Showing 471 results for tag Conversation Project

Unpacking Accountability: What Are We Asking For?

Calls for accountability—for our leaders, for people who have caused harm, or for our communities—are common, but what exactly is being sought is often elusive. This one word may mean punishment, and much more. What do you mean when you say “accountability,” and how can we elevate the value of accountability in our communities?

Read more about this event.

Aron Klein believes in the healing potential of accountability. Through personal relationships, volunteer work, and political advocacy he has accompanied folks on their journeys toward accountability. He is the operations manager at Partnership for Safety & Justice and lives and bicycles throughout Portland.

Event | October 5, 2024

Conversation Project: Does Nature Have a Purpose?

Oregonians have long struggled to balance cultural, political, and values-based differences tied to our use of land and resources. As we enter an age of accelerating environmental change and scarcity, it is important to understand what drives these differences. In this conversation we will explore our attitudes and assumptions about the purpose of the environment in our lives and how those attitudes and assumptions shape our perception of environmental issues and policies.

Read more about this event.

Event | October 14, 2024

Our Untapped Treasures: Children and Elders are Problem Solvers too

There are many reasons why people fail to invite children and elders to the table when it comes to solving problems: “They’re too young.” “They need to be protected from hearing about serious issues.” “I’m sure they care, but the world is a very different place now.” “They’re just going to talk about how things used to be.” “I wouldn’t want my child to be burdened with this reality.” “I don’t want to have to explain the issues repeatedly.”

The more serious the issue, the less likely it is that a child or elder will be helping to come up with a solution. We were all children once, and sometimes we had great solutions to problems that adults didn’t have. If we’re fortunate, we’ll all become elderly, and we will have a wealth of experience and accumulated wisdom to share. The goal of this conversation is to encourage people to approach problem solving in a more inclusive manner and ask elders or children to share their ideas.

Read more about this event.

Event | August 3, 2024

Conversation Project: Does Nature Have a Purpose?

Oregonians have long struggled to balance cultural, political, and values-based differences tied to our use of land and resources. As we enter an age of accelerating environmental change and scarcity, it is important to understand what drives these differences. In this conversation we will explore our attitudes and assumptions about the purpose of the environment in our lives and how those attitudes and assumptions shape our perception of environmental issues and policies.

Read more about this event.

Event | July 13, 2024

Conversation Project: Does Nature Have a Purpose?

Oregonians have long struggled to balance cultural, political, and values-based differences tied to our use of land and resources. As we enter an age of accelerating environmental change and scarcity, it is important to understand what drives these differences. In this conversation we will explore our attitudes and assumptions about the purpose of the environment in our lives and how those attitudes and assumptions shape our perception of environmental issues and policies.

RSVP for this free event.

Event | June 26, 2024

Todos pueden ser líderes/Everyone Can Be a Leader

Las interpretaciones populares del concepto de liderazgo nos dicen que los líderes se ven de cierta manera: llevan la batuta. Poseen una fuerza externa. Son extrovertidos y actúan de manera más pragmática que emocional. Quizás lo más importante es que los líderes son gente en puestos de autoridad y poder. ¿Existe algún tipo alternativo de liderazgo? ¿Cuándo somos nosotros líderes en nuestras comunidades? ¿Cómo nuestro irrepetible sentido propio contribuye a favor de nuestro papel como líderes? Popular understandings of leadership tell us that leaders look a certain way: they are in charge. They possess outward strength. They are extroverted and act pragmatically rather than emotionally. Perhaps most important, leaders are people in positions of authority and power. Is there an alternative type of leadership? When are we leaders in our communities? How can our unique senses of self contribute to our roles as leaders? Español & English

Event | April 25, 2024

Conversation Project: Housing and Belonging

Housing and homelessness is a visible and divisive issue in local media, in politics, and across different communities within our state. Many of us were experiencing housing instability and economic uncertainty even during the “boom” times before the current crisis. This conversation will explore common assumptions and perspectives about the experience of houselessness/homelessness and seek to answer the question, How do we decide who “belongs” in our community?

RSVP for this conversation.

Event | February 27, 2024

Conversation Project: What Does Democracy Require?

As we begin, however tentatively, to move into a new moment in US political life, calls for unity are often met with skepticism and disdain. But perhaps unity is the wrong measure of democracy anyway. What if we ask instead, Who are our people? Where do we belong? In this moment coming out of the pandemic, let’s think together about expanding the scope of our people and what it means to belong so that we can consider what democracy requires of us and for us in this fraught moment.

RSVP for this conversation.

Event | April 18, 2024

Conversation Project: Can We Get Along?

Rodney King’s iconic question still resonates today. Despite decades of social justice movements, police brutality and divisions persist in the United States. COVID-19 has only added more challenges. How can we connect to each other during these times? What holds us back from connecting with each other? How do our personal experiences contribute to barriers, or and have the potential to break them down? Join facilitator Chisao Hata as she holds space to examine individual questions on race, cultural values, and what brings us together and what separates us.

Event | April 10, 2024

Conversation Project: Can We Get Along?

Rodney King’s iconic question still resonates today. Despite decades of social justice movements, police brutality and divisions persist in the United States. COVID-19 has only added more challenges. How can we connect to each other during these times? What holds us back from connecting with each other? How do our personal experiences contribute to barriers, or and have the potential to break them down? Join facilitator Chisao Hata as she holds space to examine individual questions on race, cultural values, and what brings us together and what separates us.

RSVP for this conversation.

Event | April 9, 2024

Conversation Project: Housing and Belonging

Housing and homelessness is a visible and divisive issue in local media, in politics, and across different communities within our state. Many of us were experiencing housing instability and economic uncertainty even during the “boom” times before the current crisis. This conversation will explore common assumptions and perspectives about the experience of houselessness/homelessness and seek to answer the question, How do we decide who “belongs” in our community? 

Event | February 21, 2024

Conversation Project: Loneliness and Aging

Loneliness and isolation are common experiences for elderly people, especially for those who do not have nearby family members or who are not computer literate. What do you know about the elders in your life or in your neighborhood? Are they connected to their families in an enriching way? Do they belong to a caring community of some kind? This conversation is for elderly people and people who live near elders or have elderly people in their lives to explore questions, experiences, and obstacles to showing up for elderly people and to generate ideas for connection.

Event | March 14, 2024

Conversation Project Leader Info Session

Oregon Humanities is looking for people who want to facilitate conversations that get people talking, listening, and connecting to one another as Conversation Project leaders.

Learn about the Conversation Project, what it's like to facilitate conversations with Oregon Humanities, and how to apply at an online information session with Program Lead Juliana Posada.

To request a link to join this session, please email Juliana at juliana@oregonhumanities.org or call at 971-501-6917

Event | January 4, 2024

Conversation Project Leaders Wanted

Oregon Humanities is looking for people who want to facilitate conversations that get people talking, listening, and connecting to one another.

Community Conversations | November 21, 2023

Everyone Can Be a Leader: Exploring Nontraditional Community Leadership

Popular understandings of leadership tell us that leaders look a certain way: they are in charge. They possess outward strength. They are extroverted and act pragmatically rather than emotionally. Perhaps most important, leaders are people in positions of authority and power. Is there an alternative type of leadership? When are we leaders in our communities? How can our unique senses of self contribute to our roles as leaders?

RSVP for this free event here.

Event | March 20, 2024

Conversation Project: Music as a Tool for Justice

Liberty and justice for all? In this conversation, we’ll examine what the word “justice” means and examine how it’s applied in Oregon. With the aid of local and national hip hop music videos and lyrics, we will examine the history of our state, legal anti-Blackness, and resistance movements. We will also examine a critical question: Are we closer to or further from justice for all since 2020? Join writer, artist, speaker, and producer Donovan Scribes for an exploration of Oregon as he lets music guide these critical questions and more about the place we live in.

Event | November 15, 2023

Hope and the Climate Crisis: The Tension Between Reality and Possibility

With evidence of the climate crisis reaching all corners and communities of the world, the reality of what we are up against as a species is more present and overwhelming than ever before. In a recent conversation with Krista Tibbett on the podcast On Being, marine biologist Ayana Elizabeth Johnson asks a pivotal question about climate action: What if we get it right? With the 24-hour news cycle constantly reminding us that climate change is far worse and coming far faster than predicted, slipping into despair seems all too easy—but what about hope for a future full of solutions we’ve already imagined? What about what is possible? This conversation will open space to explore the tension between the reality of where we are, where we could go, and what it will take to get there. How does it feel to hold the scale of the challenge and also the possibility of a better future? This event will take place in the Boxer Pause room at Washburne Hall

Event | November 9, 2023

Conversation Project: Housing and Belonging

Housing and homelessness is a visible and divisive issue in local media, in politics, and across different communities within our state. Many of us were experiencing housing instability and economic uncertainty even during the “boom” times before the current crisis. This conversation will explore common assumptions and perspectives about the experience of houselessness/homelessness and seek to answer the question, How do we decide who “belongs” in our community?

Event | October 24, 2023

Conversation Project: What Is a Creative Priority?

So the world is ending, want to start a record label? This conversation investigates the relevance of making art during times of personal, communal, or global crisis. How can we justify painting when we don’t know where our food is going to come from? What resources are needed to create meaningful work when resources are limited? What exactly does creativity offer us during this time of obvious uncertainty? What is our collective and personal obligation to creativity during a significant upheaval? Join MOsley WOtta for a conversation about getting creative during the apocalypse.

Learn more and register here.

Event | November 5, 2023

Loneliness and Aging: Making Space for Our Elders

Loneliness and isolation are common experiences for elderly people, especially for those who do not have nearby family members or who are not computer literate. What do you know about the elders in your life or in your neighborhood? Are they connected to their families in an enriching way? Do they belong to a caring community of some kind? This conversation is for elderly people and people who live near elders or have elderly people in their lives to explore questions, experiences, and obstacles to showing up for elderly people and to generate ideas for connection.

RSVP for this free event.

Event | October 19, 2023

Loneliness and Aging: Making Space for Our Elders

Loneliness and isolation are common experiences for elderly people, especially for those who do not have nearby family members or who are not computer literate. What do you know about the elders in your life or in your neighborhood? Are they connected to their families in an enriching way? Do they belong to a caring community of some kind? This conversation is for elderly people and people who live near elders or have elderly people in their lives to explore questions, experiences, and obstacles to showing up for elderly people and to generate ideas for connection.

RSVP for this free event.

Event | October 19, 2023

Conversation Project: Housing and Belonging

Housing and homelessness is a visible and divisive issue in local media, in politics, and across different communities within our state. Many of us were experiencing housing instability and economic uncertainty even during the “boom” times before the current crisis. This conversation will explore common assumptions and perspectives about the experience of houselessness/homelessness and seek to answer the question, How do we decide who “belongs” in our community?

Register for this free event here.

Event | January 17, 2024

Conversation Project: Housing and Belonging

Housing and homelessness is a visible and divisive issue in local media, in politics, and across different communities within our state. Many of us were experiencing housing instability and economic uncertainty even during the “boom” times before the current crisis. This conversation will explore common assumptions and perspectives about the experience of houselessness/homelessness and seek to answer the question, How do we decide who “belongs” in our community?

