A Radical Idea
Mark Putney on the revolutionary vision of public education and the challenges facing Oregon's schools
Harping On
April Choi writes about seeking inner harmony and finding harmonics.
Reclaiming Our Language
How Klamath people are working to revitalize their language. By Ke-ash Ne-Asht Sheshatko
Tips for Facilitating Reflective Conversations
Four facilitators share tips on leading reflective conversations.
The Distance Between Us
Barb Lachenbruch writes about reconnecting with her son through their shared vocation.
Finding a Voice as an Advocate for Others
Sosan Amiri and Rozzell Medina speak about power, justice, education, and community.
Making Pre-K Possible
This comic by Sarah Mirk explores how universal preschool went from an idea to the ballot to law in 2020.
Elopement
After his son wanders off from school, a father retraces the journey.
A Remedy for Disruption
Chelsea King on mask mandates, school board meetings, and the importance of presence
They Belong to Themself
We do not possess the intellect, identity, or sexuality of our children, Chelsea King writes in this essay. We are only witnesses to their journeys.
Connect In Place: Should Schools Reopen? Risk, Reward, and Making Decisions in Community
Schools in Oregon are in the process of bringing students back into physical classrooms after a full year of virtual learning for many. Join Aimee Craig in a reflective conversation that asks, How do you weigh risks and benefits? How do we make decisions as a community when risk is involved?
Saved by the Bell
Food writer Heather Arndt Anderson on how childhood poverty and working in the school cafeteria shaped her connection with her subject.
Consider This with Clint Smith
A conversation on education, memory, race, and democracy with the author of How the Word Is Passed: A Reckoning With the History of Slavery Across America.
"Children Are Born Curious"
Olivia Wolf talks with Kali Ladd, director of the educational nonprofit KairosPDX, about the future of school in Oregon.
Tutoring the Kingpin
May Maylisa Cat writes about how helping a friend apply for the citizenship exam revived memories of her own experiences of educational discrimination and marginalization.
HIP Courses
Learn in community, for credit, for free.
What Are Schools for? with Alex Sager and Kali Thorne Ladd
A live conversation with Kali Thorne Ladd, executive director of KairosPDX, and Alex Sager, chair of the philosophy department at Portland Statte University, moderated by Paul Susi.
Virtual Think & Drink with Kali Thorne Ladd, Alex Sager, and Paul Susi: What Are Schools for?
A live conversation on the purpose of school for students, parents, teachers, and the community at large. Watch the recording of this August 2020 program here.
Essential but Excluded
Carolina Gómez-Montoya writes about the precarious and disempowered place adjunct instructors occupy in institutions that have come to depend on their labor.
CANCELED Conversation Project: How Do Our Values Influence Environmental Policy?
Most of us would agree that natural resources and our surrounding environment have value, but what that value is—and how to protect it—are usually up for debate. 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.
This event has been postponed and will be rescheduled at a later date.Humanity in Perspective
Free college humanities courses for youth and adults who face financial barriers to continuing their education.
CANCELED - 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 with Jennifer Burns Bright investigates why we strive to be makers and doers in a world that provides more conveniences than ever before. How might the “new industrial revolution” of tinkerers and crafters affect American schools and workplaces? How do maker spaces or skills courses foster greater engagement and involvement? What could be left behind when we increase self-sufficiency in a community? All kinds of DIY interests are welcome: we can focus on foraging, permaculture, prepping, woodworking, or hovercraft making—or perhaps all of these at once! Through our shared stories, we will seek to understand more deeply how DIY functions in American life.
This event has been postponed and will be rescheduled.Bias and Kids: How Do Our Prejudices Affect Our Children? - English
Most people agree that children need healthy, loving, supportive environments to thrive. But, as parents, family members, teachers, neighbors, and voters—how do our biases influence how we interact with the children in our lives and communities? And, how do those biases influence how children perceive themselves and what they will become? During our conversation led by Verónika Nuñez and Kyrié Kellett, we will reflect on how our biases—conscious and unconscious—related to gender, race, class, culture, and other traits, shape everything from our subtle interactions with the kids we care for to the way we make political decisions that influence children in our society.
