June 2017 Newsletter: Investment Update
A NOTE FROM EMILY
Hi Everyone,
This month marks our third full year as a member-supported, statewide Foundation. And what a year it's been! We released the first comprehensive report on women and girls in Oregon in 20 years, awarded $75,000 in member-chosen grants, hosted an 8-part discussion series on the Eight That Can't Wait, published our first two OpEds, co-hosted a summit for nonprofits that serve women and girls, and much more.
Our members made this banner year possible, it's as simple as that. To say thanks, everyone who's a current member by TODAY AT 3:00PM will be entered in a drawing to join the Foundation team on the VIP Daimler Deck at an upcoming Thorns game at Providence Park! We'll enjoy fully catered food and beverages and an unforgettable view of the match on Wednesday, June 28 at 7pm.
If you're not a member yet, or if you're due to renew, make sure you join us by today (6/19) at 3:00PM! And thanks to each of you for making this another terrific year for the Women's Foundation.
Forward together,
Emily
STAT OF THE MONTH
June is a big month for graduations! Oregon women met the state’s 2025 goal for college graduation rates in 2014, eleven years ahead of schedule.
FOUNDATION UPDATES
INVESTMENT UPDATE
As part of our commitment to equity and inclusion, our starting membership level is just $10/month or $120/year. However, we know that even a modest donation amount is out of reach for many women and girls who care dearly about our mission. That's why we're so proud of our Pay-What-You-Can membership program.
This program makes it possible for anyone who wants to make a difference for women and girls in Oregon to be a member, regardless of how much they're able to donate.
Thanks to several generous donors and a grant from the Doll Family Foundation, we've had over 120 members join us through the Pay-What-You-Can Program this year. If you'd like to be a scholarship member, or you know someone who does, get in touch today! And if, like us, you want to expand access to philanthropy to as many women as possible, consider making a gift to support our Pay-What-You-Can program here!
MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
Name: Raina Heilman
Age:15
Occupation: Aspiring neurosurgeon, camp counselor, and volunteer at the Oregon Humane Society, Oregon Zoo, and local library
Member of the Women's Foundation since:
April 2017
What’s your favorite spot in Oregon?
The special education classroom at my middle school in Portland, Oregon, where I helped teach.
What quality do you most admire in others?
Confidence, trustworthiness, open-mindedness, honesty, and not caring about the imperfections of others
Which talent would you most like to have?
The ability to have all private schools accept and support children with disabilities.
What was your first volunteer experience?
Youth Volunteer at the Oregon Humane Society.
What’s the best place to eat in our great state?
Bella Pizza in Northeast Portland.
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
Teaching and putting smiles on the children's faces at my middle school in the eighth grade when I was a peer helper in both special education classrooms. Being 1 out of 65 young women across the nation to be selected for Running Starts Young Women’s Political Leadership program in D.C.
Which woman (living or dead) do you most admire?
I most admire my “Great-Grandmother” Miriam Kominkowska Greenstein, writer ofIn the Shadow of Death, who is a holocaust survivor. I admire her because she told her story throughout the holocaust being put in concentration camps, working camps, and a killing camp, and then her transition from that life to moving to Portland as a teenager attending Grant High School and fitting into an “American life.”
What’s your most treasured possession?
My dog Hazel, a 3-year-old Lhasa-Apso poodle mix, and the happiness of myself and others.
What is your personal motto?
1. Academics
2. Activities
3. Athletics
What’s your idea of perfect happiness?
Perfect happiness is a perfect world where all races, ethnicities, sexualities, genders, social classes, and abilities are treated equally and respectfully.
What makes you laugh uncontrollably?
Satire.
Why are you a member of the Women’s Foundation?
I am a part of the Women’s Foundation because I want to be a part of the change I wish to see in the world. Being a part of this group furthers my inspiration and drive to advocate for women and those with disabilities.
Thank you so much, Raina!
MAKE A DIFFERENCE
MicroMentor, a project of MercyCorps, connects experienced business professionals with entrepreneurs just starting out who need advice and mentorship. Learn more here or sign up to be a mentor here.
Have a volunteer opportunity you'd like us to share? Email us at info@w-for.org.
COMMUNITY EVENTS
June 18: Annual Pride Parade, Portland & Statewide
March in this year's Pride Parade, starting at 11 a.m. in downtown Portland and in cities across Oregon.
June 22: Bites for Rights, Restaurants Statewide
When you eat at participating restaurants on 6/22, they pledge to support LGBTQ equality by donating a portion of the day's gross proceeds to Basic Rights Oregon.
Now through July 17: Apply for a Grant from Ninety-Nine Girlfriends, Greater Portland & SW Washington
Nonprofits that address the environment, education, health, family, or culture can submit a Letter of Intent to be eligible for two Impact Awards of $100,000.
July 17-21: POWGirls' Advanced Documentary Workshop, Gresham
POWGirls offers media workshops for girls 15-19. Over 5 days, participants will create a 1-4 minute documentary about a local nonprofit. Scholarships available!
If you would like your event added to our calendar, please email info@w-for.org.
OREGON NEWS TO KNOW
National Domestic Workers Alliance: Status of Black Women in the U.S. Report
"Black women continue to be underrepresented in elected office, earn less than white men and women, and are twice as likely as white women to be incarcerated."
Roll Call: Oregon Delegation Speaks Out on Portland Attack, Denounces Hate
"Sens. Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley and Rep. Earl Blumenauer denounced the fatal stabbing of two men and injury of another that occurred on a commuter train."
Portland State Vanguard: Oregon Students & Legislators Talk Sex Trafficking Prevention
"A community panel discussed inhibitors to progressive sex education and current efforts in law enforcement and legislation to reduce victimhood."
Progressive Grocer: Albertsons Improves Access to Hormonal Contraception in OR
"Albertsons has embarked on a collaborative effort to improve access to hormonal contraception for Oregon women, allowing select pharmacies to bill Medicaid plans."
MEMBERSHIP MATTERS
Our members support us in so many ways: from your membership donations to your time volunteering in the office and at our events.
Now there are even more ways you can support us! As you make your will and estate plans, please consider adding the Women's Foundation of Oregon. For more information on Planned Giving, please contact us at membership@w-for.org.
Also, your employer may match your gift to the Women's Foundation! Check with your human resources department to see if your company will match your charitable donations. If you have any questions regarding your membership please contact membership@w-for.org and we'll be happy to help.
If you're not yet a member, join us by clicking here!