Conversation Project: Can We Parent Together?
Like many aspects of life in the United States, parenting is increasingly done in isolation. American adults report spending 30 percent less time doing face-to-face socializing than they did twenty years ago. (Teenagers report spending almost 50 percent less time.) This conversation provides an opportunity for parents and caregivers to reflect on how we engage with friends and community and how social connectedness and community support affect parenting and caregiving. How does the presence or absence of extended family affect how we raise children? Can there be nontraditional extended families? Join Catherine Feeny to explore the conventions and norms that prevent us from building intimacy and experiencing mutual support and consider strategies for building connections to support families and others in our communities.
Conversation Project: Are You Doing Community Wrong?
We all belong to many communities—that is, groups of people with common interests—depending on where we live, the work we do, how we spend our leisure time, political and religious beliefs, and so on. In some communities, finding agreement is easy; in others, especially those that represent many different experiences and points of view, members must work harder to find commonality. It may be easier to find a location for your next book-club meeting than to achieve consensus about a road project at your neighborhood association. In such contexts, are we “doing” community wrong? Are we celebrating diverse points of view and our common effort to find solutions together? If not, why not? What stops us from engaging in more diverse communities?
Imagine a City
Over seventy years after the historic Vanport flood, a new community takes root through memory and storytelling. An essay by Kelly Bosworth.
Women Walking
Kristin Ohlson on finding community in wandering
Una Gota de Agua Limpia
Jose Abrego Melendez describe como la contaminación de agua afecta a su comunidad en el noreste de Oregon.
A Clean Drop of Water
Jose Abrego Melendez writes about how water contamination in Northeast Oregon has affected his community.
Movement
An interview about community storytelling with Joon Ae Haworth-Kaufka
Meet the 2025 Community Storytelling Fellows
Oregon Humanities is excited to announce the recipients of the 2025 Community Storytelling Fellowship
What We Owe Each Other
A conversation about chronic illness, care, and interdependence with Amy Irvine
The Long View
An excerpt from Stephen Most's book River of Renewal explores myth and restoration in the Klamath Basin.
Borrowed Kitchens and Conference Rooms
Diana Marcela Cuartas writes about the challenges of finding cultural space in the Portland metro area's rapidly changing east side.
An Honor and a Duty
Eddie Melendrez on bringing more perspectives into public office
Nowhere to Hide
Casey Chaffin writes about how people who have mental health crises in public are treated and how they could be treated better.
The Power of Community Spaces
Joni Kabana writes about how the Spray General Store is bridging divides.
Writing on the Wall
Enrique Bautista writes about graffiti, belonging, and finding new ways to leave a mark on the world.
Harping On
April Choi writes about seeking inner harmony and finding harmonics.
That's Group Living
An excerpt from "Group Living and Other Recipes" by Lola Milholland
Mount Doom
Rowan Bay writes about feeling out of place as a gay teenager in a religious community
Programs Advisory Committee
The Oregon Humanities Programs Advisory Committee is an advisory body made up of community members who are connected to and participate in Oregon Humanities programs. This group is charged with advising Oregon Humanities on new program development, current program themes and collaborators, and supports promotion of Oregon Humanities programs in their communities.
Community Advisors
In addition to our staff and board of directors, Oregon Humanities relies on community members across the state to help us work toward our vision of an Oregon that invites diverse perspectives, explores challenging questions, and strives for just communities.
Tips for Facilitating Reflective Conversations
Four facilitators share tips on leading reflective conversations.
Tertulias de Película: Lorena, la de pies ligeros / Lorena, Light-Footed Woman
Qué mejor plan para un viernes que ver una película en compañía y quedarse a charlar?
Aprende sobre Lorena, una atleta mexicana que ha hecho historia por derribar estereotipos llevando orgullosa su cultura al resto del mundo, y quédate a comer y charlar al final de la peli.
For the People
Jordan Hernandez writes about how Oregon libraries are responding to the evolving needs of their communities.
Central Heating
Brian Benson reflects on loneliness, connection, and writing workshops.
The Pains and Joys of Aging
An illustrated essay by Leanne Grabel
So Much Together: Staged Frights
What happens when a community bands together around a playful, creative cause? In this workshop, Haunt Camp program director JR Rymut will share how a rural community can be a perfect and unexpected incubator of avant-garde art.