CANCELED - Bias and Kids: How Do Our Prejudices Affect Our Children?
Most people agree that children need healthy, loving, supportive environments to thrive. But, as parents, family members, teachers, neighbors, and voters—how do our biases influence how we interact with the children in our lives and communities? And, how do those biases influence how children perceive themselves and what they will become? During our conversation led by Verónika Nuñez and Kyrié Kellett, we will reflect on how our biases—conscious and unconscious—related to gender, race, class, culture, and other traits, shape everything from our subtle interactions with the kids we care for to the way we make political decisions that influence children in our society.
This event has been postponed and will be rescheduled.CANCELED - 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 with Jennifer Burns Bright investigates why we strive to be makers and doers in a world that provides more conveniences than ever before. How might the “new industrial revolution” of tinkerers and crafters affect American schools and workplaces? How do maker spaces or skills courses foster greater engagement and involvement? What could be left behind when we increase self-sufficiency in a community? All kinds of DIY interests are welcome: we can focus on foraging, permaculture, prepping, woodworking, or hovercraft making—or perhaps all of these at once! Through our shared stories, we will seek to understand more deeply how DIY functions in American life.
This event has been postponed and will be rescheduled.CANCELED - Live to Work or Work to Live?: Exploring What Makes a Job Good
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. Do our jobs define our personal success? Are some jobs more valuable than others? How do jobs contribute to national success or failure? 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. This conversation can be adapted to the needs and goals of the host organization and group of participants.
This event has been postponed and will be rescheduled.Bias and Kids: How Do Our Prejudices Affect Our Children? - English
Most people agree that children need healthy, loving, supportive environments to thrive. But, as parents, family members, teachers, neighbors, and voters—how do our biases influence how we interact with the children in our lives and communities? And, how do those biases influence how children perceive themselves and what they will become? During our conversation led by Verónika Nuñez and Kyrié Kellett, we will reflect on how our biases—conscious and unconscious—related to gender, race, class, culture, and other traits, shape everything from our subtle interactions with the kids we care for to the way we make political decisions that influence children in our society.
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 with Jennifer Burns Bright investigates why we strive to be makers and doers in a world that provides more conveniences than ever before. How might the “new industrial revolution” of tinkerers and crafters affect American schools and workplaces? How do maker spaces or skills courses foster greater engagement and involvement? What could be left behind when we increase self-sufficiency in a community? All kinds of DIY interests are welcome: we can focus on foraging, permaculture, prepping, woodworking, or hovercraft making—or perhaps all of these at once! Through our shared stories, we will seek to understand more deeply how DIY functions in American life.
Bias and Kids: How Do Our Prejudices Affect Our Children? - English & Spanish
*This conversation will be offered in both English and Spanish. Most people agree that children need healthy, loving, supportive environments to thrive. But, as parents, family members, teachers, neighbors, and voters—how do our biases influence how we interact with the children in our lives and communities? And, how do those biases influence how children perceive themselves and what they will become? During our conversation led by Verónika Nuñez and Kyrié Kellett, we will reflect on how our biases—conscious and unconscious—related to gender, race, class, culture, and other traits, shape everything from our subtle interactions with the kids we care for to the way we make political decisions that influence children in our society.
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 with Jennifer Burns Bright investigates why we strive to be makers and doers in a world that provides more conveniences than ever before. How might the “new industrial revolution” of tinkerers and crafters affect American schools and workplaces? How do maker spaces or skills courses foster greater engagement and involvement? What could be left behind when we increase self-sufficiency in a community? All kinds of DIY interests are welcome: we can focus on foraging, permaculture, prepping, woodworking, or hovercraft making—or perhaps all of these at once! Through our shared stories, we will seek to understand more deeply how DIY functions in American life.
