The Urban League
VIEW
"Education, Employment and Equality"
Vol. 5, No. 1
Spring 1996
Published by the Urban League of Portland 10 North Russell St. Portland, OR 97227 (503) 280-2600
Client Success Story
Agencies team up to
create One Stop Career
Center for job seekers
Employment staff help talented
newcomer find high tech happiness
Looking for a job and related services will
become more convenient for residents of
North and Northeast Portland, thanks to a
For fifty years the Urban League of
Portland has worked to open employment
opportunities for qualified minority job
seekers. In the 1940's, the League helped
to place Portland's first black teachers,
multi-agency program being coordinated by
the Urban League. The One Stop Career
Center System is designed to integrate
policemen and department store employees.
services at different agencies so that clients
will only need to enroll once for a
multitude of services.
Today the agency's Employment staff
assist in matching people of color for high
tech jobs that did not exist a decade ago.
One example is the story of Mark A.
"There are many agencies assisting job
seekers in a variety of ways in North and
Northeast Portland," observed Urban
League Employment Director Christian
Camp. "But until now clients have had to
start from scratch every time they receive
Holman, a recent newcomer to Portland
who found a position with a major
corporation
through
the
League's
assistance.
Mark grew up in Southern California and
graduated from Harvard University. After
college he spent a year in Milan, Italy on
a Rotary International scholarship, where
he met his future wife. Already fluent in
Russian, Mark soon learned to speak
Italian as well.
When he returned
to America, Mark
travelled to Portland to visit his aunt. An
afternoon downtown helped persuade him
to move here. "Portland's lively downtown reminded me of Milan," he said. In
order to convince his wife to join him, he
faxed her stories about the things he saw in
town.
When his first employer announced an
upcoming reorganization, Mark started to
look for a new position. At a job fair in
Northeast Portland, Mark met Donna
Mackey of the Urban League Employment
Department. He followed up by coming to
the Urban League for an orientation about
the department's job seeker services. Later
Mark learned about a special recruitment
(continued on page two)
Mark Holman went from newcomer to new
hire at Unisys with help from League.
Unisys Corporation was holding at the
League and signed up.
Unisys is a large
multinational
that
specializes in data processing for banks
and government agencies. Mark knew his
computer skills would be an asset there.
Glenn Richardson was the Unisys manager
who interviewed Mark and other prospects
at the Urban League. "We had a number
of positions to fill. The Urban League
staff prescreened applications for us and
then we invited 10 people to interview
with us at the League. We hired two,
including Mark."
Richardson believes the League fills an
important niche in Portland's employment
sector. "In Portland there's a special need
to build diversity in the workplace. The
League can help employers find a diverse
pool of candidates."
(continued on page two)
"Our Children = Our
Destiny" is theme for
July 10 Annual Dinner
The Urban League's Annual Dinner
returns to its regular time slot on
Wednesday, July 10 at the Oregon
Convention Center. The theme of this
year's dinner is "Our Children = Our
Destiny," which the National Urban
League has selected as its central
Kay Dean Toran, Director,
State Office for Services to Children
and Families, is Dinner Co-Chair and
new Urban League under-30 board
theme.
member Donna Johnson will be master
of ceremonies. The keynote speaker
was unconfirmed at press time. Watch
your mail for more information about
the dinner.
One Stop Shop
Labor's Community Services: Provide
Northeast Employment and Training Center
access to union trades, technical training,
(continued from page one)
advocacy.
will provide comprehensive assessment,
case management and pre-employment
services at a new agency. The One Stop
will reduce paperwork for clients and help
agencies coordinate services so that job
seekers get the help they need to fmd a
family wage job."
A universal enrollment form is being
created which will be used by partner
Marnella Bingham of The
agencies.
Private Industry Council, a One Stop
partner, says the new system will allow
agencies to share information to better
serve job seekers.
"Our eventual goal is to link agencies by
computer so that we can coordinate case
management and make sure clients receive
the services they need," she said. "The
goal is to reduce duplication of services
and make the system more client friendly."
training.
Mt. Hood Community College: Provide
services of Dislocated Worker Program to
help urban dislocated workers develop
training and/or placement plans.
Oregon Adult and Family Services: The
JOBS (Steps to Success) Program helps
Employment Department will handle client
information and referral;
comprehensive case management;
placement; retention; basic skills training;
and computer skills training.
intakes;
welfare recipients enter the workforce.
Oregon
Employment
Department:
Comprehensive employment services
including unemployment insurance
services, eligibility screening for dislocated
workers, referrals to services for exoffenders and veterans.
Portland Community College:
The
Northeast Skills Center will provide
assessment, basic skills /GED training, work
experience with vocational and technical
training.
