Don’t Shoot PDX:

Mission Statement: "Don’t Shoot Portland is an arts and education organization that promotes social justice and civic participation. Our year-round programming allows us to advocate for community members facing racism and discrimination by providing legal representation and direct advocacy. Since our inception in 2016, Don’t Shoot Portland has hosted its own dialogues, community forums and workshops focusing on history, archiving and social culture. The art proponent of our work acts as a communicative tool to facilitate discussions about race in America while providing educational assets to those most affected by discrimination in public policy."

Don’t Shoot PDX has consistently shown what it means to lead with integrity, art, and accountability in the fight for racial justice. Their protests, legal actions, and youth programs are grounded in lived experience and community care. I included them because political engagement must always be tied to anti-racism and local liberation work. They challenge me to not only advocate for justice, but to imagine what safety actually looks like in our city.

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