Stories from the Diaspora: The World is Full of Lessons
Oregon educator and Kosova refugee Flamur Vehapi shares poetry, wisdom, and social justice as part of Stories from the Diaspora a project now being hosted on our website.
Conversation Project: Bias and Kids
Most people agree that children need healthy, loving, supportive environments to thrive. But, as parents, family members, teachers, neighbors, and voters—how do our biases influence how we interact with the children in our lives and communities? And, how do those biases influence how children perceive themselves and what they will become? During our conversation led by Verónika Nuñez and Kyrié Kellett, we will reflect on how our biases—conscious and unconscious—related to gender, race, class, culture, and other traits, shape everything from our subtle interactions with the kids we care for to the way we make political decisions that influence children in our society.
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 with Jennifer Burns Bright investigates why we strive to be makers and doers in a world that provides more conveniences than ever before. How might the “new industrial revolution” of tinkerers and crafters affect American schools and workplaces? How do maker spaces or skills courses foster greater engagement and involvement? What could be left behind when we increase self-sufficiency in a community? All kinds of DIY interests are welcome: we can focus on foraging, permaculture, prepping, woodworking, or hovercraft making—or perhaps all of these at once! Through our shared stories, we will seek to understand more deeply how DIY functions in American life. This event will take place in the Community Meeting Room.
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 with Jennifer Burns Bright investigates why we strive to be makers and doers in a world that provides more conveniences than ever before. How might the “new industrial revolution” of tinkerers and crafters affect American schools and workplaces? How do maker spaces or skills courses foster greater engagement and involvement? What could be left behind when we increase self-sufficiency in a community? All kinds of DIY interests are welcome: we can focus on foraging, permaculture, prepping, woodworking, or hovercraft making—or perhaps all of these at once! Through our shared stories, we will seek to understand more deeply how DIY functions in American life. This event will take place in the Community Room.
The Air I Breathe—2014
Ifanyi Bell writes about growing up tolerated and underestimated in Portland in the 2014 “Quandary” issue.
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 with Jennifer Burns Bright investigates why we strive to be makers and doers in a world that provides more conveniences than ever before. How might the “new industrial revolution” of tinkerers and crafters affect American schools and workplaces? How do maker spaces or skills courses foster greater engagement and involvement? What could be left behind when we increase self-sufficiency in a community? All kinds of DIY interests are welcome: we can focus on foraging, permaculture, prepping, woodworking, or hovercraft making—or perhaps all of these at once! Through our shared stories, we will seek to understand more deeply how DIY functions in American life.
Conversation Project: Why DIY?
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 with Jennifer Burns Bright investigates why we strive to be makers and doers in a world that provides more conveniences than ever before. How might the “new industrial revolution” of tinkerers and crafters affect American schools and workplaces? How do maker spaces or skills courses foster greater engagement and involvement? What could be left behind when we increase self-sufficiency in a community? All kinds of DIY interests are welcome: we can focus on foraging, permaculture, prepping, woodworking, or hovercraft making—or perhaps all of these at once! Through our shared stories, we will seek to understand more deeply how DIY functions in American life. This event will take place in Meeting Room A.
Conversation Project: 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 the occupation of the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge 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.
Conversation Project: 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 the occupation of the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge 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.
Conversation Project: Why DIY?
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 with Jennifer Burns Bright investigates why we strive to be makers and doers in a world that provides more conveniences than ever before. How might the “new industrial revolution” of tinkerers and crafters affect American schools and workplaces? How do maker spaces or skills courses foster greater engagement and involvement? What could be left behind when we increase self-sufficiency in a community? All kinds of DIY interests are welcome: we can focus on foraging, permaculture, prepping, woodworking, or hovercraft making—or perhaps all of these at once! Through our shared stories, we will seek to understand more deeply how DIY functions in American life.
Conversation Project: Why DIY?
