Category: Portland
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6 Practices to Build Community Power: An Intro to Solidarity Networks
Forty people squeezed into a cramped property management office to deliver a letter. The Falcon Art Community, a rental management company dressed up as a “privately funded arts organization”, had neglected a black mold problem in the walls of Beth’s home. Health issues related to the mold forced Beth to move out and live in…
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Eyes on the Prize: Solidarity from the Streets of Portland
Along with cities from around the country, Portland erupted on November 25th in one of the largest demonstrations and actions it has seen in years. The Portland Solidarity Network came on as an official sponsor of the event that was planned in solidarity with the Mike Brown actions happening both in Ferguson and in cities…
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Oregon Canvassers Workers Push for Unionization at Union-Funded Workplace
Seven workers and union activists head toward the office on September 17, just before the morning shift begins, debating how to enter. Should they all parade in together? What if lower management is out front smoking before the shift begins? Should they go in early, or wait until the day’s canvassers are already inside? They…
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Spokes on the anti-austerity wheel: moving beyond reform
If we want to envision an anti-austerity movement that can genuinely empower people, we will have to create one that moves beyond austerity altogether. The contraction of capital, the latest stage in the perpetual crisis of the free market, is happening again. This time it is feeding on the oxygenated blood of the working poor.…
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Solidarity networks spread as a new alternative to ‘alternative labor’
We caught a break. Most weather reports promised rain, and the outskirts of Portland were getting soaked. But as we arrived at the meeting point there was a pause in the downpour. We were expecting 20 people, 30 if we were lucky. From the crowd that had formed in the parking lot of the pawnshop…
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Miranda and the Portland Solidarity Network Announce Tenant Victory in the Outer Eastside
Miranda and the Portland Solidarity Network are proud to announce that we have reached amicable terms with Bluestone & Hockley. The company, now the property management company handling the Patia’s Corner Apartments, paid Miranda the full amount that was demanded. This includes her complete security deposit; the prorated rent for the time that she was…
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March on the Slumlord: Miranda and PDXSol Announce Campaign With Demand Delivery
There is a point at which everyone breaks, and Miranda has already exceeded it. Living on a limited income and with pets that she could never abandon, Miranda moved into her former apartment with some reservations. There was clear damage inside, all of which she was repeatedly reassured that it would be taken care of…
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Revolutionary visions: hitting a sector from all angles
For many in revolutionary and anti-authoritarian circles, discussions of strategy can be the sharpest of double-edged swords. While essential in so many ways, it can often become so removed from the actual work of on-the-ground organizing and becomes the realm of pseudo-academic double talk where things are analyzed, critiqued, and deconstructed to the point of…