One Stop partner agencies and some of the
services they will provide include:
Urban League of Portland: The League's
Provide
Vocational Rehabilitation:
training and employment services to
injured and disabled workers.
Volunteer Lawyers Project: Provide legal
assistance and advocacy related to child
support, driver's license suspension, debt
consolidation, and housing.
Programs will be integrated through joint
planning and provision of services and also
through an integrated system of
enrollments and referrals. Funding for the
project has come from the federal Job
Training Partnership Act.
Housing Authority of Portland: Provide
Portland- Development Commission:
Provide recruitment, pre-screening and
referral to employment openings through
its JobNet bulletin board system and access
to the Nortreast Business Assistance Fund
and training.
affordable housing, fair housing advocacy,
access to pre-employment training.
The Private Industry Council:
503/280-2630.
Albina Ministerial Alliance: Provide and
coordinate child care services.
The
The Urban League
is responsible for
coordination and management of the One
Stop and for the overall provision of One
Stop services. For information, contact the
Urban League Employment Deparment at
Dislocated workers project assists urban unemployed Mark Holman
(continued from page one)
The term "dislocated worker" usually
conjures up images of unemployed timber
workers. But statistics indicate that there
are also large numbers of urban workers
who have been dislocated by new
technology, jobs moving offshore, and
The League's participation was considered
critical to ensure that project services are
available, accessible, and appropriate to the
needs of dislocated workers residing in the
Services
North/Northeast community.
provided at the League include:
corporate downsizing. To meet the needs
of these urban casualties of a changing
global economy, the Urban League of
Portland is providing services through the
Dislocated Workers Project.
The program helps identify, evaluate, train,
Orientation Sessions (4 Hours)
Career Transition Classes (8-Day
Class)
Job Search Activities
Case Monitoring
Appropriate Training
and help place dislocated workers in
Washington and Multnomah Counties. The
League is one of several community
agencies participating. Others include Mt.
Hood Community College, Portland
Community College, The Private Industry
Council, Labor's Community Service
Agency, and Northwest Oregon Labor
Council, AFL-CIO.
Participants often enter job training
programs in growth industries through the
program. Several people have enrolled in
the League's Computer Training Center.
For more information, contact Employment
Director Christian Camp at 260-2628.
Richardson understands the opportunities
that can await African Americans and other
people of color who join corporations. Mr.
Richardson, who like Mark is an African
American, has worked with Unisys for 25
years and now manages data center
operations and technical computing
support.
Mark, like many people who use the
League's employment services, gives back
to the League and community. He was
keynote speaker at a recent graduation
ceremony for the League's Computer
Training Center and plans to become a Big
Brother to a local youth. People like
Mark, who perform well on their job
placements, assist in opening the doors of
opportunity for others. They become
ambassadors and "recruiters" and help
inspire others to follow them.
President's Column
Welfare reform has
arrived in Oregon
Oregon officials say that welfare families
that take advantage of the Oregon Health
Plan, aggressive child support collection,
and employment supports such as childcare subsidies, will be better off at work
By Lawrence J. Dark
than on welfare. We support the state's
efforts to promote self-sufficiency. But we
hope Oregon's public and private sectors
will put equal effort into providing the jobs
that are needed to end welfare dependency.
On March 28, 1996, Oregon received
waivers from the federal government
allowing it to make sweeping changes in
its welfare system. Oregon can now
require all welfare recipients to get jobs
that move their families out of poverty.
The question we have is where will all
these family wage jobs come from?
Oregon has already reduced its welfare
caseload from 43,600 to 35,200 since
A "push" off the welfare rolls without the
"pull" of a family wage job will translate
into more homeless families in Oregon.
We are sure that is not the goal of the
Lawrence J. Dark
*
March 1994. The state has cut the welfare
rolls by focusing on employment programs
rather than restricting access to benefits.
Information from Oregon's
Teen parents can be required to live in
a safe, supervised setting where they
can focus on completing their education
and moving toward employment.
Adult & The state's JOBS Plus program, which
Family Services Division makes it clear places welfare clients in six-month, on-thethat changes lie ahead for welfare job training positions in the private sector,
recipients and their families. Under the will bckexpanded statewide. Mothers will
be required to participate full-time in the
Oregon Option waivers:
program as soon as their youngest child is
* Oregon will be able to require welfare three myths old, as opposed to the
recipients to participate in activities national standard of three years.
leading to employment and selfThe state is very serious about ending
sufficiency;
welfare dependency. Its stated goal is
* There will be stronger penalties for "helping families avoid welfare, leave
welfare recipients who do not cooperate welfare as soon as possible, and remain off
public assistance."
in self-sufficiency activities;
Welfare Index
Most people agree that our welfare system needs reform. However, there are
many myths about who receives Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC)
and why, how the system works, and how it affects recipients. The following
national facts provided by World Hunger Year offer some background as we
consider options for reform. All statistics are from federal government sources.