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 with Jennifer Burns Bright investigates why we strive to be makers and doers in a world that provides more conveniences than ever before. How might the “new industrial revolution” of tinkerers and crafters affect American schools and workplaces? How do maker spaces or skills courses foster greater engagement and involvement? What could be left behind when we increase self-sufficiency in a community? All kinds of DIY interests are welcome: we can focus on foraging, permaculture, prepping, woodworking, or hovercraft making—or perhaps all of these at once! Through our shared stories, we will seek to understand more deeply how DIY functions in American life. This event will take place in the Sprague Room.
Conversation Project: Why DIY?
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 with Jennifer Burns Bright investigates why we strive to be makers and doers in a world that provides more conveniences than ever before. How might the “new industrial revolution” of tinkerers and crafters affect American schools and workplaces? How do maker spaces or skills courses foster greater engagement and involvement? What could be left behind when we increase self-sufficiency in a community? All kinds of DIY interests are welcome: we can focus on foraging, permaculture, prepping, woodworking, or hovercraft making—or perhaps all of these at once! Through our shared stories, we will seek to understand more deeply how DIY functions in American life. This event will take place in the Flora Room.
Conversation Project: Live to Work or Work to Live?
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. Do our jobs define our personal success? Are some jobs more valuable than others? How do jobs contribute to national success or failure? 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. This conversation can be adapted to the needs and goals of the host organization and group of participants.
Neither Here nor There
Kiki Nakamura-Koyama writes about her struggle to fit in across continents and how she is empowered to change that experience for her students.
Meet Our Instructors
Meet the instructors who teach Humanity in Perspective.
Moving Toward a Culture of Consent
Sexual violence is an epidemic that has plagued our communities and gone unaddressed for too long. Within the past year, sexual assault has come to the forefront of the media with the #Metoo movement and political upheaval around the Kavanaugh hearings. The Sexual Assault Resource Center's support line saw an increase in calls of over 166 percent in the week of the Kavanaugh hearings. People need a safe space to discuss sexual violence and move toward its prevention. This program seeks to provide that space with guided discussion around the issues at the root of sexual violence: oppression, gender roles, stigma, and romance. This program is supported by a Public Program Grant from Oregon Humanities.
Moving Toward a Culture of Consent
Sexual violence is an epidemic that has plagued our communities and gone unaddressed for too long. Within the past year, sexual assault has come to the forefront of the media with the #Metoo movement and political upheaval around the Kavanaugh hearings. The Sexual Assault Resource Center's support line saw an increase in calls of over 166 percent in the week of the Kavanaugh hearings. People need a safe space to discuss sexual violence and move toward its prevention. This program seeks to provide that space with guided discussion around the issues at the root of sexual violence: oppression, gender roles, stigma, and romance. This program is supported by a Public Program Grant from Oregon Humanities.
Moving Toward a Culture of Consent
Sexual violence is an epidemic that has plagued our communities and gone unaddressed for too long. Within the past year, sexual assault has come to the forefront of the media with the #Metoo movement and political upheaval around the Kavanaugh hearings. The Sexual Assault Resource Center's support line saw an increase in calls of over 166 percent in the week of the Kavanaugh hearings. People need a safe space to discuss sexual violence and move toward its prevention. This program seeks to provide that space with guided discussion around the issues at the root of sexual violence: oppression, gender roles, stigma, and romance. This program is supported by a Public Program Grant from Oregon Humanities.
Moving Toward a Culture of Consent
Sexual violence is an epidemic that has plagued our communities and gone unaddressed for too long. Within the past year, sexual assault has come to the forefront of the media with the #Metoo movement and political upheaval around the Kavanaugh hearings. The Sexual Assault Resource Center's support line saw an increase in calls of over 166 percent in the week of the Kavanaugh hearings. People need a safe space to discuss sexual violence and move toward its prevention. This program seeks to provide that space with guided discussion around the issues at the root of sexual violence: oppression, gender roles, stigma, and romance. This program is supported by a Public Program Grant from Oregon Humanities.
