Members from each of TAO’s communities attended the memorial program for John McAlpine at the Noble Ridge Tree Deck in Washougal, WA, on Sunday, July 5.
It was a beautiful day in a beautiful place.
Sandi Goldie from the Eugene community said it was “…such a special event, helping us get to know other facets of John’s life, and giving us more of a view of all he brought to this world and to so many individuals in it.”
Eugene
Writing postcards to swing state voters resumed in June.
We have a new core group of “postcard partners” who have taken over the organizing of postcard writing parties. The response to our invitation to attend was a little underwhelming, causing some consternation. However, there were many stalwarts and dedicated postcard writers who showed up and made this event yet another success in our efforts to encourage voters in other states to participate in democracy. Completed were 500 postcards to likely voters in Ohio, thanking them for voting in the past and, hopefully, motivating them to vote this November 3rd. Kudos to our new main organizer, Jan, who ordered the postcards from Progressive Turnout Project and is getting us prepared for our next postcarding event July 30. These postcards will be going to likely voters in Kansas.
The last time our group got together to write postcards was in March, so it felt energizing and comforting to get together to catch up, laugh a little and share a sense of accomplishment. We even got some assistance from children who reside in the cohousing development where several of our members reside. Budding activists!
Another opportunity to gather with others and feel a sense of community is also being offered at the Eugene United Methodist church. Climate Café, being held each month through September, offers a space where people can share their thoughts, feelings and experiences about the climate and overall environmental crises. One of our members, a licensed therapist, has led a session and has received feedback that those in attendance have found the chance to share and listen beneficial.
During the Third Act Eugene June meeting, attendees heard from two guest speakers. Bob Doppelt, a Eugene resident and coordinator for the International Transformational Resilience Coalition, described Community-led Resilience Networks (CRNs) and their purpose in supporting residents and communities during climate-based emergencies. Bob is encouraging TAOE members to help form such networks in Eugene neighborhoods. Bob also started a campaign, “Eugene Quiet and Clean Skies,” to address the increased noise and air pollution that have been caused by the FAA’s change in flight paths for planes landing and taking off from the Eugene airport. Again, he is encouraging TAOE to get involved and take the lead on this issue.
Our second guest was a Field Director for Representative Val Hoyle. Aidan Bassett has experience in lobbying both local and state officials, including working on environmental issues. Aidan shared with attendees his thoughts on how to form cohesive groups that could more effectively work to get specific candidates elected and influence how elected officials view important matters.
This monthly meeting left members with plenty to consider and ideas on how to prepare for future actions.
Corvallis
Mark your calendars and join us for an evening of viewing the documentary film What is Democracy? by Astra Taylor: A thought provoking documentary for our time.
When: August 18th- 5:30pm-7:45pm
Where: Corvallis Community Center-OAK Room 2601 Tyler Ave
Running time: 107 minutes.
Pizza! Contribute $5, as we plan to pause the movie halfway through and will have pizza delivered to share.
This will be a great opportunity to talk with each other about how we can apply what we learned from the movie to support democracy locally.
What Is Democracy? is a 2018 documentary film written and directed by Astra Taylor. The documentary blends everyday experience and political theory to address questions viewed as central to democracy. Interview subjects include academics, activists, politicians, refugees, trauma surgeons, students, and a barber. On Rotten Tomatoes the film has a rating of 96% based on reviews from 26 critics.
We are in this together! Invite a friend!
RSVP: taocorvallis@gmail.com so we will know how much pizza to order
Portland
Portland TAO members are postcarding! There were four postcarding sessions scheduled for July, on Tuesdays and Sundays.
There will be four sessions in August and another four in September. Check the events calendar for dates, times and locations.
Save the date for our upcoming Portland Metro Gathering!
Date: Sunday, August 16, 2026
Time: 1:00 – 3:00 PM
In-person event
Migration Brewing – Glisan 2828 NE Glisan St.
Portland 97232
Catherine Thomasson, Lobby Coordinator for MCAT (Mobilizing Climate Action Together), will present timely and critical information on Impacts of Data Centers in Oregon: Land, Water, and Electricity Use; Unplanned Growth; Economics, and Policy Solutions.
Join us for an afternoon of community and conversation. Building community is essential during these challenging times.
Migration Brewing offers a fully accessible meeting space with a wide selection of beverages and a full food menu.
Portland Metro members will receive an official “You are Invited” email from Third Act Oregon in the first week of August which will include the registration link. Please feel free to bring guests!
We look forward to seeing you there!
And here’s another Portland Metro member opportunity, at the MCAT/TAO Potluck Picnic.
Each summer since MCAT’s (Mobilizing Climate Action Together) inception, MCAT has hosted an end of summer potluck picnic in Portland and invited coalition organization members including TAO. This summer, TAO (Third Act Oregon) is inviting Portland Metro members and guests to the event.
When: Saturday, August 29, 2026; Noon – 2:00 PM
Where: Wilshire Park, 4116 NE 33rd Ave., south side (close to NE Shaver, near NE 35th Ave)
Bring: a dish to share, your own beverage, and if possible – a folding chair (some serving supplies will be provided)
MCAT is a community of experienced volunteers, sponsored by the Oregon League of Conservation Voters, who help steward significant greenhouse gas reduction policy into law in Oregon. The organization’s members actively engage with state agencies to ensure transparent development and vigorous
implementation of climate programs including natural climate solutions. MCAT also actively organizes to elect and support legislators who will work for strong climate legislation.