In a polarized society it is more important than ever to work together. While it is sometimes necessary to work within affinity groups and cultural communities to work through our collective trauma, we must also come together to dismantle systems of inequity and build a more inclusive community.

Organizations for community activism

For over two decades Unite Oregon, Rogue Valley (formerly Oregon Action) has been a social justice leader in Jackson County. We are now excited to become an independent chapter of Unite Oregon, a newly merged organization comprised of Oregon Action and the Center for Intercultural Organizing. (Read more about this unique and powerful merger, and what it means for our work, here.) Through leadership development and community organizing, we provide the organizational base for participatory democracy, just communities, and a fair economy.

Our mission is to build organizing infrastructure, leaders, and community power for a just, inclusive, and
sustainable Southern Oregon for everyone.

• Educators of Color Affinity Group
  • The Educators of Color Affinity Group offers a needed space for educators that identify as BIPOC to create community and support each other while navigating the challenges of being a BIPOC educator in Southern Oregon. This group gathers 2-3 times a year depending on participants needs and is open to BIPOC educators from all over the valley, not just k-12 institutions
• Queer Educators Affinity Group
  • The Southern Oregon Queer Educators Affinity Group exists to provide a safe space for those who identify as LGBTQ2SIA+ and work in any education position (teacher, administrator, support staff, other) in the SOESD region or those who serve through education partner organizations such as higher education, community service organizations, after school education organizations, and other similar youth-serving agencies.  Monthly meetings provide opportunities for LGBTQ2SIA+ individuals to build connections and community, consider advocacy for educators and students, and create safety, significance and belonging for every person.
• Southern Oregon White Antiracist Educators (SOWARE)
  • Southern Oregon White Antiracist Educators is a space for White educators to think critically about White culture and privilege.  This space is designed to help White folks understand their own racial identities while strengthening their antiracism practices. This group meets monthly and is open to any educator willing to examine, learn, and unlearn together. To learn more about why a White affinity group might be a useful supplement to your antiracism work, here’s some more information!