Moving Toward a Culture of Consent
Sexual violence is an epidemic that has plagued our communities and gone unaddressed for too long. Within the past year, sexual assault has come to the forefront of the media with the #Metoo movement and political upheaval around the Kavanaugh hearings. The Sexual Assault Resource Center's support line saw an increase in calls of over 166 percent in the week of the Kavanaugh hearings. People need a safe space to discuss sexual violence and move toward its prevention. This program seeks to provide that space with guided discussion around the issues at the root of sexual violence: oppression, gender roles, stigma, and romance. This program is supported by a Public Program Grant from Oregon Humanities.
Conversation Project: Keeping Tabs on America
Recent revelations about government surveillance, including Edward Snowden’s leak of NSA documents, have renewed worldwide attention to questions around privacy. Why is privacy important? What are the uses of surveillance? What are the dangers? Independent scholar and writer Kristian Williams will lead participants in a conversation about the scope and consequences of government surveillance, as well as ethical and legal limits of surveillance practices.
Editor's Note: Pushing Forward, Holding Back
Kathleen Holt writes about seeing herself reflected in her son's fierce passions.
Stand
A student reckons with an inappropriate teacher’s power and her own powerlessness. An excerpt from Reema Zaman's memoir, I Am Yours.
Drill
Dan Falkner writes about searching for a solution at a training for teachers on responding to school shootings.
Grant Funded Event: Public Showing of "Circles" Film Followed by Discussion
Resolutions Northwest presents a screening of Circles, a documentary by Cassidy Friedman about the restorative justice work done by Eric Butler, a school counselor in Oakland, California. The screening will be followed by a facilitated discussion that will give parents, educators, and activists who are working toward transformative justice, on small and large scales, an adaptable blueprint to apply in their own lives and in schools. This event is made possible in part by a responsive program grant from Oregon Humanities.
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. How might the “new industrial revolution” of tinkerers and crafters affect American schools and workplaces? How do maker spaces or skills courses foster greater engagement and involvement? What could be left behind when we increase self-sufficiency in a community? All kinds of DIY interests are welcome: we can focus on foraging, permaculture, prepping, woodworking, or hovercraft making—or perhaps all of these at once! Through our shared stories, we will seek to understand more deeply how DIY functions in American life.
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. How might the “new industrial revolution” of tinkerers and crafters affect American schools and workplaces? How do maker spaces or skills courses foster greater engagement and involvement? What could be left behind when we increase self-sufficiency in a community? All kinds of DIY interests are welcome: we can focus on foraging, permaculture, prepping, woodworking, or hovercraft making—or perhaps all of these at once! Through our shared stories, we will seek to understand more deeply how DIY functions in American life.
Conversation Project: Bias and Kids
Most people agree that children need healthy, loving, supportive environments to thrive. But, as parents, family members, teachers, neighbors, and voters—how do our biases influence how we interact with the children in our lives and communities? And, how do those biases influence how children perceive themselves and what they will become? During our conversation led by Verónika Nuñez and Kyrié Kellett, we will reflect on how our biases—conscious and unconscious—related to gender, race, class, culture, and other traits, shape everything from our subtle interactions with the kids we care for to the way we make political decisions that influence children in our society.
Conversation Project: Bias and Kids
Most people agree that children need healthy, loving, supportive environments to thrive. But, as parents, family members, teachers, neighbors, and voters—how do our biases influence how we interact with the children in our lives and communities? And, how do those biases influence how children perceive themselves and what they will become? During our conversation led by Verónika Nuñez and Kyrié Kellett, we will reflect on how our biases—conscious and unconscious—related to gender, race, class, culture, and other traits, shape everything from our subtle interactions with the kids we care for to the way we make political decisions that influence children in our society.
