Unite Oregon

Highlights from our staff retreat ✨💖

We took time to build community & engage in strategic planning with staff last week, as we envision and build for the future of Unite. We are so thankful for our time together as we continue to strengthen Unite internally so that we can contribute to building the movement towards a more just, livable Oregon for everyone.

Community ownership is an example of where neighbors collectively own and govern local resources, is one such strategy. At its core, community ownership means that “resources, assets, or services are collectively owned and managed by a community.” By sharing responsibility for land, businesses, and housing, communities can build lasting wealth together.

In Oregon, immigrant, refugee, and BIPOC communities face significant barriers to owning land, homes, and businesses. As Possibility Labs points out, “control over property ownership has been a tool used to oppress Black and Brown communities throughout the United States' history”, from sharecropping to redlining. To begin to repair this legacy, we need bold strategies that put people before profit.

This workshop will cover how co-ops share ownership and control, how they are financed (member equity, loans, grants) and governed (democratic boards). We will cover different types (worker, consumer, producer, housing) and how a co-op differs from a regular corporation. Attendees will learn about Oregon co-ops and how to start or join one.

📍 Location: Online via Zoom
📅 Date & Time: April 8th 2026 6-7PM
💵 Cost: Free

This event will be hosted by the Southwest Corridor Equity Coalition (SWEC) in partnership with Northwest Cooperative Development Center and Unite Oregon Staff.

Apply through the link in our bio or here: