“I think all of us … discovered areas of need in our community that we didn’t know were there.”

Given $1 million per region to solve a local issue, OCF volunteers have reached consensus, and, in the process, taken civic engagement to a new level.

The Regional Action Initiative (RAI) was created by OCF in 2008 to involve citizens in identifying and solving local issues. In each region, the RAI is led by members of the local OCF Leadership Council, volunteer groups that provide guidance to the OCF board of directors.

Seven RAI regions encompass the state: Central Oregon, the Coast (North and South), Eastern Oregon, the Northern Willamette Valley, Portland Metro, Southern Oregon and the Southern Willamette Valley. Each region has $1 million to create long-lasting solutions to a regional problem.

Given the level of need across the state, decisions have not been easy. Each group reviewed existing data about their region, listened to presentations from diverse voices, and studied successful strategies for change. All have decided on an issue and are working on solutions.

Central Oregon Region: community schools

Eastern Oregon Region: after school programs & mentoring

North Coast Region: literacy

Northern Willamette Valley Region: early literacy

Portland Metropolitan Region: parent education

South Coast Region: children’s dental health

Southern Oregon Region: mentoring local youth

Southern Willamette Valley Region: children’s dental health

For more information, contact Melissa Durham, RAI coordinator, 503.227.6846, mdurham@oregoncf.org.