Conversation Project: Listening to Young People
What does it look like when adults really listen to young people? Cultural beliefs about young people perpetuate myths that cause harm, especially when combined with laws that control their physical and emotional autonomy and limit their ability to participate in public life. Young people experiencing marginalization for any reason—race, gender, sexuality, ability—also have the added layer of not being taken seriously because of their age. And yet the history of social justice movements in the United States is deeply connected to young people’s agency, autonomy, and power. Join facilitator Emily Squires for a conversation that asks folks to explore their own beliefs about what it means to be young and to reflect on their individual relationship to power as it relates to age.
Conversation Project: Bias and Kids
Most people agree that children need healthy, loving, supportive environments to thrive. But, as parents, family members, teachers, neighbors, and voters—how do our biases influence how we interact with the children in our lives and communities? And, how do those biases influence how children perceive themselves and what they will become? During our conversation led by Verónika Nuñez and Kyrié Kellett, we will reflect on how our biases—conscious and unconscious—related to gender, race, class, culture, and other traits, shape everything from our subtle interactions with the kids we care for to the way we make political decisions that influence children in our society.
Conversation Project: 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 the occupation of the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge 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.
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. How might the “new industrial revolution” of tinkerers and crafters affect American schools and workplaces? How do maker spaces or skills courses foster greater engagement and involvement? What could be left behind when we increase self-sufficiency in a community? All kinds of DIY interests are welcome: we can focus on foraging, permaculture, prepping, woodworking, or hovercraft making—or perhaps all of these at once! Through our shared stories, we will seek to understand more deeply how DIY functions in American life.
Conversation Project: Does Higher Education Matter?
Higher education is considered essential for individuals seeking employment opportunities, social and cultural advancement, and a more secure financial future. No matter your background or privilege, a college degree is automatically assumed to multiply your opportunities. But in the current cycles of escalating tuition costs, ballooning student loan debt, and a crumbling secondary education infrastructure in Oregon, we have an increasing need to examine the purposefulness and meaningfulness of higher education in our day-to-day lives. Join educator and activist Paul Susi in a discussion that will examine our assumptions and values around education and its impact on our lives.
Conversation Project: Bias and Kids
Most people agree that children need healthy, loving, supportive environments to thrive. But, as parents, family members, teachers, neighbors, and voters—how do our biases influence how we interact with the children in our lives and communities? And, how do those biases influence how children perceive themselves and what they will become? During our conversation led by Verónika Nuñez and Kyrié Kellett, we will reflect on how our biases—conscious and unconscious—related to gender, race, class, culture, and other traits, shape everything from our subtle interactions with the kids we care for to the way we make political decisions that influence children in our society.
Conversation Project: White Allyship in Close-knit Communities
In this conversation led by facilitator Alexis James, participants will have the chance to explore their identities, learn how to acknowledge different lived experiences without alienating friends and neighbors, and move toward action in their own communities.
Conversation Project: Why DIY?
Self-sufficiency and American Life
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.
Conversation Project: Beyond Fake News
How We Find Accurate Information about the World
Conversation Project: Why DIY?
Self-sufficiency and American Life
Conversation Project: Why DIY?
Self-sufficiency and American Life
Conversation Project: Bias and Kids
Most people agree that children need healthy, loving, supportive environments to thrive. But, as parents, family members, teachers, neighbors, and voters—how do our biases influence how we interact with the children in our lives and communities? And, how do those biases influence how children perceive themselves and what they will become? During our conversation led by Verónika Nuñez and Kyrié Kellett, we will reflect on how our biases—conscious and unconscious—related to gender, race, class, culture, and other traits, shape everything from our subtle interactions with the kids we care for to the way we make political decisions that influence children in our society.
Conversation Project: 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 the occupation of the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge 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.
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. How might the “new industrial revolution” of tinkerers and crafters affect American schools and workplaces? How do maker spaces or skills courses foster greater engagement and involvement? What could be left behind when we increase self-sufficiency in a community? All kinds of DIY interests are welcome: we can focus on foraging, permaculture, prepping, woodworking, or hovercraft making—or perhaps all of these at once! Through our shared stories, we will seek to understand more deeply how DIY functions in American life.