Percent of federal budget consumed by AFDC: 1%
Percent of average state budget consumed by AFDC: 2%
Average number of children in an AFDC family in 1969: 3
Average number of children in an AFDC family in 1996: 2
Percentage of AFDC claims that are fraudulent: 1.4%
Percent of the population that received AFDC in 1970: 4.1%
Percent that received AFDC at height of 1992 recession: 5.3%
Percent of families who leave AFDC program within one year of enrollment:
More than half
Median state AFDC maximum benefit for a family of three in 1994 per month:
$366
Median AFDC maximum benefit as a percentage of poverty line: 36%
Amount AFDC benefits increased from 1970 to 1994, adjusted for inflation: -47%
Oregon Option.
Three new board
members elected
Three new members have been elected to
the Urban League of Portland's board of
directors. Miltie Vega-Lloyd is personnel
director for KPTV 12. She has served as
chair of the Oregon Council for Hispanic
Advancement and is on the board of
United Way of the Columbia - Willamette.
Bill Prows is manager of community
affairs for US WEST
and manager of the
US WEST FoundaHe
tion Oregon.
serves on the boards
of the Business
Youth Exchange,
Oregon Association
of Minority Entrepre-
neurs,
and
Self
Enhancement, Inc.
Bill Prows
Donna Johnson was elected to one of two
under-age-30 slots on the board. She is a
security holder specialist at PacifiCorp and
an active volunteer in several community
groups. She has coordinated the NAACP
Act-So youth talent program since 1993,
and has volunteered with United Way, the
United Negro College Fund and the
African American
Roundtable.
Legislative
Issues
Board members rotating off the board
include Rian Brown, Kevin Fuller, Judi
Pitre and Amoy Williamson. Board
member David Duran has relocated to
The Urban League extends its
thanks to all for their years of service.
Phoenix.
Grandparent concerns
spark federal legislation
Guild holds fund raiser,
plans membership tea
For several years the Urban League has
By Chris Poole-Jones, Guild President
the event.
been helping grandparents who have
primary day-to-day responsibility for
raising their grandchildren. The Healthy
Grandparent Program helps "parenting
grandparents" update their parenting skills
and advocate to keep their families
together. Thanks to the League's focus on
this growing social issue, important
progress is being made.
The Guild has a mission: to increase and
In 1995 then U.S. Rep. Ron Wyden (D-
The Urban League Guild is off to a fine
start with a successful fund raiser, a benefit
performance of "Ain't Misbehavin'".
Thank you to all who purchased tickets for
the Guild's matinee performance. Meier &
Frank Department Stores sponsored the
dessert reception honoring the success of
diversify our membership; provide support
services to the Urban League; and promote
youth activities and scholarships. Alene
Grice and Celeste Brown chair our
Chris Poole-Jones, Guild President
Membership Tea Committee. The tea is
planned for this spring and will help recruit
new Guild members and promote the
The tea will be a
Urban League.
wonderful opportunity to spend an
afternoon with old friends and make a few
new ones.
La Verne Bagley Brown is working on
membership. The Guild needs to identify
current members and welcome new ones.
La Verne is taking this task very seriously.
Guild membership will begin July 1st of
each year.
Readers respond to
League's appeal
for Dr. King statue
An appeal in the last newsletter for
donations to construct a statue honor-
ing Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. met
with overwhelming success. A total
of $10,250 was raised, including a
$10,000 gift from Legacy Emanuel
Hospital and Health Center. Other
contributors included Faye Burch,
Laura Glosson and Duane Bosworth.
Local artist Michael Florin Dente's
"The Dream" statue would be located
at the Oregon Convention Center
facing Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd.
For information, contact the non-profit
Martin Luther King, Jr. Sculpture
Fund, P.O. Box 1809, Portland, OR
97207.
We have other active Guild members such
as Thelma Golden, our able treasurer who
does an excellent job. Myrtle Carr is a
sweet, sensible person who keeps us
balanced.4- The head mistress in charge,
He Boise Hill, the Principal, is respected by
all. Olga Talley is our jet setter. We
have spiritual supporters: Bobbie Nunn,
Okianer lhristian Dark, Marie
Edwards, Ameera Saahir, and countless
others. We look forward to bringing to the
Urban League a bouquet of Guild workers
to assist in any way we can.
Youth in League program
wins logo design contest
OR) met with grandparents in the League's
program to hear their concerns about losing
custody of their grandchildren.
