Join Us in Building a Community for Gender Justice!
Welcome new WFO Board Members!
A Message from Libra
May is here and we are finally seeing some SUN! As a SUN lover I am filled with joy. I also am happy because the Women's Foundation of Oregon is pushing out some fun and exciting news in May. This month we will be announcing our grantees, launching our end of year fundraiser, identifying our legislative priorities, developing a structure to start a Political Action Agency that aligns with WFO’s mission, and continuing to do the work of our mission.
We have three categories of giving this cycle (Dream Big, Portland Safety, Oregon Activist) and we are proud to say the selections are nothing short of excellent. We are grateful for our Grants Committee members who volunteered to review our grant applications and support our decision. We had over 1.5 million in grant applications requested. As a philanthropic agency serving the good of over 50% of our population, we know the need is great! We will be awarding our first multi-year grant, 5-Portland Safety grants and 6 Oregon Activist Scholarships. The grantees will be highlighted on May 18 during our televised fundraiser on KATU. We will showcase the work of our grantees as well as provide clarity on how others can join the work of WFO.
Internally, we have added two new committees to WFO Board (Policy Committee and C-4 Committee) and initial conversations are already underway! Their work will support WFO’s mission to dismantle structural oppression. If you have any interest in joining one of our committees please reach out to me for more information, libra@w-for.org. Our policy work will be supported by my recent Gubernatorial appointment as the Commissioner for Women (more below). This volunteer work aligns with the WFO mission and will give us a front row on the policy work we desire to impact.
In summary, we have lots of movement in the Foundation! This is our organization, our voice, our movement. There is a lot at stake for those that are impacted by gender justice. We need more people to join the fight. Please invite people to watch us on May 18 on KATU so they can learn how they too can support the work of Women’s Foundation of Oregon.
In Solidarity,
Libra Forde Confirmed as Member of the Oregon State Commission for Women
WFO is delighted to announce that Libra Forde has been confirmed as a member of the Oregon State Commission for Women and will work at the state level to advocate and empower women throughout Oregon. The Commission serves the people of Oregon to empower and support women through their special roles as policy advisors to Oregon state policy makers and leaders. The OCFW is a catalyst that empowers partnerships between state government and women in rural and urban areas to ensure success for all women by addressing issues at the policy level.
The mission of the Oregon Commission for Women is to work for the implementation and establishment of economic, social, legal and political equality for women and to maintain a continuing assessment of the issue and needs confronting women and girls in Oregon.