RSVP for this free event here.

Event | October 15, 2023

Conversation Project: Can We Get Along?

Rodney King’s iconic question still resonates today. Despite decades of social justice movements, police brutality and divisions persist in the United States. COVID-19 has only added more challenges. How can we connect to each other during these times? What holds us back from connecting with each other? How do our personal experiences contribute to barriers, or and have the potential to break them down? Join facilitator Chisao Hata as she holds space to examine individual questions on race, cultural values, and what brings us together and what separates us.

Event | October 12, 2023

Conversation Project: Housing and Belonging

Housing and homelessness is a visible and divisive issue in local media, in politics, and across different communities within our state. Many of us were experiencing housing instability and economic uncertainty even during the “boom” times before the current crisis. This conversation will explore common assumptions and perspectives about the experience of houselessness/homelessness and seek to answer the question, How do we decide who “belongs” in our community?

Register for this free online event.

Event | November 1, 2023

Conversation Project: Housing and Belonging

Housing and homelessness is a visible and divisive issue in local media, in politics, and across different communities within our state. Many of us were experiencing housing instability and economic uncertainty even during the “boom” times before the current crisis. This conversation will explore common assumptions and perspectives about the experience of houselessness/homelessness and seek to answer the question, How do we decide who “belongs” in our community?

Register for this free online event.

Event | November 7, 2023

Loneliness and Aging: Making Space for Our Elders

Loneliness and isolation are common experiences for elderly people, especially for those who do not have nearby family members or who are not computer literate. What do you know about the elders in your life or in your neighborhood? Are they connected to their families in an enriching way? Do they belong to a caring community of some kind? This conversation is for elderly people and people who live near elders or have elderly people in their lives to explore questions, experiences, and obstacles to showing up for elderly people and to generate ideas for connection.

Register for this free event.

Event | November 8, 2023

Conversation Project: Housing and Belonging

Housing and homelessness is a visible and divisive issue in local media, in politics, and across different communities within our state. Many of us were experiencing housing instability and economic uncertainty even during the “boom” times before the current crisis. This conversation will explore common assumptions and perspectives about the experience of houselessness/homelessness and seek to answer the question, How do we decide who “belongs” in our community?

Event | August 30, 2023

Conversation Project: Music as a Tool for Justice

Liberty and justice for all? In this conversation, we’ll examine what the word “justice” means and examine how it’s applied in Oregon. With the aid of local and national hip hop music videos and lyrics, we will examine the history of our state, legal anti-Blackness, and resistance movements. We will also examine a critical question: Are we closer to or further from justice for all since 2020? Join writer, artist, speaker, and producer Donovan Scribes for an exploration of Oregon as he lets music guide these critical questions and more about the place we live in.

Register for this free, online event here.

Event | August 28, 2023

Conversation Project: Are You Safer Outside?

Outdoor spaces took on new significance during the recent pandemic. While some of us rediscovered parks and trails that we once took for granted, others may still feel the stressors of unwelcoming or inaccessible outdoor areas. Join facilitator Mareshah “MJ” Jackson to discuss what makes an outdoor space a “safe” space. How does one’s identity intersect with security in a park, on a trail, or on a patio? In what ways have our perceptions of these spaces changed, and how may they change in years to come? This conversation is a chance to reflect on the role open spaces play in our lives and how our perceptions may differ from each other’s.

Register for this free online conversation here.

Event | September 5, 2023

Conversation Project: Housing and Belonging

Housing and homelessness is a visible and divisive issue in local media, in politics, and across different communities within our state. Many of us were experiencing housing instability and economic uncertainty even during the “boom” times before the current crisis. This conversation will explore common assumptions and perspectives about the experience of houselessness/homelessness and seek to answer the question, How do we decide who “belongs” in our community?

Event | July 25, 2023

Conversation Project: Understanding Urban/Rural Divides

We live in a time of increasing polarization that often correlates to divides between urban and rural regions in our state. This polarization is so extreme that it often seems like the two sides may have completely different experiences of the world. Join facilitator Nick Nash in a conversation that asks, How does the urban/rural divide affect the ways we relate to each other as Oregonians? What is the urban/rural divide, and how do we understand it? How does this divide affect our day-to-day lives, our experiences of being governed, and of the COVID-19 pandemic? This conversation is a chance to reflect on the beliefs we have about our urban or rural neighbors with a focus on discovering and abandoning misbeliefs, investigating and learning about the real differences between the urban and the rural, and trying to find things that we all share as Oregonians.

Event | August 9, 2023

Housing and Belonging

Bringing Oregonians together to talk about home and housing in our communities

Community Conversations | June 20, 2023

Conversation Project: Housing and Belonging

Housing and homelessness is a visible and divisive issue in local media, in politics, and across different communities within our state. Many of us were experiencing housing instability and economic uncertainty even during the “boom” times before the current crisis. This conversation will explore common assumptions and perspectives about the experience of houselessness/homelessness and seek to answer the question, How do we decide who “belongs” in our community?

Click here to register for this online program.

Event | June 28, 2023

Loneliness and Aging: Making Space for Our Elders

Loneliness and isolation are common experiences for elderly people, especially for those who do not have nearby family members or who are not computer literate. What do you know about the elders in your life or in your neighborhood? Are they connected to their families in an enriching way? Do they belong to a caring community of some kind? This conversation is for elderly people and people who live near elders or have elderly people in their lives to explore questions, experiences, and obstacles to showing up for elderly people and to generate ideas for connection.

Read more about this conversation and register here.

Event | June 27, 2023

Conversation Project: Talking about Dying

Death is a universal event that transcends many of the differences between us. While we focus most on the quality of our lives and well-being, we rarely talk about the quality of our dying and deaths. Now in its sixth year, Oregon Humanities’ Talking about Dying program offers an opportunity to reflect on the stories and cultural influences that shape our thinking about this theme and to share perspectives and ideas with fellow community members. During the program, participants explore such questions as, How might our family, traditions, rituals, religion, and beliefs shape how we think about death? What would a “good death” look like for us? What do we want—and not want—at the end of our life? What are the essential considerations?

RSVP for this free event.

Event | May 6, 2023

Conversation Project: Talking about Dying

Death is a universal event that transcends many of the differences between us. While we focus most on the quality of our lives and well-being, we rarely talk about the quality of our dying and deaths. Now in its sixth year, Oregon Humanities’ Talking about Dying program offers an opportunity to reflect on the stories and cultural influences that shape our thinking about this theme and to share perspectives and ideas with fellow community members. During the program, participants explore such questions as, How might our family, traditions, rituals, religion, and beliefs shape how we think about death? What would a “good death” look like for us? What do we want—and not want—at the end of our life? What are the essential considerations?

Event | May 20, 2023

Conversation Project: Understanding Urban/Rural Divides

We live in a time of increasing polarization that often correlates to divides between urban and rural regions in our state. This polarization is so extreme that it often seems like the two sides may have completely different experiences of the world. Join facilitator Nick Nash in a conversation that asks, How does the urban/rural divide affect the ways we relate to each other as Oregonians? What is the urban/rural divide, and how do we understand it? How does this divide affect our day-to-day lives, our experiences of being governed, and of the COVID-19 pandemic? This conversation is a chance to reflect on the beliefs we have about our urban or rural neighbors with a focus on discovering and abandoning misbeliefs, investigating and learning about the real differences between the urban and the rural, and trying to find things that we all share as Oregonians.

Event | May 6, 2023

Conversation Project: Music as a Tool for Justice

Music is instrumental in shaping a place. It’s one of the most explicitly human things we can experience. COVID-19 has further revealed how key it is in our lives, with every major music festival closing or moving online. In the conversation, we will look at the history of Black musicians in shaping the story of Oregon through the lens of a short documentary and music from a Portland hip hop artist.

Event | February 16, 2023

Conversation Project: Working on Our Whiteness

Amid today’s social uprisings, many white people have become acutely aware that racism shapes our communities in Oregon and beyond. Many of us have also begun realizing how poorly our experiences have equipped us to make sense of these times, and we have many questions. Join Emily Drew in a conversation that asks, How can we who are white show up as more effective and less damaging participants in struggles to interrupt racism in our community? How can white people engage in efforts to dismantle racism in ways that do not reproduce or place unfair burdens upon people of color to be our teachers? This conversation is for white people to reflect together on what it means to “do our work” as white people, which includes taking responsibility for one another, educating ourselves, and coming to view other white people as our partners—not competition—in developing antiracist identity.

Event | February 15, 2022

Conversation Project: Relationships for Resilience

In a time of intensifying social and ecological crises, in a cultural context of individualism, the pressure to practice "self-care," build "personal resilience," and "transform oneself" is pervasive. While "doing your own work" is important, we overemphasize the individual to the detriment of our human communities and the rest of the living world. The deep transformations we need will be cocreated, and the deep resilience we must develop will be relational. In this conversation, we will explore the dynamics of our strongest relationships, seeking to name the qualities and practices that underpin resilience. How can we bring our insights more intentionally and broadly to bear in our human relationships and in our relationships with our home—lands, waters, and ecosystems?

RSVP for this event here.

Event | March 9, 2023

Conversation Project: Understanding Urban/Rural Divides

We live in a time of increasing polarization that often correlates to divides between urban and rural regions in our state. This polarization is so extreme that it often seems like the two sides may have completely different experiences of the world. Join facilitator Nick Nash in a conversation that asks, How does the urban/rural divide affect the ways we relate to each other as Oregonians? What is the urban/rural divide, and how do we understand it? How does this divide affect our day-to-day lives, our experiences of being governed, and of the COVID-19 pandemic? This conversation is a chance to reflect on the beliefs we have about our urban or rural neighbors with a focus on discovering and abandoning misbeliefs, investigating and learning about the real differences between the urban and the rural, and trying to find things that we all share as Oregonians.

Event | November 18, 2022

Conversation Project: Working on our Whiteness

Amid today’s social uprisings, many white people have become acutely aware that racism shapes our communities in Oregon and beyond. Many of us have also begun realizing how poorly our experiences have equipped us to make sense of these times, and we have many questions. Join Emily Drew in a conversation that asks, How can we who are white show up as more effective and less damaging participants in struggles to interrupt racism in our community? How can white people engage in efforts to dismantle racism in ways that do not reproduce or place unfair burdens upon people of color to be our teachers? This conversation is for white people to reflect together on what it means to “do our work” as white people, which includes taking responsibility for one another, educating ourselves, and coming to view other white people as our partners—not competition—in developing antiracist identity.

Register for this free program here.

Event | June 14, 2022

Conversation Project: Conspiracy Theories: Truths, Facts, and Tinfoil Hats

The Flat Earth Society. The Illuminati. QAnon. Sometimes it seems like conspiracy theories have been multiplying exponentially, especially in this time of global pandemic. Why do we gravitate toward conspiracy theories to make sense of the world? What human need do these stories fill? In this program, we’ll explore some conspiracy theories old and new, famous and obscure. What common themes do they share? How do they operate as stories and how do they evolve? What’s the difference between a conspiracy theory and myth, folklore, and “fake news”? We’ll talk about the mechanics of conspiracy theories as we explore how to determine what’s true, what’s false, and whom to trust.

