Our Values

Black Liberation & Pro-Blackness

Unite Oregon stands for the liberation of all Black individuals globally, recognizing anti-Blackness as a tool of white supremacy that needs to be challenged and rectified within our structures and society. Our strength lies in envisioning a future where every Black person is unconditionally respected, safeguarded, and validated. At the heart of our mission is Black liberation, understanding it as the catalyst for collective freedom; when all Black people are liberated, everyone shares in that freedom.

Decolonization

We recognize that decolonization is an ongoing process, not limited to the past; we are dedicated to actively challenging the current exploitation of labor and land as it relates to generational harm. We center the needs of our communities and aim to collectively unlearn colonized ideologies. We honor the wisdom bestowed by our ancestors to differentiate between trauma responses and ancestral guidance to lay the foundation for future generations to thrive. We acknowledge that colonization fuels misogyny and gender-based violence, advocating for non-punitive, abolitionist approaches to encourage growth, healing, and liberation. We work together in promoting language equality, celebrating queer and trans joy, and persistently working towards dismantling racial capitalism.

Collectivism

We are committed to a future where everyone can enjoy the happiness and freedom that true equity and shared well-being bring. We advocate for valuing the community above the individual, believing that our world thrives when we embrace our interconnectedness and inherent connection to each other. Collectivism involves fairly distributing resources and power to benefit those most affected by unjust systems, particularly our Black, Indigenous, and transgender community members. Our approach to transformative change includes prioritizing the voices of those most impacted in decision-making and fostering collective healing practices.

JOY

Finding joy and abundance is a key way to invigorate our spirits in this work, uncover innovative solutions, and draw strength and resilience from our ancestors who paved the way for us. Joy is our foundation, enabling us to maintain a liberatory outlook and foster trust as we pursue justice. We nourish joy in supporting community members in challenging times and forging authentic connections among us all. We take delight in the relationships we cultivate, creating a space of belonging and inclusivity. Through our work, we express joy through our camaraderie and by establishing a space where we are safe to be our true selves.

Intercultural Solidarity

Unite Oregon is dedicated to cultivating intercultural solidarity and nurturing a sense of unity, acceptance, and liberation. Grounded in this value, we practice cultural humility, recognizing different perspectives and shaping an environment where everyone's stories are honored. We challenge ourselves to push beyond what makes us different and to witness our humanity in action, striving to see our differences as strengths in the movement toward freedom and justice. We build a community where intercultural solidarity thrives, encouraging open dialogue, and embracing the strength found in diverse backgrounds and experiences.