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 over 127 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 Commitee, partners, advocates, and policymakers use the Agenda’s shared framework to align efforts, work collaboratively, and powerfully show up for Oregon’s children.

2022 LEGISLATIVE SUCCESSES

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Economic Well-Being

Oregon made a historic investment into our child care sector that will support providers and increase access and decrease costs for families.

Health

The legislature invested in taking health care directly to BIPOC communities as a strategy to address racism as a public health crisis.

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Family & Community

Oregonians facing immigration issues can now access legal assistance, helping families stay together.   

Climate and Sustainability

Children need a sustainable future, resilient to climate change.

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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.

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Education

Children need quality learning and caring environments beginning at birth.

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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

Among the Children’s Agenda’s list of recommendations, key concepts are highlighted as priorities for the legislative session.

View Each Report Below:

2022

2021

2020

2019

2018

2017

2016

2015

VIEW EACH REPORT BELOW:

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.

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