The Season of Nonviolence at Central Oregon Community College (COCC), which spans from January through mid-March and advances ideas of empowerment for a nonviolent society, is set to commence with a free Jan. 24 livestream event featuring celebrated Native author Robin Wall Kimmerer. Visit cocc.edu/seasonofnonviolence for the full lineup of presentations, discussions and a series of community book conversations, now underway. All events are virtual and free to attend, with registration required. "We're commemorating our 14th Season of Nonviolence with some renowned Indigenous scholars who bring inspiring insights on coexistence," said Christy Walker, director of diversity and inclusion at COCC. "And our full schedule of events features diverse voices with ideas and topics that have global views while also addressing important equity topics right here in Central Oregon." Robin Wall Kimmerer, author of the New York Times-bestselling "Braiding Sweetgrass: I
Local United Way Keeps Busy During “Historic Year”
2020 was a historic year, as it shone a spotlight on financial and racial inequalities locally and across the nation. The United Way of Deschutes County reports nearly 40% of Central Oregonians were already living on the edge before COVID-19. The pandemic and economic fallout deepened existing disparities.
Having been a nonprofit grant-making organization in our region for the last 69 years, United Way of Central Oregon revised its grant-making structure in 2020 to be immediately responsive to new community needs caused by the pandemic, executing 5 grant-making cycles over the year rather than its customary annual cycle.