The
meeting led Rep. Wyden to introduce a bill
in the House to allow states to make
grandparents preferred guardians in the
foster care system. Rep. Wyden's "kinship
care" proposal was passed in the House.
Wyden, now a U.S. Senator, hopes to
sponsor a companion bill in the Senate. In
a recent interview with Portland's Skanner
newspaper, then Rep. Wyden thanked
grandparents and the Urban League for
their contributions.
"This is a major national initiative that
came right from Portland, right from the
Urban League, right to the floor of the
House," Rep. Wyden said. He said the
kinship care idea was preferable to House
Speaker Newt Gingrich's plan to send such
children to orphanages.
Jamal Qutub is one young person who
knows an opportunity when he sees one.
Jamal gained a part-time job through the
League's Youth Employment and
Empowerment Program, which includes
Conference to look at
our region's future
many Portland youth agencies.
This
March the program sponsored a logo
contest with the theme of "Connecting
The Urban League and other local
Youth with Opportunities." Jamal's design
was selected to be used on the program's
brochures. He also wins a $100 Nike gift
certificate.
For Jamal, the contest could be a turning
point. He is studying graphic design at
Portland State University and hopes the
contest will help lead to an internship
where he can gain professional experience.
Congratulations to Jamal and thanks to
Nike for sponsoring the contest.
organizations that promote economic
and social justice are sponsoring a
conference on Saturday, May 4 called
"Common Good, Common Ground."
Speakers will include religious leaders,
urban planners, and the Urban
League's Cecil Prescod who works on
urban livability issues. The conference runs from 11 am - 4:45 pm at
First Presbyterian Church in
downtown. $10 registration includes
lunch To register, call Zack Semke at
503/497-1000.
Members of the
Urban League
"E" Team are taking
on environmental and
livability issues that
affect inner city
residents. From left:
pollution prevention
coordinator Don
Francis, urban
ecosystems teacher
Anne Gallagher,
recycling czar Daniel
Blue, outreach
coordinator Cecil
Prescod, and urban
parks coordinator
Domonic Boswell
Ford grant will help combat suburban
sprawl and revitalize inner city
The Ford Foundation has made a $50,000 suburban fringe. Urban Portland lost
grant to the Urban League and three other almost 15,000 jobs between 1980 and
partners of the Coalition for a Livable 1990, while outlying suburbs gained more
Future to support education and outreach than 450,000. Many of Portland's older
that will help combat suburban sprawl in suburbs are experiencing similar losses.
the Portland metro area. The League's
partners in the grant include the Audubon The flow of economic development from
Society of Portland, the Community the regien's historic center to its edge leads
Development Network, and 1000 Friends to urban decay and environmental
destruction of forests and farms at the
of Oregon.
region's fringe. The coalition hopes to
"Suburban sprawl has negative effects for build support for regional growth that is
inner city residents as well as our natural equitable and environmentally sound.
environment," noted Urban League
President Lawrence J. Dark. "Portland has Reverend Cecil Prescod, a United Church
a historic opportunity to avoid the growth of Christ pastor who has worked for years
patterns that have transformed the inner on social justice issues, has been hired as
cities of many U.S. regions from centers of an outreach worker for the coalition based
vitality to centers of hopelessness."
at the Urban League.
All of the agencies being funded are The grant will fund work by affordable
members of the Coalition for a Livable housing advocates through the Community
Future, which was formed in 1994 to Development Network (CDN), a local
educate the public and decision-makers coalition of community development
about regional growth patterns. The corporations. Housing prices and rents are
includes organizations rapidly growing in the Portland metro area.
representing such interests as land use
planning, environmental protection, CDN's Tasha Harmon, an affordable
coalition
affordable housing, transportation, inner housing advocate and planner, will work
city development, social justice, and farm on such housing concerns as the
"Prices are increasing far
faster than incomes. This grant will
Ms. Harmon.
support the coalition in bringing together
housing advocates from Clackamas,
Multnomah, and Washington counties to
work with Metro and local jurisdictions to
address the housing needs of low and
moderate income people."
"The Coalition for a Livable Future was
formed just one year ago," noted the Urban
League's Lawrence Dark. "We have
progressed from an idea to a coalition
whose voice is being heard by Metro
planners and others in charge of our
region's growth. We encourage anyone
interested in helping our region to grow
equitably to get involved in the coalition."
For more information on the Coalition,
contact Cecil Prescod at 503280-2643 or
Zack Semke at 503/497-1000.
