Interest Groups are formed to learn more about a particular topic of concern. LWVPDX may have a policy position on the issue or it may be an area that warrants a new study or review. To do their work in the name of the League, Interest Groups must be approved by the LWVPDX Board. The primary purpose is learning together informally.
Current Portland Interest Groups
Behavioral Health Interest Group: Behavioral Health is used as the umbrella term for mental health issues and substance abuse disorders. The idea for the BHIG originated in a Program Planning session in January, 2024. The group was officially approved by the Board in mid-2024.
The BHIG was formed to identify gaps in Multnomah County services for children, adolescents and adults with behavioral and mental health problems and substance use disorders, and to determine if there are gaps in LWVPDX’s advocacy positions that warrant doing a study.
Previous Director Kevin Bacon explains the Faubion School to the LWVPDX Education Interest Group
Education Interest Group (EIG): (Currently dormant, if you have interest in restarting this group reach out to info@lwvpdx.org).
In the past, this group has visited schools and interviewed school administrators. The group organized a program on Innovations in Education with administrators from three districts for a LWVPDX public Community Education event. During 2023-24 the EIG presented a Community Education Program related to challenges for Portland Public Schools due to declining funding, changes in leadership, behavioral health, and student absenteeism.
The Pines, affordable housing in SE Portland -Photo by Human Solutions
Housing Interest Group (HIG): (Currently dormant, if you have interest in restarting this group reach out to info@lwvpdx.org).
In the past, the Housing Interest Group heard speakers about increasing the availability of affordable housing in Portland and considering possible solutions to homelessness.
International Relations Interest Group (IRIG): The IRIG focuses on education related to current topics exploring the LWVUS position “to promote peace in an interdependent world, working cooperatively with other nations and international bodies.” By learning more, members may advocate as individuals more effectively with elected officials.
IRIG was created in 2024 when Program Planning meetings identified interest in learning more about international issues facing the country. In 2024-25, participants read The Road to Unfreedom by Timothy Snyder, held a forum about international immigration, learned about the LWVUS & the UN Commission on the Status of Women, heard about labor rights and international trade, learned about Green Empowerment (a Portland-based 501c3), and hosted a Community Education panel about “Humanitarian Impacts of National Immigration Policy.”
Topics for 2025-26 include US international policies, discussion about Autocracy Inc by Anne Applebaum, diplomacy in Southeast Asia, marine issues, reproductive justice, and population growth & decline topics. All members are welcome to join our monthly zoom meetings.
Portland Police Headquarters – Photo by Aaron Hockley
Justice Interest Group: The Justice Interest Group worked with the LWV of Oregon Action Committee to advocate for improvements in juvenile justice. The group proposed the 2020-2021 study of Portland Police Bureau: Oversight and Accountability. Currently this Interest Group works with the LWVPDX Action Committee. Using our adopted advocacy position, they propose testimony about improving public safety and police interactions with the community.
At a recent meeting, the Justice Interest Group heard from Mike Myers, the City of Portland’s first community safety transition director. Mila Mimica, communication aide, also attended this meeting. Mike has been working alongside Council offices, community leaders, Portland Fire & Rescue, the Portland Police Bureau, the Portland Bureau of Emergency Management, and the Bureau of Emergency Communications to co-create a community safety strategic plan.
Portland City Government Transition Interest Group (PGIG): In 2023 and 2024, the LWVPDX “Know Your New Government” (KYNG) team ran a community education program about our radically transformed City government. We explained that we now have 12 councilors, elected in districts, who no longer run city bureaus; that the council now elects its own presiding officers; that the mayor and his appointed city administrator have exclusive executive authority for running the city’s day to day operations; and much, much more.
Now that the new government is up and running, we’re looking at how well it is advancing the goals set out in the Charter Amendment adopted in 2023, and in reaching the desired outcomes LWVPDX set out in its 2019 Restudy of Portland’s City Government, “The City that Works: Preparing Portland for the Future.”
We have spent 100s of hours watching the council and its committees in action. When appropriate, we share our thoughts, in the form of League advocacy, with our elected and appointed officials.