Contributed by Raquel Salazar
Introduction: Who is Raquel Salazar?
I am currently a Program Manager at Our Children Oregon (OCO) and I support communications, policy and youth engagement within our organization. Additionally, as a previous Graduate Communications and Legislative Intern, I now oversee OCO’s Equity in Policy and Advocacy internship program! OCO’s internship program provides a paid and fully remote internship experience for students and individuals interested in child advocacy and targeted universalism. Undergraduate and graduate students contribute over one or multiple seasons to advance our mission while developing essential skills that support their career paths and personal interests.
Who is Our Children Oregon?
Our Children Oregon is an advocacy centered non-profit organization that works to advance equitable policy making and whole-child advocacy statewide to ensure our children and youth have what they need, regardless of their race or where they live, to thrive by activating meaningful change for children and families.
We partner alongside organizations to uplift and advocate for community-driven, equity-centered policies and investments that will improve the lives of Oregon’s children and families. We work with a network of service providers to strengthen family supports by addressing the root causes of child abuse. We collect, analyze, and elevate data and research, that alongside lived experience drives conversations in support of Oregon’s future. And we engage Oregon youth and communities through education and action opportunities. Below are a few programs within OCO to contextualize our work we do!
The All Children Thrive (ACT) Collective is a newer program of OCO that is building a network of committed advocates for Oregon’s Future through accessible and cost-free civic engagement, education, and advocacy opportunities. Rooted in shared values, ACT brings together families and individuals, alongside organizations, groups, and businesses statewide, to ACT collectively for Oregon’s children and families. For previous events and to sign up for future InterACTions use this link.
The Children’s Agenda connects a coalition of state and community-based organizations to create a holistic legislative agenda to benefit Oregon’s children and families by advocating decision-makers to prioritize impactful, equitable, and community-driven policies and investments. The 2022 Short Legislative Session just concluded last week! The 2022 Children’s Agenda had 10 concepts with 3 priorities, 9 of these concepts moved through the legislature and will work toward a more equitable Oregon. Some of the concepts included Strengthening and Expanding Child Care for Oregon, Investing in Strategies to Address Racism as a Public Health Crisis, and Instituting Universal Representation.
OCO’s Research and Data work strategically informs and strengthens our advocacy with reliable reporting and data tools to inform advocates, policymakers, and families across all regions of Oregon. We elevate existing research on child well-being and highlight the lived realities of diverse communities through a strong equity lens in order to amplify the voices and needs of children and families. We also partner with Annie E.Casey Foundation’s KIDS COUNT, a state-level network highlighting key data to improve programs and policies for children and families.
Most recently, OCO is focusing on youth engagement and the Debate for Oregon’s Future. This debate will serve as a powerful launchpad to elevate, engage, and amplify Oregon youth voice. This youth-moderated governor’s debate, will offer youth most impacted by historical inequities and systemic failures a platform to uplift their lived experiences and influence systemic change by taking their concerns and ideas directly to those in power.
Throughout all of our programs within OCO, interns are such a valuable part of all of our work! OCO’s Equity in Policy and Advocacy internship program began in 2020 and has partnered with various Oregon schools. So far in 2022, we have had 6 interns in undergraduate and graduate programs to focus on community engagement, communications and the legislative process.
How have you partnered with UP Pamplin?
OCO has partnered with UP Pamplin Business School to share internship opportunities and connect with students who are interested in learning more about advocacy and the nonprofit sector. We hope to collaborate with University of Portland students to learn from them as well!
How can the UP Community help going forward?
The UP Community can support OCO by getting involved with our community events and webinars! Sign up to be an All Children Thrive (ACT) member to participate in free advocacy and civic engagement trainings while learning about issues and policies that impact Oregon children and families.
To learn ore about Our Children Oregon, visit – https://ourchildrenoregon.org/