This is an in-person event. Proof of vaccination is required to attend. Learn more and RSVP here.

Event | November 17, 2022

Conversation Project: Housing and Belonging

Housing and homelessness is a visible and divisive issue in local media, in politics, and across different communities within our state. Many of us were experiencing housing instability and economic uncertainty even during the “boom” times before the current crisis. This conversation will explore common assumptions and perspectives about the experience of houselessness/homelessness and seek to answer the question, How do we decide who “belongs” in our community?

RSVP here.

Event | June 18, 2022

Conversation Project: Understanding Urban/Rural Divides

We live in a time of increasing polarization that often correlates to divides between urban and rural regions in our state. This polarization is so extreme that it often seems like the two sides may have completely different experiences of the world. Join facilitator Nick Nash in a conversation that asks, How does the urban/rural divide affect the ways we relate to each other as Oregonians? What is the urban/rural divide, and how do we understand it? How does this divide affect our day-to-day lives, our experiences of being governed, and of the COVID-19 pandemic? This conversation is a chance to reflect on the beliefs we have about our urban or rural neighbors with a focus on discovering and abandoning misbeliefs, investigating and learning about the real differences between the urban and the rural, and trying to find things that we all share as Oregonians.

Register for this online event here.

Event | May 10, 2022

Conversation Project: Conspiracy Theories: Truth, Facts, and Tinfoil Hats

The Flat Earth Society. The Illuminati. QAnon. Sometimes it seems like conspiracy theories have been multiplying exponentially, especially in this time of global pandemic. Why do we gravitate toward conspiracy theories to make sense of the world? What human need do these stories fill? In this program, we’ll explore some conspiracy theories old and new, famous and obscure. What common themes do they share? How do they operate as stories and how do they evolve? What’s the difference between a conspiracy theory and myth, folklore, and “fake news”? We’ll talk about the mechanics of conspiracy theories as we explore how to determine what’s true, what’s false, and whom to trust.

Event | June 24, 2022

Conversation Project: Housing and Belonging

Housing and homelessness is a visible and divisive issue in local media, in politics, and across different communities within our state. Many of us were experiencing housing instability and economic uncertainty even during the “boom” times before the current crisis. This conversation will explore common assumptions and perspectives about the experience of houselessness/homelessness and seek to answer the question, How do we decide who “belongs” in our community?

Event | April 23, 2022

Conversation Project: Violencia sexual y el significado de la justicia

Las acusaciones de violencia sexual se han vuelto cada vez más públicas en los últimos años, especialmente con el advenimiento del poderoso movimiento #MeToo. La manera en que tratamos las repercusiones de la violencia sexual es muy compleja y continúa siendo debatida acaloradamente. En esta conversación exploraremos los potenciales significados de la justicia, específicamente en instancias de violencia sexual. ¿Quién la define, cómo se logra y cuándo sabemos que la hemos conseguido? Esta conversación se llevará a cabo en español.

Event | May 26, 2022

Conversation Project: Talking about Dying

Death is a universal event that transcends many of the differences between us. While we focus most on the quality of our lives and well-being, we rarely talk about the quality of our dying and deaths. Now in its sixth year, Oregon Humanities’ Talking about Dying program offers an opportunity to reflect on the stories and cultural influences that shape our thinking about this theme and to share perspectives and ideas with fellow community members. During the program, participants explore such questions as, How might our family, traditions, rituals, religion, and beliefs shape how we think about death? What would a “good death” look like for us? What do we want—and not want—at the end of our life? What are the essential considerations?

Register for this free event here.

Event | March 8, 2022

Conversation Project: Relationships for Resilience

In a time of intensifying social and ecological crises, in a cultural context of individualism, the pressure to practice "self-care," build "personal resilience," and "transform oneself" is pervasive. While "doing your own work" is important, we overemphasize the individual to the detriment of our human communities and the rest of the living world. The deep transformations we need will be cocreated, and the deep resilience we must develop will be relational. In this conversation, we will explore the dynamics of our strongest relationships, seeking to name the qualities and practices that underpin resilience. How can we bring our insights more intentionally and broadly to bear in our human relationships and in our relationships with our home—lands, waters, and ecosystems?

Event | March 3, 2022

Conversation Project: Conspiracy Theories

The Flat Earth Society. The Illuminati. QAnon. Sometimes it seems like conspiracy theories have been multiplying exponentially, especially in this time of global pandemic. Why do we gravitate toward conspiracy theories to make sense of the world? What human need do these stories fill? In this program, we’ll explore some conspiracy theories old and new, famous and obscure. What common themes do they share? How do they operate as stories and how do they evolve? What’s the difference between a conspiracy theory and myth, folklore, and “fake news”? We’ll talk about the mechanics of conspiracy theories as we explore how to determine what’s true, what’s false, and whom to trust.

This program will be held in a hybrid format, both live in person and online via Zoom. Click here to join online.

Event | January 24, 2022

Conversation Project: Violencia sexual y el significado de la justicia

Las acusaciones de violencia sexual se han vuelto cada vez más públicas en los últimos años, especialmente con el advenimiento del poderoso movimiento #MeToo. La manera en que tratamos las repercusiones de la violencia sexual es muy compleja y continúa siendo debatida acaloradamente. En esta conversación exploraremos los potenciales significados de la justicia, específicamente en instancias de violencia sexual. ¿Quién la define, cómo se logra y cuándo sabemos que la hemos conseguido?

Event | July 5, 2022

Loneliness & Aging During COVID-19: Making Space for Our Elders

Most people are finding ways to remain connected to their loved ones during COVID-19. Some are even reaching new levels of intimacy in relationships. But for isolated elderly people who are not computer literate, loneliness has only become more intense over the past year. What beliefs do we hold about loneliness and aging? If we have elderly neighbors and loved ones, what might they need at this time? This conversation, led by Pamela Slaughter, is for people who live near elders or have elderly people in their lives to explore questions, experiences, and obstacles to showing up for elderly people and to generate ideas for connection during this time of heightened isolation.

RSVP at https://josephinelibrary.org/calendar/

Event | December 9, 2021

Conversation Project: Relationships for Resilience

In a time of intensifying social and ecological crises, in a cultural context of individualism, the pressure to practice "self-care," build "personal resilience," and "transform oneself" is pervasive. While "doing your own work" is important, we overemphasize the individual to the detriment of our human communities and the rest of the living world. The deep transformations we need will be cocreated, and the deep resilience we must develop will be relational. In this conversation, we will explore the dynamics of our strongest relationships, seeking to name the qualities and practices that underpin resilience. How can we bring our insights more intentionally and broadly to bear in our human relationships and in our relationships with our home—lands, waters, and ecosystems?

Learn more about this event at crooklib.org.

Event | January 18, 2022

Beyond Fake News

On both national and local levels, Oregonians have seen how the news can both represent and misrepresent the facts at hand. From debate over local opinions on pandemic response or the protests in Portland to the discourse around “alternative facts,” it can seem difficult to find current and accurate information to use as we make decisions in our communities. This conversation, led by librarian Kelly McElroy, gives Oregonians a chance to consider their own practices and values around news consumption and find new ways to get the information they need.

Event | August 10, 2021

Conspiracy Theories

Why do we gravitate toward conspiracy theories to make sense of the world? What human need do these stories fill? In this program, we’ll explore some conspiracy theories old and new, famous and obscure. What common themes do they share? How do they operate as stories and how do they evolve? What’s the difference between a conspiracy theory and myth, folklore, and “fake news”? We’ll talk about the mechanics of conspiracy theories as we explore how to determine what’s true, what’s false, and whom to trust.

Event | August 24, 2021

Conspiracy Theories

In this program, we’ll explore some conspiracy theories old and new, famous and obscure. What common themes do they share? How do they operate as stories and how do they evolve? What’s the difference between a conspiracy theory and myth, folklore, and “fake news”? We’ll talk about the mechanics of conspiracy theories as we explore how to determine what’s true, what’s false, and whom to trust.

Event | July 22, 2021

Loneliness and Aging During COVID-19

Most people are finding ways to remain connected to their loved ones during COVID-19. Some are even reaching new levels of intimacy in relationships. But for isolated elderly people who are not computer literate, loneliness has only become more intense over the past year. What beliefs do we hold about loneliness and aging? If we have elderly neighbors and loved ones, what might they need at this time?

Event | June 22, 2021

Loneliness and Aging During COVID-19

Most people are finding ways to remain connected to their loved ones during COVID-19. Some are even reaching new levels of intimacy in relationships. But for isolated elderly people who are not computer literate, loneliness has only become more intense over the past year. What beliefs do we hold about loneliness and aging? If we have elderly neighbors and loved ones, what might they need at this time?

Event | June 10, 2021

Housing and Belonging

Housing and homelessness is a visible and divisive issue in local media, in politics, and across different communities within our state. Many of us were experiencing housing instability and economic uncertainty even during the “boom” times before the current crisis. This conversation will explore common assumptions and perspectives about the experience of houselessness/homelessness and seek to answer the question, How do we decide who “belongs” in our community?

Event | June 30, 2021

Resources for Conversation Project Hosts

Tips, timelines, and materials for organizations hosting Conversation Project events

Conversation Project | March 12, 2021

The Conversation Project

The Conversation Project is an opportunity for organizations to partner with Oregon Humanities and host a conversation for your community.

Community Conversations | January 24, 2021

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.

Community Conversations | January 24, 2021

Connect in Place

Each Tuesday evening, we’re hosting virtual conversations with communities around the state. Our aim is to create spaces, in this physically separated moment, for Oregonians to gather, connect, reflect, and talk with one another.

Event | April 21, 2020

Cultivating Compassion

Magazine | April 29, 2019

Why DIY? Self-sufficiency and American Life

Are we as self-sufficient as we can be? As we should be? What are the pleasures and pitfalls of doing it yourself? This conversation investigates why we strive to be makers and doers in a world that provides more conveniences than ever before.

Event | December 11, 2018

Conversation Project: Ecology of Creative Space

Gathering Inspiration from the Natural World

Event | November 25, 2018

Conversation Project: Seeing the Forest for the Trees:

Stewarding Our Public Forests

Event | October 26, 2018

Conversation Project: The Space Between Us

Immigrants, Refugees, and Oregon

Event | November 7, 2018

Conversation Project: The Space Between Us

Immigrants, Refugees, and Oregon

Event | November 6, 2018

Conversation Project: Race and Place

Racism and Resilience in Oregon's Past and Future

Event | November 16, 2018

Conversation Project: Won't You Be My Neighbor?

How Relationships Affect the Places We Live

Event | November 14, 2018

Conversation Project: Does Higher Education Matter?

Join educator and activist Paul Susi in a discussion that will examine our assumptions and values around education and its impact on our lives.​​​​​​​

Event | November 8, 2018

Conversation Project: What's the Purpose of Public Education?

Join facilitator Aimee Craig for a conversation that explores the extent to which our various—and sometimes conflicting—ideals about the purpose of public education align with what is happening in our schools.