Equity Foundation grant
will support program for
sexual minority youth
The Equity Foundation of Portland has
made a $3,800 grant to support the Urban
League of Portland's Rainbow program for
sexual minority youth. The Rainbow
program is a support group for gay, lesbian
and bisexual youth that gives youth a place
where they can feel safe to discuss issues
and get information on safer sex, family
and peer issues, and drug and alcohol
issues.
"Statistics tell us that gay, lesbian and
bisexual teenagers are much more likely to
run away from home, drop out of school,
suffer substance abuse and suicide," said
Program Coordinator Shala Moaydei.
"This grant, and gifts by several local
individuals, will help us continue to
provide services to youth in this situation."
Several individuals also made gifts totaling
$3,040 through the Foundation to support
the Rainbow program.
They include
displacement of low-income people, white Floreid Walker, Annie Bellman and
and middle class suburban flight, the Michael Woods, the John Grigsby & Jim
Although Portland is seen as a national growing concentration of poverty, and the Vegher Fund, and the Frances & Leonard
model in planning for a livable future, geographic separation of affordable Gernant Fund.
many of the seeds of metropolitan housing and family wage jobs.
instability have already been planted here.
The Urban League extends its thanks to the
Like many U.S. regions, the inner urban "Low and moderate income people in our foundation and individual donors for
core of our region is losing jobs to the region are facing a housing crisis," noted supporting the Rainbow Program.
land protection.
National Council of
Jewish Women honors
League's Mary Harvey
The Urban League
Employment staff
show off a bus bench
sign for this year's
job fair. From left,
Eddie Lincoln,
Camille Nichols,
Christian Camp,
Donna Mackey and
Zina Woods.
Mary Harvey, a League employee who
works with juvenile offenders, has been
selected to receive the National Council of
Jewish Women, Portland Section's Faith in
Humanity Award. The award was created
as part of Portland Section's 1996
Centennial. Ms. Harvey was honored for
her "creativity, energy, and faith in
humanity that have significantly enhanced
the quality of life in our community."
Ms. Harvey came to the League through
Career Connections job fair draws
record crowd of job seekers
American Association of Retired
Persons Senior Employment Program. She
has inspired fellow employees and clients
the
More than 3,100 job seekers turned out for
the League's fourth annual Career
Connections job fair in late March.
Thanks to support from the Portland Trail
Blazers and the City of Portland this year's
can help build diversity by participating in
events like Career Connections. Other
employers have taken even more proactive
steps to increase recruitment and retention
of employees of color.
At a breakfast
event was held in a larger venue, the
ceremony,
Insurance
Memorial Coliseum Exhibit Hall.
honored as the League's Employment
Career Connections is an example of the
League's continued efforts to assist job
seekers and help employers recruit and
retain a diverse work force. This year's
event included a stepped up marketing
campaign and participation by more than
Partner of the Year for its commitment to
pursuing the goals of affirmative action,
community involvement, outreach and
retention. Carolyn Bentley of Nationwide
said that the company's involvement has
helped "us attract a more diverse applicant
pool and better relate to the diverse
communities we serve."
80 employers who came with an estimated
2,500 job openings.
Nationwide
was
"I've collected quite a stack of resumes,"
"A lot of people are shifting jobs
D'Norgia Price of Portland's Bureau of
within the same industry as companies
downsize or merge."
-- Angela Burns, US Bancorp
Environmental Services noted at the event.
"About 1,000 people filled out a form to
tell us what type of job they are interested
in. We'll add their names to our data base
and notify them when we have an opening.
We're also looking for students for
summer jobs."
This year's job fair helped job seekers and
employers deal with upsetting changes in
the economy. "A lot of people are shifting
jobs within the same industry as companies
downsize or merge," reported US
Bancorp's Angela Burns. "We're getting
a lot of applications from people who work
at banks that are going through mergers."
People of color that lack seniority are often
the first to be layed off in corporate
downsizings and rightsizings. Employers
alike with her commitment to helping
young people in our community live up to
their true potential. The Urban League
joins the National Council of Jewish
Women in thanking Mary Harvey for her
contribution to our community.
A special thank you
to our sponsors!
The Urban League wishes to thank the
following companies for their sponsorship
of recent events. Their support has
allowed the League to direct more
proceeds to direct services that assist the
community. Event sponsors include:
Equal Opportunity Dinner: First
Interstate Bank, Fred Meyer, KPDX Fox
49, Lazerquick, Legacy Emanuel Hospital,
Meier & Frank, Portland Community
College, Paragon Cable, Providence Health
System, Sokol Blosser Winery, Stoel Rives
The breakfast ceremony also included an
address by League President Lawrence J.
Dark, who shared his thoughts on how
affirmative action can create opportunity
and announced the appointment of
Christian Camp as the League's new
Director of Employment.
The Urban League wishes
Boley Jones & Grey, and US WEST
Communications.
