Protect Our Progress Coalition (PopC) is a grassroots intersectional movement that facilitates solidarity and communication among progressive groups in Central Oregon.. In this uncertain time of political upheaval, decades worth of progress is under threat. We recognize that unity is our greatest source of power in a democracy, and as lines between environmentalism, economic justice, and social justice have been crumbling, our goal is to channel the new and furious progressive energy from national politics into intersectional, local issues in Central Oreg__on

PopC will function as a liaison between other progressive non-profits. We will facilitate communication and actions, as well recruit volunteers to bring new energy to our affiliate groups. Specifically, we will:

-Coordinate solidarity between groups in protests, lobbying, petitioning, and media efforts

-Integrate meeting and actions of all groups into one calendar

-Bring grassroots capacity to organizations

-Lead a monthly workshop series on leadership development and grassroots organizing

-Help new volunteers find groups to work with based on their passion in activism

-In cases of emergencies (DACA roundups, pipeline construction through Bend), we will organize responses among our affiliate groups

Some of the stances we advocate are:

-Restoring a sense of support for underrepresented groups in America; standing in solidarity with people with disabilities, LGBTQ people, Muslims, Jewish and other underrepresented religious groups, immigrants both documented and undocumented, and people of color.

-Fighting for women's equality and reproductive rights, and women's rights to be safe from sexual assault and violence

-Supporting serious policy to combat climate change and ecological destruction.

-Addressing economic inequality and poverty issues.

The need for a progressive umbrella movement was discussed after the Love Trumps Hate rally on November 12, in Bend. The call for further action, beyond protesting, led to creating the Protect Our Progress Coalition. Our organizers themselves come from diverse backgrounds and have experienced oppression directly. They have unique passions and skillsets for bringing communities together.  

Working hard for progress means  building bridges, not walls. We are united. We are everyone. We are strong.

In Solidarity,

Greg Delgado

Lief Bamberg

Melissa Adams

Merriman Zajac

Tom Wrisley