We enter the new year with clear eyes and steady resolve. The challenges ahead are real—but so is our collective capacity to meet them. We recommit to defending inclusive democracy and building a future rooted in truth, solidarity, and care.

As many celebrate Christmas, we hold this season as a time for reflection, care, and connection. In a moment shaped by rising bigotry and political violence, we recommit to building an inclusive democracy rooted in justice, belonging, and collective care.

As the fifth anniversary of January 6 approaches, 1/6: The Graphic Novel releases its final issue. Issue #4 asks what real resistance looks like, using vivid art and storytelling to make urgent questions about democracy accessible. Jan 5 → www.onesixcomicsstore.com

As Jews around the world light their hanukkiahs, we mourn those killed and injured in the antisemitic attack at a Hanukkah gathering at Bondi Beach. We reject fear, honor collective courage, and recommit to confronting antisemitism and defending inclusive democracy.

Culture Lab’s new guide helps venues prepare for, respond to, and care for their communities during immigration enforcement activity. Explore the guide + register for our briefing: westernstatescenter.org/safevenues bit.ly/safevenuebriefing

WSC's Lindsay Schubiner explains in Slate why helping someone step back from extremist ideas starts with listening without scorn, holding firm in your values, and asking questions that prompt real reflection. buff.ly/yuRf3lm

AZ lawmakers backed out of an event after learning it was hosted by a group with ties to white nationalism. WSC’s @lizyates.bsky.social: “Any elected leader who cares about their constituents should have no problem cutting ties with an organization linked to white nationalists.” buff.ly/V4K7ESI

We’re launching The Forum Fellowship, a paid 7-month program for cultural venue leaders keeping the heartbeat of community and democracy alive across the PNW + Mountain West. Apply at westernstatescenter.org/forumfellowship Priority deadline: 2026 Jan 05

“The administration is undermining state and local power while relying on federal troops to quash dissent and consolidate power,” says WSC's Program Director, Lindsay Schubiner, on Trump’s latest actions in Oregon.

I will fight against the Trump administration to keep food on the table for Oregonians, every step of the way.

WSC Culture Lab Artist, @anaegge.bsky.social, joins the #CancelSpotify campaign and invites listeners to rethink their streaming choices. “Spotify has built itself as part of the new industry standard… but streaming the ICE ads has got to stop.”

WSC Culture Lab Artist, @sad13.horse, supports the #CancelSpotify campaign! “They’ve given listeners like me even more reasons to stay away—surveillance tech, investing in warfare… If that’s not enough to GTFO, how about the abysmal sound quality?”

Recent elections in Moscow, Idaho show a community tired of hateful rhetoric and against furthering Christian nationalism — despite what the national news’ attention to Doug Wilson’s Christ Church would suggest. Read more about the real Moscow, Idaho: buff.ly/Dpuc4EW

On this National Day of Mourning, we honor Indigenous communities and the truth of our shared history. In a moment of rising bigotry and authoritarianism, we recommit to protecting inclusive democracy and building a just, caring, connected future.

In the past week, four U.S. citizens have been detained by ICE, including a 17-year-old McMinnville student. These arrests are the most recent in a dangerous pattern of federal abuse of power and disregard for constitutional protections. #protectoregon #oregonishome

in conclusion: ending a campaign season with these kinds of antics is a disappointing choice on the part of any public servant. let’s hold our leaders to a higher standard.

many elections officials and election workers have been THROUGH IT in terms of harassment and threats in the past 5 years, and the King County auditors office specifically had to contend with a hazmat response after receiving a suspicious letter 2 years ago: www.king5.com/article/news...

this isn’t a game — the Seattle police department infamously had more officers attend the pre-insurrection Jan 6 rally than any other police department nationwide. it took years for the public to learn which officers were involved: www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news...

i talked to The Stranger about how losing candidates simply must stop casting aspersions on hardworking elections offices in a pathetic attempt to invalidate voters’ decisions:

ProPublica reviewed months of Fox News coverage + 700+ protest videos. The picture Fox painted of Portland? Misleading. Read more: t.co/tFd86GcHCp

If you missed Scot's fabulous closing keynote at AMP, here's another chance to hear his analysis in Portland and online! college.lclark.edu/programs/eth...

Christian nationalists failed to gain ground in Moscow, Idaho—a sign, says Western States Center’s Liz Yates, that voters are rejecting authoritarian politics once they see their real impact on freedom and equality. www.idahostatesman.com/opinion/opn-...

This Veterans Day, we honor all who've served— and recommit to building the inclusive democracy they fought to protect. Defending democracy means rejecting hate and standing for justice, care, and connection in every community.

PRESS RELEASE: Protect Oregon Cheers Win for Democracy, Lauds Community’s Resilience and Resolve www.protect-oregon.com/media-releases

From Portland to Chicago, communities are rising for truth and democracy. Our latest Democracy Alert covered how. ➡️ Sign up now for future alerts: westernstatescenter.org/joinus #DemocracyAlert #ProDemocracy #CommunityDefense

The fight against authoritarianism IS the fight for economic justice, racial equity, gender liberation, and environmental survival.

“Drawing from Hebrew Scripture, they reminded the community that ‘to seek justice is to embody mercy and fairness—especially toward the vulnerable.’” idahonews.com/news/local/i...

Today marks 7 years since a white supremacist murdered 11 Jewish worshippers at Tree of Life in Pittsburgh — the deadliest attack on the Jewish community in U.S. history. The hate that fueled the attack has only become more normalized. Our full statement: jewishpublicaffairs.org/press-releas...

