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Energize Oregon's greatest resource: volunteers

Tens of thousands of Oregonians are willing to step up right now and help meet critical needs across the state. They just don't know how to do it. Investing in a statewide volunteer infrastructure would energize this tremendous, sustainable resource. By linking Oregonians with opportunities to volunteer to meet real community needs we would create a low-cost, sustaining source of help for a myriad of needs, from education to social service to the arts. The models for how to do this are out there and working in select communities. Oregonians want to help. All we need is investment in creating volunteer opportunities and in connecting people with them. This is a straightforward yet powerful idea to help Oregonians help each other.

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    anonymousanonymous shared this idea  ·   ·  Flag idea as inappropriate…  ·  Admin →

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      • Andy NelsonAndy Nelson commented  ·   ·  Flag as inappropriate

        The key is a hot spot where folks can go/contact to find out about specific needs in their communities. That could be virtual or an actual "volunteer center."

      Million Dollar Ideas: Community Building

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      Oregon was once known as a place where new, creative thinking flourished and people weren’t afraid to face hard truths and take bold steps. But lately Oregon conversations are full of pessimism and cynicism. We all know Oregon is in a world of hurt. We’ve grown accustomed to hearing what’s wrong here.

      Meyer Memorial Trust wants to help change the tone of the conversations and jumpstart action that again makes our state a place where ideas begin and grow. But we need your help. Tell us what you think is the most pressing issue facing Oregon that an investment of up to $1 million from MMT could provide meaningful support and leverage over the next two years. Give us your best ideas about the form that support and leverage might take.

      This is not a time for faint hearted suggestions. We're looking for bold and innovative approaches. And while the nonprofit sector is proving itself to be resilient, innovative and inspired in these times, we need to move beyond categorical thinking and invite all sectors to work together to address the issues we face before it's too late. This is not the place for an organization to make a pitch for funds on its own behalf. We’re looking for ideas that rise above individual organizations and constituencies.

      Asking for public input in this kind of forum is new for us. Frankly, we don’t quite know what to expect. But we have faith that Oregonians will take this process seriously and contribute their best thinking. We believe Oregonians are ready to reengage and stay engaged and work together to find solutions. But awarding the million dollars depends on the quality of ideas—if we don’t have sufficient participation or we don’t find a good match with MMT’s mission and values, we reserve the right to find another route to helping create a better future for Oregon.

      We are confident Oregonians won’t let us down. We expect lively—but civil—discussions. We desire innovative, entrepreneurial ideas…the kind Fred Meyer might have had.

      Thank you for jumpstarting a better future for Oregon by submitting your million dollar idea below and/or commenting on ideas already suggested.