Special thanks also to
guest speaker Ronald Daly, MC Brenda
Braxton, and Co- Chairs Keith Lovett and
Dr. Judith Ramaley.
Career Connections: AT&T Wireless
thank
Nationwide Insurance, other Employment
Partners and companies that participated in
Career Connections for demonstrating their
to
Services, City of Portland, Franz Bakery,
KATU-TV, McDonalds, Oregon Arena,
Popeye's Chicken, Portland \ Oregon
Visitors Association, and Taco Bell.
commitment to building a diverse work
force. We also applaud the job seekers
"Ain't Misbehavin": Meier & Frank.
who attended for taking personal actions to
become economically self-sufficient.
Annual
System.
Meeting:
Providence
Health
select one of six career pathways to
Guest Column
focus on during their high school career.
They observe professionals on the job,
Local programs that reduce school
drop-outs deserve our support
serve internships and have work
experiences that help define future
career goals.
There's some good news in figures for
annual dropout rates released recently by
Portland Public Schools -- good news that
translates to improved educational
opportunities and brighter prospects for
future careers for many African American
Those activities, and many more, greatly
expand out students' horizons. By making
the connection between classroom studies
and careers, school becomes more relevant
to many young people. By introducing
students.
District figures show the dropout rate for
African American students stands at 5.8%
in 1994/95, compared to 9.7% in 1993/94.
I believe that two innovative programs and
philosophies play a role in the declining
numbers of dropouts. Those programs not
only bring students back to school who
have previously dropped out, but they give
students a first-hand view of why they
need to stay in school.
Jefferson High's new
Health Sciences/ Biotechnology Magnet
Program is another example of a
partnership where students gain insights
and experience in future careers.
By Lucious Hicks, IV
Chair, Portland Board of Education
students to African American professionals
working in our community, we also
provide successful role models that can
inspire students to pursue their dreams.
Dropout
Lucious Hicks, IV
retrieval and School-to-Work
programs are just two reasons minority
The first effort I want to describe brought
more than 2,570 young people back to
educdtional programs this year. Portland
School District now aggressively recruits
dropouts into our dropout retrieval
programj.
Both community-based
students
are
staying
in school,
and
succeeding, in greater numbers than ever
before.
What can you do to ensure that these
successful
programs
continue?
Get
involved in community-based programs
programs, such as the Urban League's designed to keep our kids in school.
Street Academy, and district-operated Volunteer in a school
as a reader,
Why not volunteer
at Urban League?
programs like Grant Evening High School,
There's no better place to help
chance at building skills and earning high
Some 55
students succeed in school than the
school diplomas or GEDs.
Urban League of Portland. Volunteers
are needed for:
programs in all helped students -- many of
return to both regular
them minorities
and alternative programs this year.
* Portland Street Academy, an
alternative school open from
8:30 am to 3 pm Monday to Friday
(teacher's aides, tutors);
A second new direction helps students see
Monday to Thursday (tutors);
providing job shadows and work
experiences to students, or offering
professional expertise to school staff.
Finally, join the Portland Board of
Education, school staff and other
community members in our efforts to
the connection between what they are ensure stable and adequate funding for
learning in class and what careers they these and all other programs that help our
might pursue in the future. Portland Public
* Whitney Young Learning Center,
tutorial program open 3 8 pm,
mentor, classroom speaker. Involve your
offer students 'under age 21 a second business in school-to-work activities --
Schools' School-to-Work Program now
touches students at all grade levels. For
children succeed.
example:
* Male and Female Responsibility
Programs, teen pregnancy
*
Students at King Early Childhood
Education Center learn about the role of
Walk for Humanity May 4
League and in schools, mentors
architects and how they make cities On May 4 the Urban League and other
community groups will join Portland
more livable through the Architects in
needed;
the Schools Program;
prevention
program
meets
at
* Big Brother/Big Sister Programs,
one-on-one relationship with a
young person.
For volunteer information, call David
Brody at 503/280-2611.
* At Beaumont Middle School, students
work with US WEST Communications
staff members, gaining actual
experience in newsletter production and
other communication activities;
* Students at Roosevelt High School
Habitat for Humanity's fourth annual Walk
for Humanity. The five-mile walk is a
city-wide event that showcases the
accomplishments of Northeast Portland
nonprofits. Walkers raise money for the
organization of their choice. Funds are
then matched by money donated from local
businesses. For more information, please
contact Shannon at 287-9529.
Author Geoffrey Canada
urges League audience
to reduce youth violence
League wins grant to
hold celebratory events
for children who do right
Everyone seems to agree that violence is
an increasing problem in America's
schools, families and work places. In
Most youth programs are designed to help
kids who are doing very well or very poor.
