Rabble Rouser

Organizing 101

You joined thousands of Portlanders downtown to take a stand for our democracy.  You marched until your feet hurt and chanted until your voice cracked. You laughed at the creative signs that our quirky city came up with. You left energized and ready for more. You looked online to see when the next big rally was, and – what?! It’s not for another month?

Some days, it feels like none of us are doing enough. Others, the momentum we’re building is undeniable. So, how can we sustain this movement? How can we pick up the torch? Anyone can – Join “Organizing 101” to learn how.

Using Art to Amplify Your Activism

Learn how to turn heads and bring attention to your movement. In this workshop, you’ll learn how to build larger-than-life, eye-catching paper mache “puppets” that add the special touch rallies need to draw people in.

Trump Proof Your Community

Let’s be honest, it seems like our federal government is jamming through horrible policies in record numbers. If you’re overwhelmed, you’re not alone. But we are not powerless. We are powerful. Join this workshop to learn how to shore up safeguards in your own community by driving change at the state and local level.

Building Resilient Communities through Mutual Aid

WE keep US safe! In a time of much uncertainty, we need community more than ever. Join this workshop to learn how to build a safe, resilient community that cares for each other. Here, you’ll learn how activists in the region are showing up for their LGBTQ+ neighbors, and how to plug into mutual aid networks that uplift your community.

Going Beyond “Clicktivism” – The Fight for Public Lands

Online petitions are important, but this moment is calling for something greater. Join this workshop to learn more about the ongoing threats to our public lands and environment, and how to take your activism a step further. Here, you’ll learn how to keep the pressure on our elected leaders by writing and calling them, attending town halls, participating in public comment periods, submitting to your local newspaper, and more,

Know Your Rights

As authoritarian policies gain ground in the U.S., protesters and activists face increasing risks. This workshop equips participants with essential knowledge about their legal rights and tools for protecting themselves—both on the streets and online. Learn how to navigate police encounters, safeguard your digital footprint, and stay resilient in the face of repression. Empower your community with information that can’t be taken away.

Finding Joy in Resistance

Join Pattie Gonia for a special keynote that explores the radical power of joy in the face of oppression. From Stonewall to today, queer resistance has always blended rage with revelry. Drawing on the legacy of those who danced through grief while they fought for what’s right, we’ll discuss how celebration, laughter, and community are not just coping tools, but vital strategies for survival and liberation.

Rabble Rouser is just the beginning. Join Wild Ones, our ongoing activist training program where you’ll sharpen your skills, build community, and take action to protect our environment and democracy. Whether you’re passionate about forests, climate, or any justice issue, Wild Ones gives you the tools and support to make a difference all year long. Visit oregonwild.org/wild-ones/ to join us.

Check out these resources, provided by event partners and participants, to turn event momentum into action. Resources are organized to correspond with event breakout sessions, and more are coming soon!

• The Beginner’s Guide to Organizing a Rally 
• Rules for Radicals: A Pragmatic Primer for Realistic Radicals is a 1971 book by American community activist and writer Saul Alinsky about how to successfully run a movement for change. His goal was to create a guide for future community organizers, to use in uniting low-income communities, or “Have-Nots”, in order for them to gain by any effective, non-violent means social, political, legal, environmental and economic wealth and power. You can read it for free HERE.
• How to use social media to organize and advocate (from Oregon Wild’s Activist Toolkit)

• Coming soon!

• General Strike US is a decentralized strike network focused on community building, to create a world for humans, not corporations. We organize collective resistance against colonial capitalism and U.S. imperialism by withdrawing our labor, purchasing power and consent to demand the long-overdue reconstruction of our nation. Learn more and find mutual aid resources at https://linktr.ee/gsusoregon
  • Get the handout from the panel session
• Learn and read more about Western States Center’s resources and toolkits on their website: https://www.westernstatescenter.org/toolkits-resources

• The 350PDX Arts Team hosts an open-invitation to a monthly art-build to produce powerful and compelling banners, puppets, signs, sunflower umbrellas, parachutes, and more. These props have outfitted countless rallies and events across the state to bring attention to issues that matter. The team generally meets the second Sunday of the month from 1-4pm. Check out the calendar and additional arts resources at 350pdx.org/arts-team to find out more.

• Move Oregon Forward – Help Oregon build a just and inclusive transportation network. https://www.moveoregonforward.org/

• 1000 Friends of Oregon – https://friends.org/

• • 1000 Friends’ Land Use Leadership Initiative interest form – https://friends.org/luli

• Equal Rights for All ballot measure campaign – https://www.equalrightsoregon.com/

• Tribal Democracy Project – https://tribaldemocracyproject.org/ 

• Check out Oregon Wild’s  activist toolkit for practical resources for contacting and interacting with elected officials, influencing policy, writing letters, and other ways to get involved on our campaigns.
• Join the Sierra Club’s Grassroots Team for Pacific Northwest Federal Lands and Forest Defense, which meets online on Zoom every other Thursday, 10-11am (sign up link: https://act.sierraclub.org/events/details?formcampaignid=701Po00000nzmbgIAA)
• Join Oregon Sierra Club in Portland (1821 SE Ankeny St) or Bend (16 NW Kansas Ave) on Tuesday, August 5th for the next Oregon Sierra Club Action Nights! There is usually at least one action opportunity like this every month in Portland, Bend, and more locations soon!

• Health Care for All Oregon 
  • Help build Oregon’s new Universal Healthcare System
  • The Road Map to Universal Health Care
• Portland Fruit Tree Project: Portland Fruit Tree Project cares for and harvests from fruit trees for donation to local food pantries. To join us at a harvest or orchard care party visit our volunteer page to learn about upcoming opportunities. If you grow excessive fruit or produce, please consider pledging your garden to our food pantry partner Lift Urban Portland and sharing the abundance!