Latino Network
  • Coalition for Education Excellence
  • Northeast Coalition of Neighborhoods