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TAO Eugene Community Page

EUGENE...Nestled alongside the Willamette River, the city of Eugene encompasses green hills to the south, fertile valley to the north, Cascade mountain range to the east and coastal routes to the west.

With such diversity of nature, it is no wonder older residents have taken up the cause to protect this beauty, and that of Oregon and beyond, for now and future generations.

Third Act Oregon Eugene was founded in March 2023 by two committed environmentalists who just happened to be over 60 years of age. Since its inception, Third Act Oregon Eugene has grown dramatically in number, the co-founders joined by long-time Eugene/Springfield residents, new implants and residents of surrounding Lane County all with the same goal in mind, protect what cannot be replaced.

STEERING COMMITTEE
Kurt Reuter, Jim Bronson, Sandi Goldie, Liz Merkle, Bruce Tinker, Debra Quayle

Ongoing Activities

  • Tabling at various local events to educate others about Third Act and recruit new members
  • Partnering with other local groups to increase impact on specific issues
  • Participating in local rallies and marches that coincide with Third Act’s mission
  • Postcarding to increase progressive voter turnout throughout the country
  • Advocating for fossil-free investment by the State of Oregon

Campaign Teams

Members choose which team(s) they would like to work with.

Climate

  • Supporting Eugene Clean Energy Fund (ECEF) to address local resilience
  • Advocating for sustainable and renewable energy projects to assist Eugene in meeting its climate goals
  • Promoting the use of plug-in solar panels including advocating at the state level for needed legislation
  • Working on Oregon’s proposed Climate Resilience Superfund by lobbying local and state officials
  • Voicing opposition to proposed immunity for Big Oil

Democracy

  • Sending postcards to likely voters in swing states
  • Marching and rallying in defense of the nation’s democracy

Partnering with Local Groups

Third Act Oregon Eugene is fortunate to share missions with like-minded local groups (350Eugene, ACES (Activist Coalition of Eugene/Springfield), Indivisible). Sharing resources, information, even members, helps bring a greater impact to the goals of protecting the environment and democratic principles.

Events and Activities

Resources

Member Profile: Neil Penn

I moved to Eugene a little over 2 years ago from the San Francisco Bay Area. It mattered deeply to me to find other activists to continue my long-term concerns. Not sure how I learned about the lobbying efforts to pass the COAL act, but I attended that action in Salem  where I met Sandie and Jim. Not only were they well-informed and engaging, but they brought to my attention the work of Third Act. As I was already somewhat familiar with Bill McKibben’s work, I decided to attend a local Third Act meeting and have remained active with the group ever since.
 
Third Act’s tone and campaigns are public interest-oriented, inclusive, and believe that an informed populace will support environmentally-healthy policies. This grassroots style of social advocacy resonates with me. My belief is each campaign, win or lose, helps awaken the general public, building toward more widespread support.

TAO Eugene Community Meetings

TAO Eugene Community Meeting Minutes

Join Us

The current moment calls for every one of us to get involved, maybe no one better than people in their “Third Act” realizing what is at stake.

Email TAOEugene25@gmail.com to learn more.
Become part of our community by joining Third Act Oregon.

 

 

Disclaimer: Working Groups are volunteer-run groups organized by affinity or by geographic location. Working Groups engage in campaign activities, communicate with their Working Group volunteers, and maintain the content on their Working Group webpages.