Highlighting the stories of ORA leaders

Norm is a founding member of Oregon Rural Action and has served as chair of the board for our regional organization, Western Organization of Resource Councils (WORC).  He has worked for the EPA, the US Forest Service and is currently self-employed as a systems analyst. Norm is passionate about clean energy and a strong advocate for distributed generation of locally produced renewable power. 

When did you first become interested in community organizing? 

I was friends with an organizer for the Service Employees International Union local in Las Vegas. I've worked on political campaigns in Nevada and Oregon. We were involved in the effort to prohibit any additional nuclear plants in Oregon until such a time as there was a nuclear waste repository. For a long time, I've been part of many different organizing efforts to develop responsible and ecologically sound policies for managing public lands, as well as the air we breath, and the waters that plants and animals depend on, including the human animal.

What is your “why”? Why is this work important to you?

All important social changes happen from the ground up. It's only when endless pressure is applied where people live that real change happens.

What changes would you like to see in your local community?

La Grande is a different place than when we first moved here. Understandably for a mountain valley that can feel very isolated in the wintertime, the political and economic landscape were closely held when we first arrived in 1980. The politics have become more open, and decisions are more likely to be scrutinized these days. There still needs to be a recognition on the part of our political leadership that they need to reach out to everyone in the community on an ongoing basis to confirm their decision making. That is especially true for decisions that will affect the economic and social well-being of residents.

What’s something bringing you joy at the moment?

Bike riding! The town is very quiet right now and it's enjoyable to cruise along the streets. Everyone seems very considerate also. Maybe a result of the thought we have for our fellow citizens these days?