Event | October 24, 2018

Conversation Project: The Space Between Us

Immigrants, Refugees, and Oregon

Event | October 1, 2018

Conversation Project: Power, Privilege, and Racial Diversity in Oregon

Willamette University professor Emily Drew will lead participants in a conversation about the challenges to creating racially diverse, inclusive communities despite the accomplishments since the civil rights era.

Event | October 1, 2018

Conversation Project: Won't You Be My Neighbor?

How Relationships Affect the Places We Live

Event | October 25, 2018

Conversation Project: Power, Privilege, and Racial Diversity in Oregon

Willamette University professor Emily Drew will lead participants in a conversation about the challenges to creating racially diverse, inclusive communities despite the accomplishments since the civil rights era.

Event | October 29, 2018

Conversation Project: Race and Adoption

In this conversation, facilitator Astrid Castro will ask participants to explore questions such as, What role do race and racism play in your family? What are the personal experiences that inform how you talk to adopted children in your life about where they are from? Where do you need to grow to be the best resource you can be for children who are adopted?

Event | November 6, 2018

Conversation Project: Won't You Be My Neighbor?

How Relationships Affect the Places We Live

Event | November 18, 2018

Conversation Project: Won't You Be My Neighbor?

How Relationships Affect the Places We Live

Event | November 29, 2018

Conversation Project: Beyond Invitation

How Do We Create Inclusive Communities?

Event | December 3, 2018

Conversation Project: The Space Between Us

Immigrants, Refugees, and Oregon

Event | October 23, 2018

Conversation Project: Beyond Invitation

How Do We Create Inclusive Communities?

Event | October 18, 2018

Conversation Project: How Do Our Values Influence Environmental Policy?

Given competing interests and visions of the public good, how do we protect our common resources such as land, water, and air? Join philosopher Monica Mueller to explore our environmental values and question how those values are reflected—or not reflected—in current local, national, and global environmental policies.

Event | October 16, 2018

Conversation Project: Beyond Fake News

How We Find Accurate Information about the World

Event | October 18, 2018

Conversation Project: Beyond Fake News

How We Find Accurate Information about the World

Event | October 11, 2018

Conversation Project: Beyond Fake News

How We Find Accurate Information about the World

Event | September 27, 2018

Conversation Project: Beyond Fake News

How We Find Accurate Information about the World

Event | October 17, 2018

Conversation Project: Who Are the Deserving Poor?

Join facilitator Erica Tucker for a conversation that explores our beliefs about poverty and asks us to consider our assumptions about who should—and shouldn’t—be eligible for support.

Event | October 18, 2018

Conversation Project: Why DIY? Self-sufficiency and American Life

Are we as self-sufficient as we can be? As we should be? What are the pleasures and pitfalls of doing it yourself? This conversation investigates why we strive to be makers and doers in a world that provides more conveniences than ever before.

Event | September 25, 2018

Engaging as Fellow Humans

Tyler White creates conversations for social change.

Magazine | August 30, 2018

Conversation Project: Showing Up

What Does It Mean to Belong to a Community?

Event | July 14, 2018

Conversation Project: Good Food, Bad Food

Agriculture, Ethics, and Personal Choice

Event | September 20, 2018

Conversation Project: Just a Number

Aging and Intergenerational Friendship

Event | August 3, 2018

Conversation Project: Everyday Leaders

Recognizing Leadership Beyond Power and Authority

Event | August 30, 2018

Conversation Project: What Makes Life Meaningful?

This conversation with philosophy professor Prakash Chenjeri and chaplain Fred Grewe aims to engage participants in a thoughtful and meaningful discussion about this very human question.

Event | June 20, 2018

Conversation Project: Faith and Politics in Oregon and Beyond

This conversation explores how our religious ideas and political identities mix and what it means for our common life together.

Event | July 8, 2018

Conversation Project: How Do Our Values Influence Environmental Policy?

This conversation explores our environmental values and questions how those values are reflected—or not reflected—in current local, national, and global environmental policies.

Event | June 28, 2018

Conversation Project: Good Food, Bad Food

Agriculture, Ethics, and Personal Choice

Event | June 20, 2018

Conversation Project: Good Food, Bad Food

Agriculture, Ethics, and Personal Choice

Event | June 21, 2018

Conversation Project: Beyond Invitation

How Do We Create Inclusive Communities?

Event | May 30, 2018

Conversation Project: What We Risk

Creativity, Vulnerability, and Art

Event | May 12, 2018

Conversation Project: What's in a Label?

Thinking about Diversity and Racial Categories

Event | May 22, 2018

Conversation Project: Is Technology Outpacing Our Humanity?

Facilitator Manuel Padilla will lead this conversation to explore how technology shapes our moral reasoning and our perceptions of, and relationships with, one another.

Event | September 12, 2018

Conversation Project: Where Are You From?

Drawing on the diverse histories and backgrounds of participants, Kerani Mitchell leads a conversation that asks what makes us Oregonian and how can we create inclusive communities.

Event | September 6, 2018

Conversation Project: Showing Up

Join facilitator Chi Mei Tam in this conversation to explore what it means to be part of a community. What does it looks like when community shows up for you and vice versa?  How does it work? To what extent are shared values and identities in our community enough or not enough to help us thrive?

Event | August 10, 2018

Conversation Project: What Is Cultural Appropriation?

Issues of cultural appropriation and identity are complicated. Facilitator Surabhi Mahajan will lead us in a conversation to explore cultural appropriation beyond who’s “allowed” to wear certain clothing or cook particular foods.

Event | July 13, 2018

Conversation Project: Race and Place

Facilitators Anita Yap and Traci Price will lead participants in a conversation that looks at how Oregon’s history of racism influences our present and asks, How can understanding historic and current impacts of racism in Oregon contribute to our sense of place and vision of the future?

Event | June 26, 2018

Conversation Project: The Space Between Us

In this conversation, Manuel Padilla, who has worked with refugees in Haiti, Chad, and Washington, DC, asks participants to consider questions of uprootedness, hospitality, identity, perception, and integration and how we might build more informed, responsive, resilient, and vibrant communities.

Event | June 8, 2018

Conversation Project: What We Risk

Join artist and educator Jason Graham, a slam poetry champion and speaker who performs hip hop as MOsley WOtta, for a conversation exploring the relationship between self-expression and vulnerability.

Event | June 3, 2018

Conversation Project: What Is Cultural Appropriation?

Issues of cultural appropriation and identity are complicated. Facilitator Surabhi Mahajan will lead us in a conversation to explore cultural appropriation beyond who’s “allowed” to wear certain clothing or cook particular foods.

Event | July 25, 2018

Conversation Project: Ritual and Ceremony in Modern Life

Holly Pruett leads a conversation about the role of ritual and ceremony in participants’ family and cultural histories, the impact of life events that have passed unobserved, and the new ceremonies that people are creating to mark these milestones.

Event | August 15, 2018

Conversation Project: Showing Up

Join facilitator Chi Mei Tam in this conversation to explore what it means to be part of a community. What does it looks like when community shows up for you and vice versa?  How does it work? To what extent are shared values and identities in our community enough or not enough to help us thrive?

Event | August 30, 2018

Conversation Project: Fish Tales

Traditions and Challenges of Seafood in Oregon

Event | June 2, 2018

Conversation Project: Seeing the Forest for the Trees

Stewarding Our Public Forests

Event | May 6, 2018

Conversation Project: Fish Tales

Traditions and Challenges of Seafood in Oregon

Event | July 6, 2018

Conversation Project: Beyond Fake News

How We Find Accurate Information about the World

Event | April 26, 2018

Conversation Project: What We Risk

Creativity, Vulnerability, and Art

Event | June 6, 2018

Conversation Project: How Do Our Values Influence Environmental Policy?

This conversation explores our environmental values and question how those values are reflected—or not reflected—in current policies.

Event | May 31, 2018

Conversation Project: What Makes a Job Good?

This conversation engages participants in exploring the quality and meanings of work in their own lives and in the lives of others.

Event | May 19, 2018

Conversation Project: Crime and Punishment in Oregon

This conversation explores why and how we punish and asks, are there other ways that are more effective, reasonable, or desireable?

Event | May 10, 2018

Conversation Project: What We Risk

Creativity, Vulnerability, and Art

Event | April 28, 2018

Conversation Project: The Space Between Us

Immigrants, Refugees, and Oregon

Event | April 23, 2018

Conversation Project: In Science We Trust?

The Role of Science in a Democracy

Event | April 19, 2018

Conversation Project: Is Technology Outpacing Our Humanity?

This conversation will explore how technology shapes our moral reasoning and our perceptions of, and relationships with, one another.

Event | April 18, 2018

Conversation Project: In Science We Trust?

The Role of Science in a Democracy

Event | April 18, 2018

Conversation Project: What Is Cultural Appropriation?

Issues of cultural appropriation and identity are complicated. Facilitator Surabhi Mahajan will lead us in a conversation to explore cultural appropriation beyond who’s “allowed” to wear certain clothing or cook particular foods.

Event | April 26, 2018

Conversation Project: Keeping Tabs on America

Surveillance and You

Event | May 6, 2018

Conversation Project: Everyday Leaders

Recognizing Leadership Beyond Power and Authority

Event | April 30, 2018

Conversation Project: Keeping Tabs on America

Surveillance and You

Event | April 14, 2018

Conversation Project: Stone Soup

How Recipes Can Preserve History and Nourish Community

Event | April 14, 2018

Conversation Project: Does Higher Education Matter?

Join educator and activist Paul Susi in a discussion that will examine our assumptions and values around education and its impact on our lives.

Event | June 4, 2018

Conversation Project: Just a Number

Aging and Intergenerational Friendship

Event | May 4, 2018

Conversation Project: Beyond Fake News

How We Find Accurate Information about the World

Event | April 28, 2018

Conversation Project: Beyond Invitation

How Do We Create Inclusive Communities?

Event | April 23, 2018

Conversation Project: The Space Between Us

Immigrants, Refugees, and Oregon

Event | April 22, 2018

Conversation Project: What's in a Label?

Thinking about Diversity and Racial Categories

Event | April 11, 2018

Conversation Project: What Is Cultural Appropriation?

Issues of cultural appropriation and identity are complicated. Facilitator Surabhi Mahajan will lead us in a conversation to explore cultural appropriation beyond who’s “allowed” to wear certain clothing or cook particular foods.

Event | May 19, 2018

Conversation Project: What Is Cultural Appropriation?

Issues of cultural appropriation and identity are complicated. Facilitator Surabhi Mahajan will lead us in a conversation to explore cultural appropriation beyond who’s “allowed” to wear certain clothing or cook particular foods.

Event | March 24, 2018

Conversation Project: Stone Soup

How Recipes can Preserve History and Nourish Community

Event | June 23, 2018

Conversation Project: Power, Privilege, and Racial Diversity in Oregon

Many Oregonians value racial diversity and the dimension and depth it adds to our lives, yet we remain largely isolated from one another and have yet to fulfill the vision of a racially integrated society. Willamette University professor Emily Drew will lead participants in a conversation that explores some of the causes of this continued isolation and the differences of experience between Oregonians of different races.

