OUR WORK
Policy & Advocacy
When we prioritize children and families, we strengthen our collective future
In our conscious choices and taking actions, we can build an Oregon that is fair and just, where every child has the opportunity to reach their full potential, and where families and communities are valued and uplifted.
The Children's Agenda
Our Children Oregon brings together more than 135 nonprofits to develop a comprehensive legislative agenda focused on improving the well-being of children, youth, and families in Oregon. We believe in the power of community-driven solutions to create a more equitable future for all children.
Through unified voice and led by a BIPOC Steering Committee, partners, advocates, and policymakers use the Agenda’s shared framework to align efforts, work collaboratively, and powerfully show up for Oregon’s children.
2024 LEGISLATIVE SUCCESSES
Economic Well-Being
The Emergency Housing Stability and Production Package passed in 2024, making a total of $376M directed at the immediate needs of Oregonians struggling with homelessness, having trouble paying rent, or needing a place to live while recovering from a substance use disorder.
Education
Legislature established the Youth Advisory Group, creating a process for youth leaders to convert their diverse experiences into policymaking. This will ensure young leaders are meaningfully involved in the creation and implementation of policies that impact their lives.
Family & Community
$2.7M was allocated for Relief Nurseries in 2024. This early learning program has a demonstrated 95% success rate at preventing foster care through a comprehensive model of parent education, family home visits, and therapeutic classrooms for children birth to age five.
How the Children's Agenda Measures
Whole-Child Well-being:
Climate and Sustainability
Children need a sustainable future, resilient to climate change.
Economic Well-Being
Children’s basic needs must be met in affordable, accessible ways.
Physical and Mental Health
Children need access to quality health care and healthy environments.
Education
Children need quality learning and caring environments beginning at birth.
FAMILY and COMMUNITY
Children and their families need safety, stability, and empowerment.
From its inception through 2020, the Children’s Agenda aligned policy and investment recommendations under three categories: Economic Security, Education, and Health.
In 2021, the Children’s Agenda began using the following four categories: Economic Well-being, Health, Education, and Family & Community.
In 2022, the Children’s Agenda grew further with the addition of a new Climate & Sustainability category and expanded Health to intentionally include both Physical & Mental Health.
View Previous Children's Agendas and Legislative Successes:
View Each Report Below:
2025
2024
2023
2022
2021
2020
2019
2018
2017
2016
2015
VIEW EACH REPORT BELOW:
2025
2024
2023
2022
2021
5 years of Legislative Successes 2015-2019
2019
2018
2017
2016
2015
A Community of Advocates
Through the Children’s Agenda, Our Children Oregon brings together a community of advocates, coalitions, and partner organizations to champion state legislative policies and shared investments that benefit child well-being.
Our 120 partner organizations come together prior to each legislative session to share their expertise in child and family issues. Their diversity of knowledge, perspectives, and priorities informs the policies we pursue and the strategies we employ. While not all organizations are actively pursuing each agenda item, we stand together to propose systemic solutions and investments that will allow us to provide a strong foundation for Oregon’s children now and for generations to come.
Sign up and ACT
Help make Oregon a place where All Children Thrive by staying active and alerted when we need your help making a difference.
Interested in Becoming a Partner?
To instigate substantial legislative action and give all Oregon children an equal opportunity to thrive, we need help from organizations like yours. Reach out and let’s discuss how your organization can help make sure every Oregon child has the opportunity to reach their fullest potential.