So Much Together: Create, Iterate, Persist
Oregon Climate Action Hub was created to help all Oregonians find their place in the climate movement, serving as a “one-stop-shop” for individuals to find opportunities and take part in organized action. Join Karen Wolfgang, co-founder of the Hub, for a So Much Together where she will she discuss the project's development from a mere concept to a comprehensive public resource, and highlights the importance of relationships in the creative process.
So Much Together: Me, Myself, and Us
As a multimedia artist, MOsley WOtta uses personal, lived experiences to drive his explorations into identity, place, race, and care. Through examples from his recent work, which incorporates musical, visual, and immersive performance with discussion and dialogue practices, WOtta will guide participants in exploring how identity labels both inform our relationship to our communities—and how it can transform them.
“We Are the Original Conservationists”
Jennifer Perrine writes about Oregonians of color working in the environmental justice movement.
Long Live the Kings
Heather Wiedenhoft on the political significance of drag king culture in the Pacific Northwest
Adaptation and Appreciation
Jacqueline Keeler writes about how tribal communities in Oregon may remember the COVID-19 pandemic.
Telling Our Story
May Saechao writes about how the Iu Mien community connects to history and traditions across time and distance.
We're Here for Each Other
Jennifer Perrine writes about how Oregonians of color are building relationships in the outdoors.
Finding a Voice as an Advocate for Others
Sosan Amiri and Rozzell Medina speak about power, justice, education, and community.
Building a Bridge for Mental Health
A youth-led organization is addressing mental health in AAPI communities and offering cross-generational care.
Tug-of-War
Medical care often requires isolating ourselves from those we love. But without them, how do we heal?
So Much Together: Wit, Wisdom, and Fury
In this So Much Together workshop, community activist and educator Darrell Wade will share how he came to found Black Men’s Wellness, a community-based initiative that addresses health concerns commonly affecting Black and African American men. Co-presented with Christopher Scott, a facilitator with Black Men’s Wellness and creator of the Hip Hop Social Worker podcast, this workshop will offer insights and perspectives on building community-based networks for health, while identifying the ways that collaboration and imagination inform this work.
So Much Together: The Link Between Us
Join Caroline Gao for this So Much Together workshop, in which Caroline will share insights from her technological equity research; her journey building digital-first, youth-led organizations; and her lived experiences coming of age in a reality where access to technology means access to the world. As we consider the ways that technology serves as both a barrier to and a source of opportunity, especially for historically marginalized communities, we will look at how we might maximize technology's potential as a driver of equity and social good.
Unstable Connections
Caroline Gao writes about the possibilities enabled by digital communications and the challenges of making these opportunities available to all.
Climate and Fire
The Almeda Fire devastated my community. We can make future fires less destructive.
Sagebrush Solar
Juliet Grable writes about how Lake County is embracing renewable energy.
Putting in the Work
This comic by Jonathan Hill explores how people can stay engaged in politics and advocate for the changes they want to see outside of major election cycles.
Creating Joy, Art, and Social Change
Lincoln-City-based artist and musician Crystal Menseses writes about her experience as a 2019-21 Fields Artist Fellow.
So Much Together: Us and Our Stuff
Frog & Toad Hauling is a junk removal and creative reuse service dedicated to seeing the treasure in trash. In this two-part workshop, we will explore through conversation, practice, and self-reflective, multimedia activities questions such as What is trash? How do we determine what does and doesn’t belong to us?
So Much Together: Us and Our Stuff
Frog & Toad Hauling is a junk removal and creative reuse service dedicated to seeing the treasure in trash. In this two-part workshop, we will explore through conversation, practice, and self-reflective, multimedia activities questions such as What is trash? How do we determine what does and doesn’t belong to us?
So Much Together - The People’s Park
Lauren Everett is a Portland-based artist, community activist, and researcher. In 2020, Lauren led the creation of the People’s Park, a temporary community space created on a vacant lot in the St. Johns neighborhood. In this two-part workshop, she will share the story of how the park came about, framed by a discussion about the ideology of property in the United States. Participants will collaborate to design their own community spaces and learn some of the basic practical aspects of doing this kind of project.
So Much Together - The People’s Park
Lauren Everett is a Portland-based artist, community activist, and researcher. In 2020, Lauren led the creation of the People’s Park, a temporary community space created on a vacant lot in the St. Johns neighborhood. In this two-part workshop, she will share the story of how the park came about, framed by a discussion about the ideology of property in the United States. Participants will collaborate to design their own community spaces and learn some of the basic practical aspects of doing this kind of project.