Event | July 14, 2018

Conversation Project: What We Owe

Living With Debt

Event | March 11, 2018

Conversation Project: Does Higher Education Matter?

Join educator and activist Paul Susi in a discussion that will examine our assumptions and values around education and its impact on our lives.

Event | March 11, 2018

Conversation Project: What Makes Life Meaningful?

The question of what makes life meaningful has occupied human thinking for thousands of years. This conversation with philosophy professor Prakash Chenjeri and chaplain Fred Grewe aims to engage participants in a thoughtful and meaningful discussion about this very human question.

Event | March 25, 2018

Conversation Project: What Does it Mean to be Good?

Exploring Morality in the Midst of Structural Oppression

Event | March 25, 2018

Conversation Project: Just a Number

Event | March 2, 2018

Conversation Project: What We Risk

Event | February 28, 2018

Conversation Project: Everyday Leaders

Recognizing Leadership Beyond Power and Authority

Event | March 29, 2018

Conversation Project: Beyond Invitation

How Do We Create Inclusive Communities?

Event | March 10, 2018

Conversation Project: Democracy from the Inside Out

Listening to Our Consciences and Our Neighbors

Event | March 8, 2018

Conversation Project: Power, Privilege, and Racial Diversity in Oregon

Willamette University professor Emily Drew will lead participants in a conversation that explores the differences of experience between Oregonians of different races, such as institutional racism, white privilege, and unconscious bias.

Event | February 21, 2018

Conversation Project: The Space Between Us

Immigrants, Refugees, and Oregon

Event | February 26, 2018

Conversation Project: After Obama *POSTPONED*

Talking Race in America Today

Event | February 27, 2018

Conversation Project: Is Technology Outpacing Our Humanity?

Facilitator Manuel Padilla will lead this conversation to explore how technology shapes our moral reasoning and our perceptions of, and relationships with, one another.

Event | July 11, 2018

Conversation Project: Talking about Dying

This conversation provides an opportunity for participants to reflect on what stories and influences shape their thinking about death and dying and to hear perspectives and ideas from fellow community members.

Event | June 3, 2018

Conversation Project: Beyond Fake News

How We Find Accurate Information about the World

Event | April 26, 2018

Conversation Project: A Place to Call Home

Exploring Housing in Oregon

Event | April 13, 2018

Conversation Project: The Middle Class and Other Stories about Wealth, Status, and Power

Join Oregon Humanities Executive Director Adam Davis for a conversation that explores what we think and how we talk about class in Oregon and the nation. What exactly, for example, is the middle class, who does it include and exclude, and why does it get so much attention?

Event | April 3, 2018

Conversation Project: What Does it Mean to be Good?

Exploring Morality in the Midst of Structural Oppression

Event | May 10, 2018

Conversation Project: Keeping Tabs on America

Surveillance and You

Event | May 16, 2018

Conversation Project: Talking about Dying

This conversation provides an opportunity for participants to reflect on what stories and influences shape their thinking about death and dying and to hear perspectives and ideas from fellow community members.

Event | March 5, 2018

Conversation Project: What Is Cultural Appropriation?

Issues of cultural appropriation and identity are complicated. Facilitator Surabhi Mahajan will lead us in a conversation to explore cultural appropriation beyond who’s “allowed” to wear certain clothing or cook particular foods.

Event | February 17, 2018

Conversation Project: What Is Cultural Appropriation?

Issues of cultural appropriation and identity are complicated. Facilitator Surabhi Mahajan will lead us in a conversation to explore cultural appropriation beyond who’s “allowed” to wear certain clothing or cook particular foods.

Event | February 17, 2018

Conversation Project: Where Are You From?

Exploring What Makes Us Oregonians

Event | March 10, 2018

Conversation Project: What We Risk *RESCHEDULED*

Creativity, Vulnerability, and Art

Event | April 2, 2018

Conversation Project: Talking about Dying

This conversation provides an opportunity for participants to reflect on what stories and influences shape their thinking about death and dying and to hear perspectives and ideas from fellow community members.

Event | February 28, 2018

Conversation Project: Talking about Dying

This conversation provides an opportunity for participants to reflect on what stories and influences shape their thinking about death and dying and to hear perspectives and ideas from fellow community members.

Event | February 28, 2018

Conversation Project: Power, Privilege, and Racial Diversity in Oregon

Willamette University professor Emily Drew will lead participants in a conversation that explores some of the causes of this continued isolation and the differences of experience between Oregonians of different races—such as institutional racism, white privilege, and unconscious bias.

Event | March 5, 2018

Conversation Project: Talking about Dying

This conversation provides an opportunity for participants to reflect on what stories and influences shape their thinking about death and dying and to hear perspectives and ideas from fellow community members.

Event | March 7, 2018

Conversation Project: Power, Privilege, and Racial Diversity in Oregon

Willamette University professor Emily Drew will lead participants in a conversation that explores some of the causes of this continued isolation and the differences of experience between Oregonians of different races—such as institutional racism, white privilege, and unconscious bias.

Event | March 7, 2018

Conversation Project: Fish Tales

Traditions and Challenges of Seafood in Oregon

Event | March 11, 2018

Conversation Project: Is Technology Outpacing Our Humanity?

Facilitator Manuel Padilla will lead this conversation to explore how technology shapes our moral reasoning and our perceptions of, and relationships with, one another.

Event | March 14, 2018

Conversation Project: Fish Tales

Traditions and Challenges of Seafood in Oregon

Event | April 24, 2018

Conversation Project: What Makes a Job Good?

This conversation, led by historian Nikki Mandell, will engage participants in thinking about and discussing work more deeply. Participants will explore the quality and meanings of work in their own lives and those of people different from themselves and the connections between work as a personal endeavor and jobs as part of local and national economies.

Event | May 3, 2018

Conversation Project: Ritual and Ceremony in Modern Life

Holly Pruett, a life-cycle celebrant who works with individuals, families, and communities to commemorate such occasions, leads a conversation about the role of ritual and ceremony in participants’ family and cultural histories and the new ceremonies that people are creating to mark these milestones.

Event | May 19, 2018

Conversation Project: What Does It Mean to Be Good?

Exploring Morality in the Midst of Structural Oppression

Event | February 15, 2018

Conversation Project: After Obama *POSTPONED*

Talking Race in America Today

Event | February 22, 2018

Conversation Project: Beyond Invitation

How Do We Create Inclusive Communities?

Event | February 26, 2018

Conversation Project: Beyond Invitation

How Do We Create Inclusive Communities?

Event | February 27, 2018

Conversation Project: Stone Soup

How Recipes Can Preserve History and Nourish Community

Event | March 17, 2018

Conversation Project: What Does It Mean to Be Good?

Exploring Morality in the Midst of Structural Oppression

Event | April 18, 2018

Conversation Project: Talking about Dying

This conversation provides an opportunity for participants to reflect on what stories and influences shape their thinking about death and dying and to hear perspectives and ideas from fellow community members.

Event | April 18, 2018

Conversation Project Leader Webinar

Learn about being an Oregon Humanities Conversation Project leader

Event | January 17, 2018

Conversation Project Leader Application Deadline

Oregon Humanities is looking for people who want to get people talking, listening, and connecting to one another.

Event | February 9, 2018

Conversation Project: Power, Privilege, and Racial Diversity in Oregon

Willamette University professor Emily Drew will lead participants in a conversation that explores some of the causes of this continued isolation and the differences of experience between Oregonians of different races—such as institutional racism, white privilege, and unconscious bias.

Event | February 17, 2018

Conversation Project: Talking about Dying

This conversation provides an opportunity for participants to reflect on what stories and influences shape their thinking about death and dying and to hear perspectives and ideas from fellow community members.

Event | February 26, 2018

Conversation Project: Fish Tales

Traditions and Challenges of Seafood in Oregon

Event | March 10, 2018

Conversation Project: Beyond Fake News

How We Find Accurate Information about the World

Event | March 13, 2018

Conversation Project: Race and Place

Racism and Resilience in Oregon's Past and Future

Event | March 23, 2018

Conversation Project: What Makes Life Meaningful?

This conversation with philosophy professor Prakash Chenjeri and chaplain Fred Grewe aims to engage participants in a thoughtful and meaningful discussion about this very human question.

Event | March 27, 2018

Conversation Project: Beyond Fake News

How We Find Accurate Information about the World

Event | March 30, 2018

Conversation Project: The Space Between Us

Immigrants, Refugees, and Oregon

Event | April 8, 2018

Conversation Project: Talking about Dying

This conversation provides an opportunity for participants to reflect on what stories and influences shape their thinking about death and dying and to hear perspectives and ideas from fellow community members.

Event | May 5, 2018

Conversation Project: Race and Place

Racism and Resilience in Oregon's Past and Future

Event | May 9, 2018

Conversation Project: Fish Tales

Traditions and Challenges of Seafood in Oregon

Event | May 23, 2018

Conversation Project: Seeing the Forest for the Trees

Stewarding Our Public Forests

Event | June 14, 2018

Conversation Project: Beyond Invitation

How do you know if a space is inclusive and accessible for all, and is such a goal even possible? What do you do about the tension between people who have different needs to feel included? Join Rachel Bernstein to explore what it takes to make the shift from invitation to inclusion.

Event | March 15, 2018

Conversation Project: Fish Tales

Traditions and Challenges of Seafood in Oregon

Event | May 22, 2018

Conversation Project: Fish Tales

Traditions and Challenges of Seafood in Oregon

Event | May 24, 2018

Conversation Project: Talking about Dying

This conversation provides an opportunity for participants to reflect on what stories and influences shape their thinking about death and dying and to hear perspectives and ideas from fellow community members.

Event | August 17, 2018

Conversation Project: Fish Tales

Traditions and Challenges of Seafood in Oregon

Event | February 9, 2018

Conversation Project: Beyond Invitation

How Do We Create Inclusive Communities?

Event | January 17, 2018

Conversation Project: Fish Tales

Traditions and Challenges of Seafood in Oregon

Event | February 6, 2018

Conversation Project: Faith and Politics in Oregon and Beyond

Join writer, educator, and former minister Russ Pierson in a conversation about how our religious ideas and political identities mix and what it means for our common life together.

Event | February 4, 2018

Read. Talk. Think.

Things that make you say O. Hm.

Magazine | December 15, 2017

Conversation Project: The World to Come

How Our Fear about the Future Affects Our Actions

Event | January 25, 2018

Conversation Project: Race and Place

Racism and Resilience in Oregon's Past and Future

Event | January 25, 2018

Conversation Project: What's in a Label?

Thinking about Diversity and Racial Categories

Event | January 30, 2018

Conversation Project: What's in a Label?

Thinking about Diversity and Racial Categories

Event | October 28, 2017

Conversation Project: Beyond Fake News

How We Find Accurate Information about the World

Event | March 3, 2018

Conversation Project: Seeing the Forest for the Trees

Stewarding Our Public Forests

Event | March 29, 2018

Conversation Project: What Is Cultural Appropriation?

Issues of cultural appropriation and identity are complicated. Facilitator Surabhi Mahajan will lead us in a conversation to explore cultural appropriation beyond who’s “allowed” to wear certain clothing or cook particular foods.