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. How might the “new industrial revolution” of tinkerers and crafters affect American schools and workplaces? How do maker spaces or skills courses foster greater engagement and involvement? What could be left behind when we increase self-sufficiency in a community? All kinds of DIY interests are welcome: we can focus on foraging, permaculture, prepping, woodworking, or hovercraft making—or perhaps all of these at once! Through our shared stories, we will seek to understand more deeply how DIY functions in American life.
Conversation Project: Bias and Kids
Most people agree that children need healthy, loving, supportive environments to thrive. But, as parents, family members, teachers, neighbors, and voters—how do our biases influence how we interact with the children in our lives and communities? And, how do those biases influence how children perceive themselves and what they will become? During our conversation led by Verónika Nuñez and Kyrié Kellett, we will reflect on how our biases—conscious and unconscious—related to gender, race, class, culture, and other traits, shape everything from our subtle interactions with the kids we care for to the way we make political decisions that influence children in our society.
Conversation Project: Listening to Young People
What does it look like when adults really listen to young people? Cultural beliefs about young people perpetuate myths that cause harm, especially when combined with laws that control their physical and emotional autonomy and limit their ability to participate in public life. Young people experiencing marginalization for any reason—race, gender, sexuality, ability—also have the added layer of not being taken seriously because of their age. And yet the history of social justice movements in the United States is deeply connected to young people’s agency, autonomy, and power. Join facilitator Emily Squires for a conversation that asks folks to explore their own beliefs about what it means to be young and to reflect on their individual relationship to power as it relates to age. This event will take place in the Wilson High School Library
Conversation Project: Bias and Kids
Most people agree that children need healthy, loving, supportive environments to thrive. But, as parents, family members, teachers, neighbors, and voters—how do our biases influence how we interact with the children in our lives and communities? And, how do those biases influence how children perceive themselves and what they will become? During our conversation led by Verónika Nuñez and Kyrié Kellett, we will reflect on how our biases—conscious and unconscious—related to gender, race, class, culture, and other traits, shape everything from our subtle interactions with the kids we care for to the way we make political decisions that influence children in our society.
Conversation Project: What We Owe
Debt has bound people together and driven them apart for millennia. Oppressive debt has played a role in major social revolutions that have resulted in the clearing of debt records, yet there are other debts, like the cost of being born, for which many could not imagine demanding repayment. In the past ten years, US national debt and personal debt have reached all-time highs—levels at which full repayment may seem implausible. But is repayment even necessary? Join educator April Slabosheski in a conversation that asks, What constitutes debt? How does debt shape the way we relate to one another? How do we decide which debts we will repay, and which we will not?
Conversation Project: Conversation Project: 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 the occupation of the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge 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.
Conversation Project: Listening to Young People
What does it look like when adults really listen to young people? Cultural beliefs about young people perpetuate myths that cause harm, especially when combined with laws that control their physical and emotional autonomy and limit their ability to participate in public life. Young people experiencing marginalization for any reason—race, gender, sexuality, ability—also have the added layer of not being taken seriously because of their age. And yet the history of social justice movements in the United States is deeply connected to young people’s agency, autonomy, and power. Join facilitator Emily Squires for a conversation that asks folks to explore their own beliefs about what it means to be young and to reflect on their individual relationship to power as it relates to age.
Conversation Project: Why DIY?
Self-sufficiency and American Life
My Name
Sravya Tadepalli writes about her experiences with people mispronouncing her name.
Talking about Sex
A conversation with Conversation Project facilitator Emily Squires on how we talk about sex in our school system.
Conversation Project: Why DIY?
Self-sufficiency and American Life
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. How might the “new industrial revolution” of tinkerers and crafters affect American schools and workplaces? How do maker spaces or skills courses foster greater engagement and involvement? What could be left behind when we increase self-sufficiency in a community? All kinds of DIY interests are welcome: we can focus on foraging, permaculture, prepping, woodworking, or hovercraft making—or perhaps all of these at once! Through our shared stories, we will seek to understand more deeply how DIY functions in American life.