Charter Review
This comic by Beka Feathers and Aki Ruiz explains Portland's charter review process.
Putting in the Work
This comic by Jonathan Hill explores how people can stay engaged in politics and advocate for the changes they want to see outside of major election cycles.
Pandemic Flowers
Illustrator Mia Nolting reflects on a year of isolation through the dead flowers that have been in her house since the start of the pandemic.
So Much Together: Inheritance Stories with Lola Milholland
Lola Milholland produces food-related art installations and events that bring together interactive public engagement with art making and food activism. In this workshop, Lola will share her work and ideas and guide participants in creating a cookbook together by interviewing and listening to each other.
“We Know Who’s Got Our Six Now”
Bruce Poinsette considers the Father's Group, an intergenerational community group in Central Oregon, as an example for the future of Black-led organizing in Oregon.
Community Conversations
Oregon Humanities' community conversation programs provide opportunities for participants to reflect on their own experiences and beliefs, learn about the experiences and beliefs of others, and cultivate a stronger sense of agency in their communities.
From the Director: What It Means to Be Seen
Adam Davis on writing obituaries for family in the midst of a pandemic.
Clicking
After moving back to Portland, Marbla Reed looks for connection in online event organizing, but finds creating community without the context of preexisting relationships more challenging than anticipated.
Without a Towel
Dani Nichols writes about the lessons learned during a lifelong battle with water.
I Dream an Oregon
Trying to get Oregonians to invest in antiracism left me frustrated and disillusioned. But I’m still pushing. An essay by Bruce Poinsette
Taking Up Space
Mareshah “MJ” Jackson writes about how the story of Blackness in the outdoors is more than a narrative of tragedy.
The Family You Choose
Residents of Portland’s C3PO camps share their experiences of street life, the pandemic, and building a new community. By Olivia Wolf
The Crowd Might Cover You
Recollections of finding anxiety, kindness, and community on the streets of Portland
In These Uncertain Times
During the pandemic, Oregonians have been urged to “stay home, save lives.” But for many, staying home is not an option.
Virtual Think & Drink with Kali Thorne Ladd, Alex Sager, and Paul Susi: What Are Schools for?
A live conversation on the purpose of school for students, parents, teachers, and the community at large. Watch the recording of this August 2020 program here.
Safety, Justice, and Policing
A conversation with Nkenge Harmon Johnson, president and CEO of Urban League of Portland, and activist and data scientist Samuel Sinyangwe, cocreator of Police Scorecard and Mapping Police Violence.
A Community of Recovery
Shadow Silvers writes about finding stability in a sober living house.
The Case for Group Living
Lola Milholland writes about finding joy in the intimacy and solidarity of a crowded house.
The Struggles That Unite Us
Eric K. Ward reflects on how the idea of the urban-rural divide only serves to separate us.
Mask Makers
Photojournalist Katharine Kimball documents DIY efforts in Hood River to manufacture personal protective equipment to fight the COVID-19 pandemic.
The State That Timber Built—2012
Tara Rae Miner considers what Oregon owes to the struggling timber communities that helped shape the state’s identity in this essay from the 2012 “Here” issue.
The Summer Games
Jennie Hartsock shares her search for community in Corvallis and how a game helped her find her friends.
Across the Divide
Andie Madsen interviews three Oregonians who grew up in rural areas and moved to Portland about their relationships to their rural identities.
Cover Songs of Myself
Jason Arias on "Smells Like Teen Spirit" and the different versions of ourselves.
Returned
Caitlyn May covers the complicated story behind the closure of Douglas County's libraries and their difficult paths to reopening sustainably.
More than Words
Emilly Prado explores the stories of three families in the small rural border town of Nyssa, Oregon, and how immigration policy changes have affected their lives.
From the Director: We the People
Executive Director Adam Davis on who we are as a nation, who our communities are, and how we know where we belong.
Listening over Litigation
The High Desert Partnership provides a collaborative vision for Harney County.
Engagement and Environment
OPAL seeks to bring more voices into conversations about environmental justice.
Supporting Urgent Conversations
Responsive Program Grants help communities across Oregon respond to pressing issues and events.