Event | February 1, 2018

Conversation Project: Beyond Invitation

How Do We Create Inclusive Communities?

Event | February 22, 2018

Conversation Project: The Space Between Us

Immigrants, Refugees, and Oregon

Event | February 28, 2018

Conversation Project: What Is Cultural Appropriation?

Issues of cultural appropriation and identity are complicated. Facilitator Surabhi Mahajan will lead us in a conversation to explore cultural appropriation beyond who’s “allowed” to wear certain clothing or cook particular foods.

Event | March 22, 2018

Conversation Project: Ritual and Ceremony in Modern Life

Holly Pruett, a life-cycle celebrant who works with individuals, families, and communities to commemorate such occasions, leads a conversation about the role of ritual and ceremony in participants’ family and cultural histories.

Event | April 19, 2018

Conversation Project: Race and Place

Racism and Resilience in Oregon's Past and Future

Event | April 20, 2018

Conversation Project: Where Are Queer People Welcome?

A majority of Americans now accept gay and lesbian relationships, but the queer population is made up of a diversity of communities and experiences. Are all queer people accepted, tolerated, and embraced everywhere? Join facilitator Jill Winsor in a discussion that explores how the complexity of the queer community intersects with the spaces and communities that surround us.

Event | April 26, 2018

Conversation Project: What Is Cultural Appropriation?

Issues of cultural appropriation and identity are complicated. Facilitator Surabhi Mahajan will lead us in a conversation to explore cultural appropriation beyond who’s “allowed” to wear certain clothing or cook particular foods.

Event | June 10, 2018

Conversation Project: The Middle Class and Other Stories about Wealth, Status, and Power

Join Oregon Humanities Executive Director Adam Davis for a conversation that explores what we think and how we talk about class in Oregon and the nation. What exactly, for example, is the middle class, who does it include and exclude, and why does it get so much attention?

Event | June 14, 2018

Conversation Project: Talking about Dying

This conversation provides an opportunity for participants to reflect on what stories and influences shape their thinking about death and dying and to hear perspectives and ideas from fellow community members.

Event | March 11, 2018

Conversation Project: Fish Tales

Traditions and Challenges of Seafood in Oregon

Event | January 12, 2018

Conversation Project: Keeping Tabs on America

Surveillance and You

Event | February 22, 2018

Conversation Project: Keeping Tabs on America

Surveillance and You

Event | March 16, 2018

Conversation Project: Just a Number

Aging and Intergenerational Friendship

Event | March 27, 2018

Conversation Project: What We Risk

Creativity, Vulnerability, and Art

Event | December 9, 2017

Conversation Project: After Obama

Talking Race in America Today

Event | January 7, 2018

Conversation Project: Fish Tales

Traditions and Challenges of Seafood in Oregon

Event | January 11, 2018

Conversation Project: In Science We Trust?

The Role of Science in a Democracy

Event | January 21, 2018

Conversation Project: In Science We Trust?

The Role of Science in a Democracy

Event | January 24, 2018

Conversation Project: Talking about Dying

This conversation provides an opportunity for participants to reflect on what stories and influences shape their thinking about death and dying and to hear perspectives and ideas from fellow community members.

Event | February 1, 2018

Conversation Project: Race and Place

Racism and Resilience in Oregon's Past and Future

Event | February 8, 2018

Conversation Project: How Do Our Values Influence Environmental Policy?

Given competing interests and visions of the public good, how do we protect our common resources such as land, water, and air? Join philosopher Monica Mueller to explore our environmental values and question how those values are reflected—or not reflected—in current local, national, and global environmental policies.

Event | February 18, 2018

Conversation Project: Is Technology Outpacing Our Humanity?

Whether it be automation, the iPhone, or gene editing, some say our technical capacities have outstripped our moral knowledge. Others believe they have provided us immense creativity in dealing with our biggest ethical questions. Are these mutually exclusive? Facilitator Manuel Padilla will lead this conversation to explore how technology shapes our moral reasoning and our perceptions of, and relationships with, one another.

Event | March 8, 2018

Conversation Project: Democracy from the Inside Out

Listening to Our Consciences and Our Neighbors

Event | March 15, 2018

Conversation Project: Is Technology Outpacing Our Humanity?

Whether it be automation, the iPhone, or gene editing, some say our technical capacities have outstripped our moral knowledge. Others believe they have provided us immense creativity in dealing with our biggest ethical questions. Are these mutually exclusive? Facilitator Manuel Padilla will lead this conversation to explore how technology shapes our moral reasoning and our perceptions of, and relationships with, one another.

Event | April 4, 2018

Conversation Project: Just a Number

Aging and Intergenerational Friendship

Event | April 7, 2018

Conversation Project: How Do We Create Equitable Spaces Within Our Public Lands?

Educator Gabe Sheoships leads a discussion about what a relationship with nature means, how we can provide inclusive and equitable spaces within our public lands and natural areas, and how we can begin to work toward healing relationships with our land.

Event | April 16, 2018

Conversation Project: Talking about Dying

This conversation provides an opportunity for participants to reflect on what stories and influences shape their thinking about death and dying and to hear perspectives and ideas from fellow community members.

Event | February 7, 2018

Conversation Project: What Makes a Job Good? *POSTPONED*

Most adults spend most of their waking hours working. Yet, we rarely have the time to consider why certain work brings us satisfaction and other work does not. This conversation, led by historian Nikki Mandell, will engage participants in thinking about and discussing work more deeply.

Event | February 28, 2018

Conversation Project: Where Are Queer People Welcome?

A majority of Americans now accept gay and lesbian relationships, but the queer population is made up of a diversity of communities and experiences. Are all queer people accepted, tolerated, and embraced everywhere? Join facilitator Jill Winsor in a discussion that explores how the complexity of the queer community intersects with the spaces and communities that surround us.

Event | April 2, 2018

Conversation Project: Talking about Dying

This conversation provides an opportunity for participants to reflect on what stories and influences shape their thinking about death and dying and to hear perspectives and ideas from fellow community members.

Event | May 12, 2018

Conversation Project: Talking about Dying

This conversation provides an opportunity for participants to reflect on what stories and influences shape their thinking about death and dying and to hear perspectives and ideas from fellow community members.

Event | April 19, 2018

Conversation Project: Stone Soup

How Recipes Can Preserve History and Nourish Community

Event | March 15, 2018

Conversation Project: Talking about Dying

This conversation provides an opportunity for participants to reflect on what stories and influences shape their thinking about death and dying and to hear perspectives and ideas from fellow community members.

Event | March 11, 2018

Conversation Project: Talking about Dying

This conversation provides an opportunity for participants to reflect on what stories and influences shape their thinking about death and dying and to hear perspectives and ideas from fellow community members.

Event | March 4, 2018

Conversation Project: Talking about Dying

This conversation provides an opportunity for participants to reflect on what stories and influences shape their thinking about death and dying and to hear perspectives and ideas from fellow community members.

Event | March 3, 2018

Conversation Project: Talking about Dying

This conversation provides an opportunity for participants to reflect on what stories and influences shape their thinking about death and dying and to hear perspectives and ideas from fellow community members.

Event | January 25, 2018

Conversation Project: Talking about Dying

This conversation provides an opportunity for participants to reflect on what stories and influences shape their thinking about death and dying and to hear perspectives and ideas from fellow community members.

Event | February 3, 2018

Conversation Project: Beyond Invitation

How Do We Create Inclusive Communities?

Event | February 21, 2018

Conversation Project: Beyond Invitation

How Do We Create Inclusive Communities?

Event | May 17, 2018

Conversation Project: After Obama

Talking Race in America Today

Event | January 16, 2018

Conversation Project: Talking about Dying

This conversation provides an opportunity for participants to reflect on what stories and influences shape their thinking about death and dying and to hear perspectives and ideas from fellow community members.

Event | January 18, 2018

Conversation Project: Talking about Dying

This conversation provides an opportunity for participants to reflect on what stories and influences shape their thinking about death and dying and to hear perspectives and ideas from fellow community members.

Event | April 10, 2018

Conversation Project: Talking about Dying

This conversation provides an opportunity for participants to reflect on what stories and influences shape their thinking about death and dying and to hear perspectives and ideas from fellow community members.

Event | March 25, 2018

Conversation Project: Talking about Dying

This conversation provides an opportunity for participants to reflect on what stories and influences shape their thinking about death and dying and to hear perspectives and ideas from fellow community members.

Event | February 24, 2018

Conversation Project: A Place to Call Home

Exploring Housing in Oregon

Event | November 18, 2017

Conversation Project: Beyond Fake News

How We Find Accurate Information about the World

Event | November 9, 2017

Conversation Project: Race and Place

Racism and Resilience in Oregon's Past and Future

Event | December 7, 2017

Conversation Project: Talking about Dying (POSTPONED)

This conversation provides an opportunity for participants to reflect on what stories and influences shape their thinking about death and dying and to hear perspectives and ideas from fellow community members.

Event | February 13, 2018

Conversation Project: After Obama

Talking Race in America Today

Event | February 17, 2018

Conversation Project: Race and Place

Racism and Resilience in Oregon's Past and Future

Event | February 15, 2018

Conversation Project: Beyond Invitation

How Do We Create Inclusive Communities?

Event | November 8, 2017

Conversation Project: What's in a Label?

Thinking about Diversity and Racial Categories

Event | November 1, 2017

Conversation Project: Beyond Fake News

How We Find Accurate Information about the World

Event | November 1, 2017

Conversation Project: Race and Place

Racism and Resilience in Oregon's Past and Future

Event | October 26, 2017

Conversation Project: Beyond Invitation

How Do We Create Inclusive Communities?

Event | January 29, 2018

Conversation Project: From Saving to Serving

On Intervening in the Lives of Others

Event | January 31, 2018

Conversation Project: Does Higher Education Matter?

This conversation will examine our assumptions and values around education and its impact on our lives.

Event | April 19, 2018

Conversation Project: Stone Soup

How Recipes Can Preserve History and Nourish Community

Event | February 24, 2018

Conversation Project: What Does It Mean to Be American?

Given the differences of race, ethnicity, place, religion, wealth, language, education, and ideology that exist in the US, what are the things that unite us a nation?

Event | February 7, 2018

Conversation Project: A Place to Call Home

Exploring Housing in Oregon

Event | January 20, 2018

Conversation Project: From Saving to Serving

On Intervening in the Lives of Others

Event | December 6, 2017

Conversation Project: Talking About Dying

This conversation provides an opportunity for participants to reflect on what stories and influences shape their thinking about death and dying and to hear perspectives and ideas from fellow community members.

Event | January 30, 2018

Conversation Project: The World to Come

How Our Fear about the Future Affects Our Actions

Event | February 21, 2018

Conversation Project: What's in a Label?

Thinking about Diversity and Racial Categories

Event | April 30, 2018

Conversation Project: The Space Between Us

Immigrants, Refugees, and Oregon

Event | December 6, 2017

Conversation Project: What Does it Mean to Be Good?

