| Advocacy and Information |
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Citizen Referrals
The office receives phone calls and letters each week from constituents on issues such as domestic violence, employment, divorce, finding loans to return to school, support for starting a small business, health care, child support and child custody issues. The women who call commonly say that they do not know where to turn for assistance.
The Commission is able to assist some women directly, but also serves as a place to find reliable referrals. Women frequently have difficulty navigating the state system of service providers, and we are able to act as an intermediary on their behalf.
Information for Policy and Decision-makers
The Commission serves as a resource to policymakers at all levels of government. Part of our mission is to gather information about women. This allows the Commission to serve women by distributing information, which will assist policy makers in making decisions, or in reaching different communities. The Commission also serves as a voice for women with policymakers.
Partnerships
The Commission creates partnerships with other organizations to work on issues that affect women in particular. The action that arises from this collaboration is varied. Frequently, it is a way for the Commission to gather and distribute information on women. In some cases, it becomes a way to reach out and educate women in Oregon.
Legislative Advocacy
Historically the Commission has worked independently and in coalition with others to ensure that the laws of Oregon reflect the equity concerns of the state’s 51% female population. This work has included sponsoring legislation as well as taking positions on or monitoring bills introduced by others, relevant to Oregon women. The Commission is a co-founder and member of the Oregon Women’s Health and Wellness Alliance, which is a non partisan group of legislators, community groups and individual citizens who introduces a package of bills that focuses on women’s equity in the areas of health, safety, and justice.
last updated: 6/15/04
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