Community Resilience Hubs supporters rally in Salem for a successful lobby day
Over 50 supporters from across the state gathered at the capitol building in Salem on April 25 to meet with over 25 legislators in support of HB 2990, Community Resilience Hubs. As Oregonians face more frequent extreme weather events, wildfires, and climate disasters, OJTA is committed to advocating for Community Resilience Hubs through HB 2990.
Before the lobby meetings, First Congregational United Church of Christ in Salem, Oregon was abuzz with activity as passionate supporters gathered to hear personal stories from frontline community members affected by climate disasters. After the opening remarks, community members underwent training to effectively communicate with their legislators, followed by a late lunch. With their minds fortified and hearts ignited, they spent the remainder of the day lobbying their lawmakers to support HB 2990 - a crucial step towards building community resilience in the face of climate disaster.
Supporters like Alessandra de la Torre of Rogue Climate shared stories with legislators about their experiences and why they believe community resilience hubs are an important part of a just transition.
“Rogue Climate helped organize and manage mutual aid fire relief in the wake of the Almeda Fire in 2020, and we served hundreds of fire-affected people,” said Alessandra, who helped organize the event and shared her story with several legislators. “It was a huge task: countless hours and days of rapid response, group chats, check-in meetings, donation drives, and so much more. We all became part of a network, each fulfilling a piece of the puzzle. We were not ready for what happened, but we learned that we can invest in our communities now so we can be prepared in the future.”
In conversations with over 25 legislators, advocates from all over the state shared their personal stories of why community resilience efforts need more support and resources. Many emphasized that Oregon’s emergency management services are struggling to keep pace with increasingly extreme weather events. Applying a climate justice lens, supporters articulated that folks who are low income, rural Oregonians, BIPOC communities, and people with disabilities are hit hardest by climate disasters, but have also developed strong ties that can be a model for future efforts.
“We have seen firsthand the need for community resilience hubs, places to support both daily challenges and recovery efforts before, during, and after climate-related emergencies and other natural disasters. These locally designed hubs will be by and for the community they serve, whether that includes emergency support resources, childcare, community gardens, or workforce readiness,” said Metzin Rodriguez, who lives in Coos Bay and represents Unite Oregon.
“This lobby day illustrates just how many people across Oregon see the impacts of climate change,” Rodriguez continues. “I loved the strong sense of community and sharing the magic of what it means to support one another. But what really stood out to me was the energy and intention behind our gathering. It was truly heartwarming to be a part of such a special and meaningful event.”
Indeed, after years of virtual meetings, it was joyful to share space and break bread together. The spirit of the Lobby Day reflected why we are advocating for Community Resilience Hubs–because we support each other in hard times and bring out the best in each other in good times. We are stronger together.