New Foundations
Samantha Bakall writes about an innovative pilot project that pairs families in need of housing with Portland homeowners who have a little land to spare.
Peace and Dignity
Mohamed Asem writes about finding community in shared stories of unjust detention in an excerpt from his memoir, Stranger in the Pen.
What Can Bridge the Divide?
Yoko Ikeda shares her experience with Bridging Oregon, a monthly conversation series that explores the idea that we're divided as a state and asks how we can come together to create stronger, more resilient communities.
Creating Connection Across Oregon
Bridging Oregon and Dear Stranger are starting conversations about the places we call home.
Deep Roots
Samantha Bakall writes about how Mudbone Grown, an urban farm in North Portland, offers celebration and community in the face of Oregon's white-dominated agriculture industry.
Expanding East
Oregon Humanities partners with Rosewood Initiative and Alder College to offer Humanity in Perspective courses in East Portland.
Exchange and Change
Adam Davis, executive director of Oregon Humanities, on people listening to one another in Lake County, Oregon
Posts
Readers write about Owe
Field Work: Community Stories Onstage
Student-created show raises consciousness in Southern Oregon's Illinois Valley
Finding Home at the Mims
From the 1940s to '60s, the Mims House was a safe place to stay for African Americans traveling through Oregon. Now it’s a gathering place for the Black community in Eugene. Video by Nisha Burton.
Invite in the Stranger
Adam Davis on radical hospitality
Stake Your Place
The Cully neighborhood of Portland offers a glimpse at the complex racial, ethnic, and economic factors at play in a community trying to resist the forces of gentrification, displacement, and change.
What We Share
From the Director
The Golden Hour
The collective strength of strangers after a horrifying accident. An essay by Jason Arias
Sunday, Laundry Day
Every quarter counts in subsidized senior housing. An essay by Josephine Cooper
Slow Ascent
A Chinese American woman searches for belonging in the country of her grandparents. An essay by Jessica Yen
"I'm Not Staying Here Another Day"
A conversation about the Great Migration with Isabel Wilkerson and Rukaiyah Adams
Just People Like Us
Writer Guy Maynard on a little-known history of a Southern Oregon community during World War II where prisoners of war were more welcome than US military of color
Housekeeping
In the face of loss, cleaning hotel rooms and a lifelong friend offer solace. An essay by Meryl Williams
Rootedness
An essay by Brian Doyle
Safely and Bravely
Editor Kathleen Holt on keeping her daughter safe in a place filled with threats of violence, disappointment, and despair
Civil Rights with Guns
Are there alternatives to police that could keep communities safe? Author Kristian Williams discusses lessons from the Black Freedom Movement.
Beyond Repair
Editor Kathleen Holt on the aftermath of a traumatizing fire
Design for a Crowded Planet
Cynthia E. Smith, the curator of socially responsible design at the Smithsonian Cooper-Hewett design museum, talks about innovative solutions by and for city dwellers.
What It Means to Say Portland
Mitchell S. Jackson on the experience of growing up Black in North and Northeast Portland.
Belonging and Connection
Bette Lynch Husted on imperfect small-town life in Pendleton.
Why We Stay
Monica Drake on raising a family in an urban neighborhood instead of a more serene but less vibrant rural place.
More Than Skin Deep
Scholar Naomi Zack on the science and social construction of race in America
Being More Human
Intel's resident futurist, Brian David Johnson, on how the steampunk culture offers clues to building a better tomorrow
The State That Timber Built
Tara Rae Miner on what Oregon owes the struggling timber communities that helped shape the state’s identity
A Region by Any Name
From Ecotopia to Cascadia Megaregion, visions of the Pacific Northwest have been secessionist in nature. An essay by Carl Abbott
The Olde Towne Team
For sports fans, it's more than just a game. An essay by Guy Maynard
Uprockin' the Rose City
The community that hip hop built in Portland. An article by Walidah Imarisha
That Public Thing
What jazz can teach us about being a community. An essay by Tim DuRoche
Second-Chance Family
Rajneeshpuram has come and gone: what keep believers bound to one another? By Marion Goldman
Love Thy Neighbor (Sometimes)
A close-knit neighborhood can make us happy, but it can also add to the busy-ness of daily life. An essay by Jamie Passaro
The Working Class
Bette Lynch Husted argues that hard times are good times to rethink our attitudes about the fungibility of workers.