MACG's 2017: Wins, New Members, Leadership and More
The end of 2017 has been full of action for MACG and our work for the common good.
As a start, two new institutions joined MACG from Clackamas and Washington counties, increasing MACG’s regional power.
Please join us in welcoming our new leaders from St. Andrew Lutheran Church and St. Paul's United Methodist!
Affordable Housing
Our Clackamas Housing team just had their first win at the beginning of the month.
In a decision issued December 6th, the County’s Land Use Hearings Officer approved a conditional use permit to establish a transitional shelter community for veterans, including 30 sleeping pods and shared community spaces.
MACG leaders testified at three hearings as the application moved through the approval process.
In addition, the team has increased MACG recognition in Clackamas County this past year, receiving a Meyer Memorial Trust grant and this excellent write-up in the Portland Tribune.
Our Multnomah Housing Team won a spot on the Portland Bond measure Stakeholder Advisory Committee, collecting feedback and stories from our community in two Housing Forums.
Latino Organizing
On December 10, 120 people attended a workshop organized by MACG Latino leaders: “Call to Action for DACA”.
Participants heard testimonies from affected Latino youth, and performed direct advocacy on their smartphones.
More action is needed to press Congress to pass a “clean” Dream Act! See photos from the event.
Earlier this fall, the team organized a fun “Zumbaton”, packing the house and raising over $2800 to donate to earthquake recovery efforts in Mexico.
Equity and Leadership Development
MACG’s Delegate Assembly adopted an Equity and Inclusion Statement last year, recognizing systems that perpetrate white privilege and power, and committing to intentionally build a diverse membership base.
Toward the end of promoting learning and understanding around issues of privilege and equity, Brad Fortier, Equity and Inclusion Training Coordinator at the Oregon Health Authority, led an equity and inclusion awareness exercise for the 70 leaders who attended MACG’s fall Delegate Assembly.
MACG trained over 180 new leaders in four formal Leadership Trainings this year, one in each county we serve, and one in Spanish.
Congratulations to all the MACG leaders who put in the hard work this year for the common good.