Oregon Rural Action News
Scholarships Available for the 2012 Small Farms Conference
With support from the Meyer Memorial Trust, Oregon Rural Action has six small scholarships for local producers who want to attend the 2012 Oregon Small Farms Conference.
ORA is Hiring!
12-19-11 Oregon Rural Action seeks an Administrative Assistant and organizer in Union County as well as organizer(s) in Baker or Malheur counties. Two internships are also available in La Grande. Deadline to apply is January 8th, 2011.
Kick Up Your Heels at a Barn Dance Fundraiser
On Saturday, July 16th Oregon Rural Action is hosting their inaugural summer Barn Dance. The event will feature a chili feed, live dessert auction, and three area bands: Dirtface Daredevils, Homemade Jam, and J.D. Kindle and the Eastern Oregon Playboys. Beer from Mt Emily Ale House as well as a variety of wines will also be available to purchase.
Growing Local Food Business in Eastern Oregon
This summer a new project is bringing together local producers, organizations and others to continue building our local food and agricultural system. Oregon Rural Action was recently awarded a $24,000 grant from the Meyer Memorial Trust for a Growing Local Food Business Initiative.
Open House Inspires Folks to "Go Solar & Energy Efficient"
The 2011 Eastern Oregon Solar Fair features a Green & Solar Home Open House to connect people interested in improving energy use in their homes with real systems in action.
Fair Will Connect Homeowners & Professionals on Solar & Green Building
Attention green + solar vendors, contractors, professionals and organizations: Join Oregon Rural Action for the Eastern Oregon Solar Fair June 18, 2011!
Call for producers for the 2011 Northeast Oregon Food and Farm Directory
Oregon Rural Action is currently updating the Northeast Oregon Food and Farm Directory and producers are invited to submit their information for listing. The Directory is a great avenue for direct market farmers and ranchers in Baker, Union, and Wallowa counties to reach local customers. Submissions are due by May 1st.
Oregon Rural Action Scrap Metal Fundraiser
Clear out your metallic junk and support ORA financially!
Sowing "Territorial" Seeds of Change 2011
This year ORA is participating in Territorial Seeds' generous fundraiser program. When you order Territorial Seeds seeds through ORA, you also financially support the organization. You pay the regular Territorial price for seeds and ORA gets $0.45 for every $1.00 of your order! Territorial Seeds is a family-owned seed business out of Cottage Grove, OR and sells the highest quality seed.
Members, Supporters Make It Happen
This past holiday season saw an outpouring of support from Oregon Rural Action members and community supporters. Thanks to everyone who donated, upgraded their memberships, or joined in the last days of 2010 and first days of 2011, we surpassed our goal of raising $5,000. In fact the grand total came in at $6252!
A Note from the Interim Executive Director
Dear members and friends: The next eight months are a time of exciting transition for Oregon Rural Action. I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself and outline some of the challenges and opportunities we will be facing together.
Transition Update
Our fantastic members, staff and board have created a strong enough organization to make it through in lean times. While we have had to make some adjustments we are testament that building wealth sustains us even when the economy is bad.
Seeking Part-time Development Director
If you have a proven track record and enjoy fundraising for a great organization, Oregon Rural Action has an opportunity for you! DEADLINE EXTENDED! Applications now due by February 18.
Senate Passes Historic Food Safety Bill
Members of Oregon Rural Action and the Western Organization of Resource Councils (WORC), both grassroots community organizations, are heralding the inclusion of an amendment brought forward by Sen. Jon Tester (MT) and Sen. Kay Hagan (NC) in S. 510, the food safety bill passed by the Senate today. For the better part of two years Oregon Rural Action members – who are themselves small farmers, ranchers, business owners, local food enthusiasts, and other community members – have been calling for food safety legislation that is sensitive to the needs of small farms.
Upcoming Farm to School Workshop Highlights Local Successes
Farm to School Programs are growing in popularity around the country. These programs serve to improve student health and support local agriculture by connecting students with the food they eat. To highlight the successes and challenges of the local Powder Valley Farm to School Program, Oregon Rural Action is sponsoring a workshop on October 29th at Powder Valley School.
On the Importance of Local Economies
We're excited to share that the La Grande Observer ran a great article about our annual meeting on the front page of the Business/Ag Life section.
Making the Shift to Vibrant Local Economies
Oregon Rural Action is welcoming John Fullerton, former managing director of JPMorgan and now founder of the Capital Institute, to give the keynote at its Annual Meeting on October 9th in La Grande. The event will also include a panel discussion with community entrepreneurial leaders, chili feed, dessert, silent and live auctions, and a contra dance with live music by the Two by Twos.
Local Volunteers Save Over 900 Pounds of Fresh Produce
In honor of the September 11th National Day of Service a group of motivated community members came together to harvest nearly 1000 pounds of fresh fruits and vegetables from around Union County.
Executive Director Transition
Andrea Malmberg transitioning from Executive Director to active Oregon Rural Action member.
Job Opening for Executive Director
Oregon Rural Action seeks an Executive Director with a proven record of success in fundraising; exceptional leadership and communication skills; and supervisory experience. As the lead fundraiser for the organization, the Executive Director will develop, sustain, cultivate, and identify new sources of philanthropic support, including major donor gifts, foundation support, planned giving, and business donations. In addition, the Executive Director will supervise and support organizing staff and work with the Board of Directors in strategic campaign work, member recruitment, leadership development, and internal fundraising. Oregon Rural Action is a grassroots organization that brings people together to address issues, find solutions, and build strong communities. The full-time position is based in the picturesque small town of La Grande, Oregon, surrounded by the Wallowa and Blue Mountains.