Had a great visit to Portland, despite the regime believing it to be a hellscape. Grateful to @westernstatescenter.org for a great AMP conference and to @toriglass.bsky.social for organizing a fantastic #Exvangelical meet-up!

🐸 New song drop! “Frogs of Portland” by Ana Egge (@anaegge.bsky.social), live from AMP 2025. Inspired by Portland’s inflatable frog protest crews, it’s joyful resistance in song form. 🎧 anaegge.com #AMP2025 #FrogsOfPortland #CultureLab #KeepPortlandWeird

Thousands will march tomorrow in Oregon & Washington for #NoKings 2.0, resisting authoritarianism and defending inclusive democracy.  Show up with care, stay alert, and have each other’s backs. 🔗 Read more: buff.ly/Q7nU7zE #DefendDemocracy #InclusiveDemocracy #Solidarity

Thank you Meyer Memorial Trust, Northwest Justice Funders Collective, Northwest Health Foundation and New Avenues INK for making AMP 2025 possible! buff.ly/SO7RiJi #PDXAMP25 #AMPisBack #PDXEvents #DefendDemocracy #AdvocacyInAction

Indigenous Peoples’ Day is a call to honor sovereignty, resist colonization, & defend Indigenous self-determination. We stand with Tribal Nations protecting land, sovereignty, & democracy, knowing that liberation for all begins with Indigenous leadership. #IndigenousPeoplesDay #InclusiveDemocracy

Don't miss the fun! The deadline to register for AMP is Wednesday, October 15: www.westernstatescenter.org/amp-2025 #PDXAMP25 #AMPisBack #PDXEvents #DefendDemocracy #AdvocacyInAction

🚨 A U.S. citizen in Milwaukie was detained by ICE even after proving his citizenship. Oregon’s Sanctuary Law exists to stop racial profiling and keep local police from collaborating with ICE. When federal agents ignore it, everyone’s safety is at risk. 📞 Report ICE activity: 1-888-622-1510

Culture and music are where belonging takes root—and AMP attendees will get exclusive access to film, art, and music to refuel our movement with joy and connection. #PDXAMP25 #AMPisBack #PDXEvents #DefendDemocracy #AdvocacyInAction Register by 10/15: www.westernstatescenter.org/amp-2025

Anyone who's read George Orwell knows #CensorshipIsSo1984. This #BannedBooksWeek, we're asking you to do more than #ReadBannedBooks. Could we suggest a $5 donation to PEN America for every one of the books you've read on our "Banned Books Bingo Card"? Please donate now at: pen.org/2025-support...

We urge Sec. Noem to take in the real Portland, not the one “untethered to the facts” and manufactured by the Trump administration to justify this abuse of power. We are a peaceful city. We are a beautiful city. And we are a city united against the military policing our communities.

Let Kristi Noem know that #OregonIsHome! Keep Portland Free! You’re Barking Up the Wrong Tree! Join us for a #PawsOffPortland puppy party at Revolution Hall TODAY (Oct. 7) at 4 PM. RSVP here: bit.ly/pawsoffpdx

An 84-year-old Vietnam vet and his wife were knocked down by federal agents while peacefully protesting in Portland. Federal violence against community members isn’t law enforcement, it’s intimidation. Read more at OregonLive 🔗 buff.ly/J7EQ3py

We're proud to be Portland. #NowhereElsePDX

Troops in Portland won't stop the AMP conference. Our strategic gathering of movement leaders is more crucial than ever. Check out the workshop preview: buff.ly/EkEtAHt #PDXAMP25 #AMPisBack #PDXEvents #DefendDemocracy #AdvocacyInAction

Tonight at 6pm: attend Protect Oregon's virtual kickoff to learn how Portlanders across the city can take action with their friends and neighbors to oppose any military takeover in Oregon. Sign up for this and more upcoming events at bit.ly/42k86JT

This week, more than a dozen Oregon mayors signed a joint letter rejecting any attempt to federally militarize the Portland metro area. Oregon is home, not a military target. #NoTakeoverOR bit.ly/3KvVSYI

It’s LGBTQ History Month 🌈 Western States Center honors the fight for inclusive democracy, from the 1992 No On 9 campaign to today’s struggles for equality. History isn’t just memory, it’s a guide for action. Learn more: NoOn9Remembered.org

And tracking extremism and hate is vital. Our safety depends on protecting each other. Follow groups like @splcenter.org, @aclu.org, Political Research Associates, NAACP, and @westernstatescenter.org which still commit to this work. 6/

This Yom Kippur arrives amid heightened political tensions and spiritual urgency, reminding us that teshuva is both personal and collective. May your fast be meaningful and your reflection deepen your resolve. G’mar chatima tova.

Today, I was in downtown Portland walking peacefully with Oregonians to say that we don’t need military intervention here. We are peaceful. We are united. We are Oregon.

On Sept 18th, clergy who have shown up daily at the immigration courthouse and ICE building stood in solidarity with immigrant communities, leading a powerful 'Faith Over Fear' action. We're proud to be a part of the launch of this faith coalition. Learn more here: form.jotform.com/252608413367...

Thousands of Oregonians, community leaders, and elected officials came together in downtown Portland on Sunday to say loud and clear: we don’t want federal troops in our communities. ✊ Read more about the rally here: www.kptv.com/2025/09/29/h... #Oregonforall