Educated in Oregon
Kitchen Table Democracy's project Educated in Oregon will explore how storytelling, in the form of short audio stories, creates space for productive conversation about the future of education in Oregon.
Educated in Oregon
Kitchen Table Democracy's project Educated in Oregon will explore how storytelling, in the form of short audio stories, creates space for productive conversation about the future of education in Oregon.
Conversation Project: Bias and Kids
How Do Our Prejudices Affect Our Children?
Conversation Project: Why DIY?
Self-sufficiency and American Life
Conversation Project: Beyond Fake News
How We Find Accurate Information about the World
Conversation Project: Bias and Kids
How Do Our Prejudices Affect Our Children?
Acceptance
Shilo Niziolek writes about the impact of Marylhurst University's closure on its students.
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.
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.
Conversation Project: Bias and Kids
How Do Our Prejudices Affect Our Children? This event will be held in Spanish
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.
Conversation Project: Bias and Kids
How Do Our Prejudices Affect Our Children?
Expanding East
Oregon Humanities partners with Rosewood Initiative and Alder College to offer Humanity in Perspective courses in East Portland.
Buying Time
Wendy N. Wagner on what we owe our children
2018 Humanity in Perspective Commencement
A commencement ceremony to celebrate the graduating Humanity in Perspective class.
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.
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.
Sixteen in America
Marissa Levy writes about mental illness exacerbated by stresses created by social media and academic pressure.
Posts
Readers write about Harm
An (Underground) American DREAMer: From Undocumented to Wall Street to Immigration Advocacy
A keynote address by immigration and education rights advocate Julissa Arce. This program is made possible in part by a Responsive Program Grant from Oregon Humanities.
Season of Nonviolence: A Conversation with Julissa Arce
In commemoration of the Season of Nonviolence, immigration and education rights advocate Julissa Arce will use her inspirational story to change the conversation around immigration. This program is made possible in part by a Responsive Program Grant from Oregon Humanities.
Conversation Project: Does Higher Education Matter?
This conversation will examine our assumptions and values around education and its impact on our lives.
My Brother's Keeper: "Papers: Stories of Undocumented Youth"
This fall, Four Rivers Cultural Center in Ontario will present "My Brother's Keeper," a series of eight documentary film screenings exploring the lives of marginalized peoples and issues such as mental health, addiction, and mass incarceration. Each screening will be followed by a presentation and Q&A session by a local nonprofit or government agency.
More to the Story
A grade-school musical offers educators and students a chance to reexamine history. An article by Marty Hughley with photos by Fred Joe
Remembering Peter Sears
We were saddened to learn of the death of former Oregon Poet Laureate Peter Sears, who passed away July 20.
2017 Humanity in Perspective Commencement
A commencement ceremony to celebrate the graduating Humanity in Perspective class.
Taking the Lead
We partnered with Catlin-Gabel’s PLACE program to train high school students to lead community conversations. Filmmaker Sika Stanton asks these emerging leaders from North Portland about how they hope to use their new skills.
In the Land of the New
Mexican immigrants find home in el nuevo South. An excerpt from Translation Nation by Héctor Tobar
Whose State Is This?
Journalist Brent Walth on how legal measures targeting Latino Oregonians reflect fears of change.
My North Star
How Mumia Abu-Jamal Led Me to Activism. An essay by Walidah Imarisha
The Rim of the Wound
Writer Wendy Willis's open letter to the students of Columbia University Multicultural Affairs Advisory Board, with a special note to her daughters.
On the Bench
Not starting and starting again. An essay by Brian Doyle
Posts
Readers write about "Me"
Résumé of Failures
The stories of struggle, insecurity, and loss behind a successful writer's accomplishments. By Kim Stafford
Second Opinions
Camela Raymond asks economists, activists, public officials, and financiers for advice for Oregon's ailing economy.