The vast majority of youth who are neither
"gifted" nor "at-risk" are often ignored, left
April the Urban League Advocacy Program
presented a free talk by Geoffrey Canada,
one of America's leading thinkers on the
to rise or fall depending on their own
initiative. A new Urban League program
causes and solutions to the problem of
will work to encourage such youth to
violence in America.
achieve in school subjects that are key to
their future success.
Mr. Canada is author of Fist Stick Knife
Gun: A Personal History of Violence in
America.
Rheedlan
He is President and CEO of
for Children and
Families in New York City, which runs a
school around the clock as a safe haven for
children in Harlem. His book connects
today's urban violence to several causes:
our drug laws, crack cocaine, and the gun
industry's focus on marketing to children.
Centers
"Our children are
important because
they're all we've got," Canada told a rapt
audience that included Police Chief Charles
Moose, Judge Roosevelt Robinson, Black
United Front Co-Chair Richard Brown and
other concerned citizens. "Yet prevention
activities for youth were the single item cut
It's an election year
will you, vote?
MIS
As
we near several important
elections, the Urban League urges you
to take part in your democracy by
registering to vote and exercising your
right to vote. It is a privilege that
many in the civil rights movement
fought hard to acquire. One vote
does make a difference. Your vote
can change policies and budgets that
affect your community, family, friends
and neighbors.
If you have not
registered, please note these deadlines
and contact your County Elections
Office to register:
Registration Deadlines:
For May 21 primary: April 30
For November 5 general election:
October 15
The
Geoffrey Canada's book "Fist Stick Knife
Gun: A Personal History of Violence in
America" offers a child's view of the city.
from last year's crime bill. In New York
City more than 100,000 kids signed up for
summer jobs in one week last year. Then
Congress made them look like chumps by
cutting summer jobs for youth." He
encourited the audience to support
activities that help youth develop the social
and intellectual skills they will need to
succeed.
The Urban League thanks Geoffrey Canada
and the State Office for Services to
Children and Farnilies for making his visit
possible.
Brochure suggests ways
to prevent youth violence
The American Psychological Association
(APA) and the American Academy of
Pediatrics (AAP) have collaborated to
develop a public education brochure to
help prevent youth violence. Raising
Children to Resist Violence: What You Can
Do is designed for parents, family
members, and others who care for children
within the family, school and community.
To receive one free copy, send a selfaddressed stamped envelope to: Raising
Children to Resist Violence, APA - Public
Interest, 750 First St., NE, Washington,
DC, 20002-4242.
For bulk orders ($25.95 per 100), write
American Academy of Pediatrics,
Publications, P.O. Box 927, Elk Grove
Village, IL 60009-0927.
National Urban League recently
announced that the Portland League will
receive a five-year, $100,000 grant from
the Borden Foundation as part of a national
Campaign for Achievement. Portland will
name its program after its former
Executive Director E. Shelton Hill.
Students in the E. Shelton Hill Achievers
Corps (ESHAC) will be drawn from
schools in the Jefferson Cluster in North/
Northeast Portland.
Youth will be
recognized for academic achievement,
school attendance, community service,
leadership, and participation in extracurricular activities.
Activities funded by the grant include
block parties, a Back to School march, a
Spring Jamboree with student performances
of music, poetry, and readings, and a series
of awards for students who show
improvement.
The program will work in partnership with
several existing League initiatives,
including: the Whitney Young Learning
Center (a free after-school tutorial
program), the Urban Ecosystems Project (a
math and science partnership with Portland
State University) and the League's Parent
Involvement Program. The grant will
allow the League to expand current work
that is being funded by the Mattel
Foundation. The foundation's Hand in
Hand Coalition is working to involve inner
city parents in their children's education.
"Youth development is the key to our
nation's success," noted the Portland
League's Interim Education Director Brian
A. Black. "We are thrilled we can help
young people in Portland reach their full
potential and remember Shelly Hill, a great
Urban Leaguer."
League joins affiliates
in tribute to Ron Brown
The Urban League of Portland joined
affiliates across America in a tribute to
former U.S. Secretary of Commerce
Former
Big
Brother
Greg
America to administer all Big Brother/Big
Sister programs in the Portland metro area.
Big Brothersaig Sisters of Metropolitan
Portland helps children from single parent
homes find a caring adult role model for a
long lasting one-to-one relationship.
D.C.
Wolley
"Ronald H. Brown was an outstanding
spends
time
with his
little
brother.
