Hello friends and supporters. Lisa here! You know as well as I do how close we are to the election. I tend to wax reflective at the end of big things (in between knocking 50-100 doors every day!), and I’ve been thinking a lot about this whole campaign process, democracy, and THE FUTURE.

Namely, the future stewards of our democracy and our planet: our kids. When I think about policy, I tend to frame it as a question: If either of my step-kids decides to run for City Council someday, what kind of a city do I want them to inherit from me?

I want to leave them a carbon neutral and climate adapted city. One where you aren’t more likely to die from gun violence or extreme weather events or traffic crashes if you are poor or a person of color. I want them to inherit a city where they and their neighbors can afford to pay their rent or mortgage and still enjoy all the amazing arts, culture, food and drink that Portland has to offer. 

My 6th grade teacher used the 1992 presidential election to teach our class about government, politics, and democracy. She planted the seed, and by the time I turned 18, I was SO excited to vote that voting and democracy was the theme of my 18th birthday party. That’s a true story! I believed at a young age that my opinions mattered, and I was shown how to participate, and so I did.

And so I believe it is our responsibility to instill that same belief in our kids - which means taking seriously their concerns about climate, racism, poverty, and war. I am moved and inspired by the youth-powered movements I’ve worked with this year - It’s been the honor of my life to earn the endorsements of Sunrise Movement PDX and the Next Up Action Fund - young adults doing the work to save our planet and our democracy and they are WONDERFUL.

Respecting and including youth perspectives in politics is critical to the future of our democracy, because they have to live out the consequences of our decisions. Ignoring their calls for a better world is to further sow disaffection, apathy, and cynicism. We have enough of that, no?

They have the most to gain from investments in climate action infrastructure, housing and safety nets - and the lost to lose from short-term policies of extraction and incarceration. Let’s lift up their voices now and take the brave, bold action that will benefit not just our kids, but their kids. - Lisa Freeman

JOIN US:

Saturday 11/2 *JOINT CANVAS WITH CHAD LYKINS!* 2-4pm in Sellwood, meet at 1725 SE Bidwell Street.

Sunday 11/3, 2-4pm in Maplewood/Hayhurst, meet at Gabriel Park, at the Parking Lot off SW 45th Ave next to the Tennis Courts & Skatepark.

We have a few remaining Lawn Signs, hit us up for this collectors item 🙂 

This is where we’ll be on election night: