Civic Action Update: Hard conversations, turkey trots, and more!

By 
Morgan Knapp

Hey Boxers — Happy short holiday week! This civic action update includes on-campus opportunities to volunteer and engage with current events, off-campus guides for Thanksgiving volunteering, our center's take on "hard conversation over the dinner table," and our new open position: Pacific Votes Student Ambassador.

ON CAMPUS OPPORTUNITIES

  • Nov. 21: Supporting Each Other and Standing Together Against Violence and Hate: In light of recent campus, local, and global events, Pacific students, faculty, and staff are invited to join a facilitated conversation oriented toward supporting and understanding each other and standing in solidarity against violence and hate. Today at 4:30! More  
  • Nov. 28: Understanding the Politics of the Events in Gaza: Come learn about the Middle East with an emphasis on Israel and Palestine. This introduction to the region’s history, religions, and geography will help you understand the news coming out of Gaza and Israel. This is an opportunity to go beyond the current war to explore reasons for the conflict, possibilities for ending it, and what the future might bring. More
  • Nov. 30 deadline: NHOH's annual Holiday Giving Tree, benefiting the Western Farm Workers Association, is still accepting sign-ups. Help a child in need have a happy holiday season! More
  • Dec. 7-13: Is your dorm room feeling cluttered? Now is the time to clean-house and get ready for a fresh start in 2024! Winter Give & Go donation stations can be found in every residence hall lobby + Vanders laundry room. More

OFF CAMPUS: THANKSGIVING VOLUNTEERING

Curious about what it might be possible to accomplish over Thanksgiving? Blanchet House has a guide to volunteering on Thanksgiving, and Hands on Greater Portland also has a Holiday Volunteering guide. PDX Parent has a list of all the Portland Metro Turkey Trots, if you want to get in a run for a cause before feasting!

HARD CONVERSATIONS OVER DINNER?

Are you worried about hard conversations over the Thanksgiving dinner table? You're not alone. The Tom McCall Center for Civic Engagement has created a quick guide for managing these conversations and has recommendations for learning more both on- and off-campus. Read more

WE'RE HIRING!

The McCall Center for Civic Engagement is hiring a Pacific Votes Student Ambassador. Student Ambassadors are an integral part of the Pacific Votes program, playing a key role in helping their fellow students register, vote, and engage in dialogue around democracy and youth voting rights. Want to join our team? Learn more and apply today.

Until next time,

The Staff and Students of the MCCE

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Tuesday, Nov. 21, 2023