American," said Uthan League of Portland
President and CEO Lawrence J. Dark. "In
addition to his contributions to his country
as Secretary of Commerce and Chairman
of the Democratic Party, he was a beloved
member of the Urban League family. Ron
League agrees to coordinate local
Big Brother/Big Sister programs
The Urban League has signed an
agreement with Big Brothers/Big Sisters of
Ronald H. Brown on April 9. Staff and
students gathered to discuss Ron Brown's
legacy and pause for a moment of silence
during his funeral service in Washington,
The new role and responsibility the Urban
League has accepted is important because
the theme of the National Urban League
movement is "Our Children = Our
Destiny." The goal is to have a caring,
positive adult in the life of every child,
especially between the hours of 3 - 6 pm.
The Big Brother/Big Sister Program assists
Brown was a bridge builder who knew
how to get people of different ethnic and
economic backgrounds, nationalities, and
communities to work together to benefit
the nation and the world."
Brown was the first African American to
lead either of the nation's major political
parties and the first Black to become a
in the top Washington law firm of
Patton, Boggs & Blow.
"The League will now coordinate local
programs and handle affiliate
the League in affirming that children,
Between 1967 and 1979 Ron Brown held
youth and families are priorities.
a number of key
responsibilities for the five Big Brother/Big
The agreement also enhances the Northeast
Family Center, which is one of six family
centers in Multnomah County.
The
League has provided services to the
Sister service providers in metropolitan
Portland," said the Uthan League's Larry
Foltz, director of Youth and Family
Services. "We will ensure that programs
in Portland meet national standards,
especially with regard to volunteer
recruitment, screening and matching
procedures." Daniel Blue, coordinator of
the Urban League's Big Brother/Big Sister
program, will serve as Program Director
for local programs.
As part of its agreement, the Urban League
will recruit and coordinate an advisory
committee for Big Brothers/Big Sisters of
Metropolitan Portland, with responsibility
for local fund raising and public relations.
community through the family center for
more than a decade.
More than 130 young people are currently
Northeast Portland since 1986. Other local
programs are operated by Eastwind Center,
Family Works, Neighborhood House, and
North Portland Youth and Family Services.
Director of Youth & Student Affairs,
Director of Law & Consumer Affairs, and
General Counsel.
Students in the League's Street Academy
followed up the ceremony by discussing
Brown's legacy in classroom discussions.
being served by local Big Brother/I3ig
Sister programs, while another 100 are on
a waiting list. There is a severe shortage
of Big Brother volunteers. Almost all
youth on waiting lists are boys.
"We need men who are responsible, caring,
have the time and patience and can meet
rigorous eligibility standards," said League
President Lawrence J. Dark. "Men (and
women) who participate can in affect assist
The Urban League has provided Big the community, by improving the quality
Brother/Big Sister services in North and
positions with the
National Urban League, including
spokesperson in the nation's capital,
of life for a boy or girl which could have
Urban League
Mission Statement
The mission of the Urban League of
Portland is to help African
Americans and others achieve parity
and economic self-sufficiency
through advocacy, community
problem-solving, partnerships, and by
lifelong impact."
conducting programs designed to
strengthen the growth and
For information on how to volunteer, call
development of individuals, families
and communities.
503/280-2627.
Calendar of Upcoming Events
May 3: Cinco de Mayo Celebration, Senior Center, 10 am - 1 pm
May 4: Metro Future Conference, co-sponsored by Urban League. 11 am 4:45 pm. First Presbyterian Church.
May 17: Intergenerational Dinner hosted by Healthy Grandparent Program. All
grandparents and grandchildren invited. Site TBA. Call 248-5470.
May 31: Multicultural Fair, Senior Center. Music, food, performance.
June 28-29: Granny and Kids Fun Weekend. Family beach trip.
June 21: Senior Fishing Derby.
June 6: Fifth Anniversary Celebration, Senior Center, 11:30 am - 2 pm.
July 10: Urban League Annual Dinner, Oregon Convention Center
August 11-14: National Urban League Annual Conference, New Orleans
For event information, call the Urban League of Portland, (503) 280-2600.
Urban League of Portland
Urban League Plaza
10 N. Russell
Portland, OR 97227
Wish List
The Urban League is in need of the
following items to better serve constituents in our programs:
* HP laser printers
* 486 computers
* Two and three drawer file cabinets
* Office furniture
* Passenger van
* Camcorder
* Overhead projector
* Copiers and paper
* Fax machine
* Office supplies (pens, paper, etc.)
* Library books and school materials
A special thank you to Mr. and Mrs.
Peter Eberhard who donated office
furniture, Wells Fargo for donating
two HP printers, and to Chenyl Perrin
and Fred Meyer for their donations
after reading last issue's wish list.
Non-Profit Org.
U.S. Postage
PAID
Portland, OR
Permit 1667