Oregon Advocacy Commissions Office

10/13/2026

Sharad Navratri offers a time for devotion, reflection, and renewal for many Hindu families and communities. The Oregon Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander Affairs sends warm wishes to all who observe these nine nights. May your celebrations bring joy, connection, and hope.

10/12/2026

This Indigenous Peoples’ Day, the Oregon Advocacy Commissions Office honors the nine federally recognized Tribal nations of Oregon and the many other indigenous communities who call Oregon home. We celebrate indigenous artists, educators, legislators, advocates, workers, and leaders; and the generations sustaining languages, knowledge, and community connections. We celebrate their contributions today and throughout the year.

10/08/2026

LGBTQIA2S+ history connects generations of people who have challenged discrimination, built community, and advocated for the freedom to live openly and safely.

This October, we honor those contributions and support an Oregon where people of every sexual orientation and gender identity are treated with dignity and respect.

10/06/2026

Every worker deserves respect, fair opportunity, and room to grow. The Oregon Advocacy Commissions Office celebrates workers with disabilities and affirms the importance of access and belonging, especially during National Disability Employment Awareness Month.

10/05/2026

How does meaningful Language Access affect public health? In this video, Kaj Jensen explains one of many successes to address inequitable health outcomes for Oregonians of color.

A new report is available from the Oregon Advocacy Commissions Office detailing how you can help address racism as a public health crisis in Oregon.

Find out more by reading the report (link in comments) and take action!

10/01/2026

Congratulations to Kaj Jensen (they/them) for their new(ish) role at the Oregon Advocacy Commissions Office! Kaj is an equity-focused research and data nerd who is passionate about community engagement. After working on the HB 4052 (2022) health equity team with the agency since 2023, they are thrilled to join the team permanently as the Operations and Policy Analyst.

“Supporting the work of the Commissions gives me an opportunity to bring together community leaders, state agencies, and frontline workers to identify problems and work towards solutions that center the lived experiences of those most impacted. I’m honored to do work that makes my community and the State of Oregon a better, more inclusive place for all.”

10/01/2026

Please join us in welcoming our new Public Affairs Specialist, Ellen Blessings Bakira! Ellen (she/her) brings experience in project management and community engagement to the Oregon Advocacy Commissions Office. Originally from Zimbabwe and raised in Oregon, she's excited to connect with communities across the state, build meaningful relationships, and help create opportunities for people to share their experiences and perspectives.

09/18/2026

08/25/2026

I will be joining Senator Frederick and Representative Sanchez on Wednesday, September 2nd at 6pm at the Albina Library for a fall town hall. I look forward to seeing you there!

07/20/2026

A new report is available from the Oregon Advocacy Commissions Office detailing how you can help address racism as a public health crisis in Oregon.

In this video, Oregon Commission on Black Affairs Commissioner and Oregon State Representative Travis E. Nelson explains how the report is a new beginning of the long-overdue legislative movement.