Opinion
Rethinking Psychiatry returns with ‘Truth and Reconciliation’
Rethinking Psychiatry, along with two other local grassroots organizations, The M.O.M.S. Movement and The Icarus Project, hosted two Truth and Reconciliation circles in 2016. The Truth and Reconciliation events were created to foster healing and greater understanding between receivers and givers of mental health treatment. We are now planning a follow-up event for Wednesday, March…
One bad act doesn’t define someone – not even voting for Trump
“People are more than the worst thing they have done or the worst thing that has been done to them.” We say that quite a bit at Partnership for Safety and Justice. It is one way that we explain why PSJ prioritizes criminal justice reforms that address the system as a whole and focuses on…
2 books that inspire taking action, creating change
It’s the stuff of daily news. Christian Parenti, author of 2011’s “Tropic of Chaos,” refers to the “catastrophic convergence” of poverty, violence and climate change. Here in the Northwest, a person with good health, a decent job, family, friends and an affordable residence can feel safely removed from the stresses that upend other lives both…
Director’s Desk: What you can do to advance racial justice in Oregon
I’ve never really trusted or liked American politics, even though I’m deeply engrossed in it. Much of the reason I ended up on the path I’m on was due to my own circumstances with poverty, mentors who influenced me over the years, and not being able to walk away from people suffering. I’ve protested. I’ve…
Housing
No longer homeless, James Srp isn’t just surviving – but thriving
Just six years ago, James Srp was in his early 60s, relatively healthy, employed, and renting a house in Beaverton, where he’d lived for 15 years. He’s well-educated, an avid reader and comfortable around computers. His mobile, friendly face easily cracks into a smile. Sociable and articulate, he speaks in looping sentences with pauses to…
Oregon solar projects must benefit low-income – but how?
As their deadline approaches, policymakers are figuring out how to implement state-mandated community solar programs across Oregon. But the challenge lies in connecting low-income ratepayers with solar power without raiding already starved energy assistance programs for the poor. In 2016, lawmakers in Salem passed the energy-overhaul bill SB 1547. It requires Oregon phase out coal…
News
No longer homeless, James Srp isn’t just surviving – but thriving
Just six years ago, James Srp was in his early 60s, relatively healthy, employed, and renting a house in Beaverton, where he’d lived for 15 years. He’s well-educated, an avid reader and comfortable around computers. His mobile, friendly face easily cracks into a smile. Sociable and articulate, he speaks in looping sentences with pauses to…
Pipeline projects’ revival hits close to home in Northwest
President Donald Trump made headlines just days after his inauguration when he signed executive orders fast-tracking the Dakota Access Pipeline in North Dakota and Keystone XL pipeline in South Dakota – two oil pipelines that have generated unprecedented opposition from Native American tribes and an enormous solidarity movement from non-native supporters. In early December, the Army…
Oregon solar projects must benefit low-income – but how?
As their deadline approaches, policymakers are figuring out how to implement state-mandated community solar programs across Oregon. But the challenge lies in connecting low-income ratepayers with solar power without raiding already starved energy assistance programs for the poor. In 2016, lawmakers in Salem passed the energy-overhaul bill SB 1547. It requires Oregon phase out coal…
Environment
Pipeline projects’ revival hits close to home in Northwest
President Donald Trump made headlines just days after his inauguration when he signed executive orders fast-tracking the Dakota Access Pipeline in North Dakota and Keystone XL pipeline in South Dakota – two oil pipelines that have generated unprecedented opposition from Native American tribes and an enormous solidarity movement from non-native supporters. In early December, the Army…
Oregon solar projects must benefit low-income – but how?
As their deadline approaches, policymakers are figuring out how to implement state-mandated community solar programs across Oregon. But the challenge lies in connecting low-income ratepayers with solar power without raiding already starved energy assistance programs for the poor. In 2016, lawmakers in Salem passed the energy-overhaul bill SB 1547. It requires Oregon phase out coal…
Vendor Profiles
Vendor profile: ‘We took a vow to love each other’
Deadpool loves Jennifer and wrote a poem published in Street Roots called “True Love” for all Portland to see. “It’s about finding someone that loves you for who you are, unconditionally,” Deadpool said. “(Someone who) doesn’t care about your past, who doesn’t care about what you look like, how you dress, how much money you…