Exploring Morality in the Midst of Structural Oppression

Event | October 14, 2017

Conversation Project: Keeping Tabs on America

Surveillance and You

Event | November 8, 2017

Conversation Project: A Place to Call Home

Exploring Housing in Oregon

Event | November 30, 2017

Conversation Project: Democracy from the Inside Out

Listening to Our Consciences and Our Neighbors

Event | November 2, 2017

Conversation Project: Power, Privilege, and Racial Diversity in Oregon

What systems are in place to prevent the racial integration and equity many of us strive for? Knowing what we do, how do we act—as individuals and communities—to embrace the opportunity presented by a more diverse Oregon?

Event | October 26, 2017

Conversation Project: Race and Place

Racism and Resilience in Oregon's Past and Future

Event | May 12, 2018

Conversation Project: Beyond Fake News

How We Find Accurate Information about the World

Event | January 14, 2018

Conversation Project: Fish Tales

Traditions and Challenges of Seafood in Oregon

Event | January 10, 2018

Conversation Project: Fish Tales

Traditions and Challenges of Seafood in Oregon

Event | October 20, 2017

Conversation Project: Seeing the Forest for the Trees

Stewarding Our Public Forests

Event | March 10, 2018

Conversation Project: A Place to Call Home

Exploring Housing in Oregon

Event | March 12, 2018

Conversation Project: After Obama *CANCELLED*

Talking Race in America Today

Event | March 24, 2018

Conversation Project: The Middle Class and Other Stories about Wealth, Status, and Power

What exactly is the middle class, who does it include and exclude, and why does it get so much attention? Join Oregon Humanities Executive Director Adam Davis for a conversation that explores what we think and how we talk about class in Oregon and the nation.

Event | April 21, 2018

Conversation Project: Race and Place

Racism and Resilience in Oregon's Past and Future

Event | November 11, 2017

Conversation Project: Where Are Queer People Welcome?

Join facilitator Jill Winsor in a discussion that explores how the complexity of the queer community intersects with the spaces and communities that surround us.

Event | November 10, 2017

Conversation Project: A Place to Call Home

Exploring Housing in Oregon

Event | November 5, 2017

Conversation Project: Beyond Fake News

How We Find Accurate Information about the World

Event | November 4, 2017

Conversation Project: What's in a Label?

Thinking about Diversity and Racial Categories

Event | October 28, 2017

Conversation Project: What We Risk

Creativity, Vulnerability, and Art

Event | October 20, 2017

Conversation Project: Just a Number

Aging and Intergenerational Friendship

Event | October 19, 2017

Conversation Project: What Does It Mean to Be American?

Given the differences of race, ethnicity, place, religion, wealth, language, education, and ideology that exist in the US, what are the things that unite us a nation?

Event | October 11, 2017

Conversation Project: The Space Between Us

Immigrants, Refugees, and Oregon

Event | October 10, 2017

Conversation Project: Is Technology Outpacing Our Humanity?

Whether it be automation, the iPhone, or gene editing, some say our technical capacities have outstripped our moral knowledge. Others believe they have provided us immense creativity in dealing with our biggest ethical questions. Are these mutually exclusive?

Event | November 15, 2017

Conversation Project: Seeing the Forest for the Trees

Stewarding Our Public Forests

Event | November 16, 2017

Conversation Project: What Makes Life Meaningful?

The question of what makes life meaningful has occupied human thinking for thousands of years. This conversation with philosophy professor Prakash Chenjeri and chaplain Fred Grewe aims to engage participants in a thoughtful and meaningful discussion about this very human question.

Event | December 2, 2017

Conversation Project: The World to Come

How Our Fear about the Future Affects Our Actions

Event | January 10, 2018

Conversation Project: Stone Soup

How Recipes Can Preserve History and Nourish Community

Event | November 16, 2017

Conversation Project: Beyond Fake News

How We Find Accurate Information about the World

Event | December 7, 2017

Conversation Project: Where Are You From?

Exploring What Makes Us Oregonians

Event | December 18, 2017

Conversation Project: The Middle Class and Other Stories about Wealth, Status, and Power

What exactly is the middle class, who does it include and exclude, and why does it get so much attention? Join Oregon Humanities Executive Director Adam Davis for a conversation that explores what we think and how we talk about class in Oregon and the nation.

Event | January 20, 2018

Conversation Project: Beyond Invitation

How Do We Create Inclusive Communities?

Event | January 23, 2018

Conversation Project: In Good Faith

Exploring Religious Difference in Oregon

Event | March 15, 2018

Conversation Project: Just a Number

Aging and Intergenerational Friendship

Event | April 14, 2018

Conversation Project: Seeing the Forest for the Trees

Stewarding Our Public Forests

Event | June 16, 2018

Conversation Project: Beyond Fake News

How We Find Accurate Information about the World

Event | November 2, 2017

Conversation Project: Fish Tales

Traditions and Challenges of Seafood in Oregon

Event | October 26, 2017

Conversation Project: How Do Our Values Influence Environmental Policy?

Join philosopher Monica Mueller to explore our environmental values and question how those values are reflected—or not reflected—in current local, national, and global environmental policies.

Event | November 4, 2017

Conversation Project: Good Food, Bad Food

Agriculture, Ethics, and Personal Choice

Event | October 10, 2017

Conversation Project: What Are You?

Mixed-Race and Interracial Families in Oregon’s Past and Future

Event | March 28, 2018

Conversation Project: Just a Number

Aging and Intergenerational Friendship

Event | September 28, 2017

Conversation Project: A Place to Call Home

Exploring Housing in Oregon

Event | October 10, 2017

Conversation Project: Beyond Invitation

How Do We Create Inclusive Communities?

Event | December 7, 2017

Conversation Project: Crime and Punishment in Oregon

From prisons and youth correctional facilities to schools and county jails, we’re surrounded by institutions that punish. But why do we punish? Why is punishment sometimes sanctioned by the state? Are there other ways to punish—such as restorative justice—that may be more effective, reasonable, or desirable?

Event | November 15, 2017

Conversation Project: Beyond Fake News

How We Find Accurate Information about the World

Event | November 15, 2017

Conversation Project: The Space Between Us

Immigrants, Refugees, and Oregon

Event | October 25, 2017

Conversation Project: What Is Cultural Appropriation?

Issues of cultural appropriation and identity are complicated. Power dynamics influence who benefits from certain cultural experience, and—given the global nature of our world—parts of our individual and cultural identities are shaped by cultures other than our own. How do we make sense of this and what effect does it have on us as individuals and as Oregonians?

Event | October 7, 2017

Conversation Project: After Obama

Talking Race in America Today

Event | October 17, 2017

Conversation Project: Beyond Fake News

How We Find Accurate Information about the World

Event | October 22, 2017

Conversation Project: The Space Between Us

Immigrants, Refugees, and Oregon

Event | October 24, 2017

Conversation Project: A Place to Call Home

Exploring Housing in Oregon

Event | December 17, 2017

Conversation Project: Race and Place

Racism and Resilience in Oregon's Past and Future

Event | December 16, 2017

Conversation Project: What Does It Mean to Be American?

Given the differences of race, ethnicity, place, religion, wealth, language, education, and ideology that exist in the US, what are the things that unite us a nation? How do we understand what it means to be American and what we hold valuable?

Event | November 4, 2017

Conversation Project: Ritual and Ceremony in Modern Life

How do we make meaning out of the big milestones in our personal and community lives?

Event | October 12, 2017

Conversation Project: Beyond Fake News

How We Find Accurate Information about the World

Event | October 7, 2017

Conversation Project: Where Are Queer People Welcome?

A majority of Americans now accept gay and lesbian relationships, but the queer population is made up of a diversity of communities and experiences. Are all queer people accepted, tolerated, and embraced everywhere?

Event | September 24, 2017

Conversation Project: From Saving to Serving

On Intervening in the Lives of Others

Event | September 7, 2017

Conversation Project: What Are You?

Mixed-Race and Interracial Families in Oregon’s Past and Future

Event | November 18, 2017

Conversation Project: In Science We Trust?

The Role of Science in a Democracy

Event | May 16, 2018

Making Woodburn History

Gustavo Gutierrez-Gomez makes it his mission to get people together.

Magazine | August 23, 2017

Conversation Project: The Space Between Us

Immigrants, Refugees, and Oregon

Event | August 6, 2017

Conversation Project: Homeless in the Land of Plenty

How does homelessness affect the lives of all people within a community? What does it mean for there to be masses of people who are not adequately housed? Join storyteller Ryan Stroud to share your stories and learn about the experiences of others.

Event | July 19, 2017

Conversation Project: Too Busy to Rest

Boundaries and Balance in a Nonstop World

Event | June 10, 2017

Conversation Project: What Are You?

Mixed-Race and Interracial Families in Oregon's Past and Future

Event | June 3, 2017

Conversation Project: Stone Soup

How Recipes Can Preserve History and Nourish Community

Event | May 18, 2017

Conversation Project: Good Food, Bad Food

Agriculture, Ethics, and Personal Choice

Event | May 18, 2017

Conversation Project: Mind the Gaps

How Gender Shapes Our Lives

Event | June 14, 2017

Conversation Project: Life after War

Photography and Oral Histories of Coming Home

Event | May 31, 2017

Conversation Project: Too Busy to Rest

Boundaries and Balance in a Nonstop World

Event | April 26, 2017

Conversation Project: Where Are You from?

Exploring What Makes Us Oregonians

Event | April 26, 2017

Conversation Project: What's in a Label?

Thinking about Diversity and Racial Categories

Event | April 25, 2017

Conversation Project: Fish Tales

Traditions and Challenges of Seafood in Oregon

Event | July 10, 2017

Conversation Project: What We Risk

Creativity, Vulnerability, and Art

Event | April 19, 2017

Conversation Project: Good Food, Bad Food

Agriculture, Ethics, and Personal Choice

Event | April 20, 2017

Conversation Project: Understanding Disability

Family and Community Stories

Event | April 19, 2017

Conversation Project: Looking for Leadership *CANCELED*

What Do We Want from Leaders? This event has been canceled and will be rescheduled to a later date.

Event | April 18, 2017

Conversation Project: Good Food, Bad Food

Agriculture, Ethics, and Personal Choice

Event | April 18, 2017

Conversation Project: Life after War

Photography and Oral Histories of Coming Home

Event | April 15, 2017

Conversation Project: What We Risk

Creativity, Vulnerability, and Art

Event | April 14, 2017

Conversation Project: Where Are You from?

Exploring What Makes Us Oregonians

Event | April 13, 2017

Conversation Project: Fish Tales

Traditions and Challenges of Seafood in Oregon

Event | April 12, 2017

Conversation Project: Fish Tales

Traditions and Challenges of Seafood in Oregon

Event | July 13, 2017

Conversation Project: Where Are You from?

Exploring What Makes Us Oregonians

Event | May 2, 2017

Conversation Project: Fish Tales

Traditions and Challenges of Seafood in Oregon

Event | April 11, 2017

Conversation Project: What's in a Label?

Thinking about Diversity and Racial Categories

Event | May 16, 2017

Conversation Project: Homeless in the Land of Plenty

How does homelessness affect the lives of all people within a community? What does it mean for there to be masses of people who are not adequately housed? Join storyteller Ryan Stroud to share your stories and learn about the experiences of others.

Event | May 18, 2017

Conversation Project: The Space Between Us

Immigrants, Refugees, and Oregon

Event | May 25, 2017

Conversation Project: Power, Privilege, and Racial Diversity in Oregon

Willamette University professor Emily Drew will lead participants in a conversation that explores some of the causes of this continued isolation and the differences of experience between Oregonians of different races—such as institutional racism, white privilege, and unconscious bias.

Event | May 30, 2017

POSTPONED Conversation Project: Power, Privilege, and Racial Diversity in Oregon

Emily Drew will lead participants in a conversation that explores some of the causes of this continued isolation and the differences of experience between Oregonians of different races—such as institutional racism, white privilege, and unconscious bias.

Event | July 13, 2017

Conversation Project: Stone Soup

How Recipes Can Preserve History and Nourish Community

Event | August 16, 2017

Conversation Project: What's in a Label?

Thinking about Diversity and Racial Categories

Event | April 8, 2017

Conversation Project: What's in a Label?

Thinking about Diversity and Racial Categories

Event | April 6, 2017

Conversation Project: The Space Between Us

Immigrants, Refugees, and Oregon

Event | April 5, 2017

Conversation Project: From Saving to Serving

On Intervening in the Lives of Others

Event | April 5, 2017

Conversation Project: The Space Between Us

Immigrants, Refugees, and Oregon

Event | April 20, 2017

Conversation Project: What We Want from the Wild

In this conversation, Oregon Humanities Executive Director Adam Davis will help participants step back from policy decisions and consider more basic questions about our relationship to the mountains, air, trees, animals, and streams around us. What do we want from nature? What do we understand nature to be, and how do we see ourselves fitting in?

Event | May 3, 2017

Conversation Project: Life after War

Photography and Oral Histories of Coming Home

Event | May 4, 2017

Conversation Project: The Space Between Us

Immigrants, Refugees, and Oregon

Event | May 4, 2017

Conversation Project: The Space Between Us

Immigrants, Refugees, and Oregon

Event | May 8, 2017

Conversation Project: Stone Soup

How Recipes Can Preserve History and Nourish Community

Event | May 9, 2017

Conversation Project: In Good Faith

Exploring Religious Difference in Oregon

Event | May 10, 2017

Conversation Project: Are International Trade Agreements Good for Oregon?

Oregonians have been active and vocal participants in global debates over trade since the creation of North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and the World Trade Organization (WTO). Lawyer and researcher Michael Fakhri will lead participants in a conversation about how we assess the value of international trade agreements.

Event | May 12, 2017

Conversation Project: Good Food, Bad Food

Agriculture, Ethics, and Personal Choice

Event | May 17, 2017

Conversation Project: Just a Number

Aging and Intergenerational Friendship

Event | June 6, 2017

Conversation Project: What's in a Label?

Thinking about Diversity and Racial Categories

Event | June 8, 2017

Conversation Project: Fish Tales

Traditions and Challenges of Seafood in Oregon

Event | June 10, 2017

Conversation Project: The Space Between Us

Immigrants, Refugees, and Oregon

Event | June 11, 2017

Conversation Project: What We Want from the Wild

Oregonians across the political spectrum place a high value on the diverse natural resources of our state, but we are divided about how these resources should be used and talked about. In this conversation, Oregon Humanities Executive Director Adam Davis will help participants step back from policy decisions and consider more basic questions about our relationship to the mountains, air, trees, animals, and streams around us.

Event | June 13, 2017

Conversation Project: The Space Between Us

Immigrants, Refugees, and Oregon

Event | August 8, 2017

Conversation Project: Fish Tales

Traditions and Challenges of Seafood in Oregon

Event | July 11, 2017

Conversation Project: What We Risk

Creativity, Vulnerability, and Art

Event | July 7, 2017

Conversation Project: What We Risk

Creativity, Vulnerability, and Art

Event | June 28, 2017

Conversation Project: Fish Tales

Traditions and Challenges of Seafood in Oregon

Event | June 28, 2017

Conversation Project: Power, Privilege, and Racial Diversity in Oregon

Many Oregonians value racial diversity and the dimension and depth it adds to our lives, yet we remain largely isolated from one another and have yet to fulfill the vision of a racially integrated society. Willamette University professor Emily Drew will lead participants in a conversation that explores some of the causes of this continued isolation and the differences of experience between Oregonians of different races—such as institutional racism, white privilege, and unconscious bias.

Event | June 20, 2017

Conversation Project: Fish Tales

Traditions and Challenges of Seafood in Oregon

Event | June 15, 2017

Conversation Project: Where Are You from?

Exploring What Makes Us Oregonians

Event | May 18, 2017

Conversation Project: Fish Tales

Traditions and Challenges of Seafood in Oregon

Event | May 18, 2017

Conversation Project: Stone Soup

How Recipes Can Preserve History and Nourish Community

Event | May 20, 2017

Conversation Project: The Space Between Us

Immigrants, Refugees, and Oregon

Event | May 24, 2017

Conversation Project: A World without Secrets

Privacy and Expectations in the US

Event | May 30, 2017

Conversation Project: The Space Between Us

Immigrants, Refugees, and Oregon

Event | May 17, 2017

Conversation Project: The Space Between Us

Immigrants, Refugees, and Oregon

Event | May 18, 2017

Conversation Project: Mind the Gaps

How Gender Shapes Our Lives

Event | July 25, 2017

Conversation Project: Homeless in the Land of Plenty

How does homelessness affect the lives of all people within a community? What does it mean for there to be masses of people who are not adequately housed? Join storyteller Ryan Stroud to share your stories and learn about the experiences of others.

Event | July 29, 2017

Conversation Project: You're In or You're Out

Exploring Belonging

Event | August 8, 2017

Conversation Project: Fish Tales

Traditions and Challenges of Seafood in Oregon

Event | August 24, 2017

Conversation Project: In Science We Trust?

The Role of Science in a Democracy

Event | April 1, 2017

Conversation Project: What's in a Label?

Thinking about Diversity and Racial Categories

Event | March 24, 2017

Conversation Project: In Science We Trust?

The Role of Science in a Democracy

Event | March 22, 2017

Conversation Project: Mind the Gaps

How Gender Shapes our Lives

Event | March 23, 2017

Conversation Project: Where Are You From?

Exploring What Makes Us Oregonians

Event | March 21, 2017

Conversation Project: What We Risk

Creativity, Vulnerability, and Art

Event | March 16, 2017

Conversation Project: Understanding Disability

Family and Community Stories

Event | March 16, 2017

Conversation Project: Fish Tales

Traditions and Challenges of Seafood in Oregon

Event | March 16, 2017

Conversation Project: Where Are You from?

Exploring What Makes Us Oregonians

Event | June 25, 2017

Conversation Project: Homeless in the Land of Plenty

How does homelessness affect the lives of all people within a community? What does it mean for there to be masses of people who are not adequately housed? Join storyteller Ryan Stroud to share your stories and learn about the experiences of others.

Event | July 16, 2017

Conversation Project: Fish Tales

Traditions and Challenges of Seafood in Oregon

Event | March 15, 2017

Conversation Project: The Space Between Us

Immigrants, Refugees, and Oregon

Event | March 15, 2017

Conversation Project: Fish Tales

Traditions and Challenges of Seafood in Oregon

Event | August 23, 2017

Conversation Project: Fish Tales

Traditions and Challenges of Seafood in Oregon

Event | May 8, 2017

Conversation Project: Fish Tales

Traditions and Challenges of Seafood in Oregon

Event | May 6, 2017

Conversation Project: Keeping Tabs on America

Surveillance and You

Event | May 13, 2017

Conversation Project: What Makes Life Meaningful?

Are we sparks of divine creation, or simply meaning-making creatures, or genes replicating themselves for no other purpose than adapting to our natural environment? This conversation with philosophy professor Prakash Chenjeri and chaplain Fred Grewe aims to engage participants in a thoughtful and meaningful discussion about this very human question.

Event | May 24, 2017

Conversation Project: What We Want from the Wild

Oregonians across the political spectrum place a high value on the diverse natural resources of our state, but we are divided about how these resources should be used and talked about. In this conversation, Oregon Humanities Executive Director Adam Davis will help participants step back from policy decisions and consider more basic questions about our relationship to the mountains, air, trees, animals, and streams around us.

Event | June 7, 2017

Conversation Project: Keeping Tabs on America

Surveillance and You

Event | April 10, 2017

Conversation Project: The Space Between Us

Immigrants, Refugees, and Oregon

Event | March 11, 2017

Conversation Project: Good Food, Bad Food

Agriculture, Ethics, and Personal Choice

Event | March 11, 2017

What We Risk

Event | March 16, 2017

Conversation Project: The Space Between Us

Immigrants, Refugees, and Oregon

Event | March 8, 2017

Conversation Project: Looking for Leadership

What Do We Want from Leaders?

Event | March 7, 2017

Conversation Project: The Space Between Us

Immigrants, Refugees, and Oregon

Event | March 4, 2017

Conversation Project: Mind the Gaps

How Gender Shapes our Lives

Event | March 2, 2017

Conversation Project: Mind the Gaps

How Gender Shapes our Lives

Event | March 3, 2017

Conversation Project: Stone Soup

How Recipes Can Preserve History and Nourish Community

Event | March 3, 2017

Conversation Project: In Good Faith

Exploring Religious Difference in Oregon

Event | May 6, 2017

Conversation Project: What We Risk

Creativity, Vulnerability, and Art

Event | February 26, 2017

Conversation Project: Where Are You From?

Exploring What Makes Us Oregonians

Event | February 25, 2017

Conversation Project: The Purpose of Prison

What is Punishment for?

Event | February 24, 2017

Conversation Project: Fish Tales

Traditions and Challenges of Seafood in Oregon

Event | February 25, 2017

Conversation Project: What's in a Label?

Thinking about Diversity and Racial Categories

Event | February 22, 2017

Conversation Project: In Good Faith

Exploring Religious Difference in Oregon

Event | February 22, 2017

Conversation Project: Mind the Gaps

How Gender Shapes our Lives

Event | February 23, 2017

Conversation Project: Life after War

Photography and Oral Histories of Coming Home

Event | February 19, 2017

Conversation Project: You're In or You're Out

Exploring Belonging

Event | February 16, 2017

Conversation Project: Fish Tales

Traditions and Challenges of Seafood in Oregon

Event | February 16, 2017

Conversation Project: The Space Between Us

Immigrants, Refugees, and Oregon

Event | February 16, 2017

Conversation with Funders

Event | February 15, 2017

Conversation Project: Mind the Gaps

How Gender Shapes our Lives

Event | February 15, 2017

Conversation Project: The Space Between Us

Event | February 10, 2017

Conversation Project: Stone Soup

Event | February 11, 2017

Conversation Project: What Are You?

Event | February 9, 2017

Conversation Project: Stone Soup

Event | February 9, 2017

Conversation Project: Life after War

Photography and Oral Histories of Coming Home

Event | May 3, 2017

Conversation Project: Keeping Tabs on America

Surveillance and You

Event | March 12, 2016