Dear 912 Member,

Based on some of your responses to our Cluster Invitation, we are continuing to refine the vision and framework for our Community Clusters. We use the word framework because this project cannot be orchestrated by a few people in leadership. We will provide a framework in which your cluster members can connect with each other and decide how, individually and together, you will address your pressing issues and concerns about your local governing bodies.

A number of people have been hesitant to “sign on” to their Clusters because they are already involved in one or more projects, including the most critical one before us: the election of candidates at all levels who pledge to remain true to our principles and values and to work for the people. There should be no conflict here. If you are already engaged, include members in your Cluster in what you are doing! Remember, the elections will be over in three months and, regardless of the outcomes, that is when our real long-term work begins—to make sure those elected do what they promised and to continue to clean out every nook and cranny of governance that has become corrupted, indifferent to the people they serve and/or promotes agendas that do not uphold the Constitution of the United States or protect our inalienable rights!

 So, here is the framework that 912 leadership will provide (subject to further refinement):

 All members will be placed in a Community Cluster by State House District/Combined Districts. (It is extremely important for you to update your profile on our website if you have only provided an email address and/or phone number.) This will keep you in the loop on what is happening in your community. Our hope is that you will see this as a means of support for what you may already be doing or want to do. If you absolutely do not want to be included, you may request to opt out.

A Googlegroup will be set up for each Cluster, which will allow members to communicate with everyone as a group. One member of your Cluster will have administrative privileges for the group. As members get comfortable with each other and team up on projects, they can elect to share their contact information with each other directly. The Googlegroup is linked to a page where all your communications are stored for easy reference and members can upload and share documents there.

A Google spreadsheet will be set up for each Cluster for members to share their passions, talents, and useful background and skills for reference when desiring to team up with someone on a project or respond to specific action requests.

A Community Cluster Support Page will be available on our website very soon. Initially, it will contain:

Community Cluster Goals and Objectives and Pick Your Passion Action Items.

A list of all Tri-County Clusters with the areas they cover.  As soon as possible, the Cluster Leaders will have secure links allowing members outside their Cluster to contact them.

Candidate evaluation resources – iCaucus endorsements; Abigail Adams Voter Guides

Lists of candidates for positions in Clackamas, Multnomah and Washington counties.

Self-guided learning tools for political and community involvement.

As soon as it can be compiled, information on agencies, school districts and commissions by County including process for getting appointed or elected will be posted. ((This would make a great passion project for a few people—hint, hint.)

Information and contacts for members leading projects pertinent to all Clusters such as State Nullification Legislation, Agenda 21 Sustainability Programs, Candidate Coffees, Statewide Education Issues, 912 Outreach (where to upload or get materials for farmers markets or local distribution).

We will funnel information and action opportunities to the appropriate Cluster/s.

In addition, there will be opportunities for training sessions pertinent to community activism both at our meetings and at other times, and prior to canvassing and literature drops.  

Here is what we need from you:

If you have not yet received a Community Cluster Invitation letter, it means that you have not provided sufficient information for us to determine your Zip, County, State House and Senate Districts. We will post instructions for updating on the Community Cluster Support page, along with contact numbers if you need help.

We need a Coordinator for each cluster ASAP. It is critical to your cluster’s success to have one person to funnel information to and from and who will initiate the organizing process of your group, even if it is through email communication. At least one face-to-face meeting is highly recommended. The Coordinator’s responsibility is to assure that the combined efforts of the cluster members are steadily moving forward toward their chosen goals. Please contact Carol Tebo at 503-313-3498 to join our team!

We need a Googlegroup Administrator for each cluster. This person will have authorization (along with the 912 webmaster) to add and remove members from the Googlegroup.  

We need everyone to determine what their passion is and to take immediate steps to begin pursuing it!  The Pick Your Passion Action List was provided to suggest a variety of ways you can contribute to our common cause. In the past we have asked people to sign up and indicate what they would like to do. That has proven to be ineffective because it makes you dependent on us to contact you and tell you what to do. We do not have the resources to carry out that responsibility. We must put the initiative in your individual and collective hands!

We will continue to be available to support members in whatever ways we can. This is new territory for most of us, but I believe we all are more motivated each day to jump into the water and swim like our lives depended on it—because in essence they do!

OUR CHILDREN, GRANDCHILDREN AND FUTURE GENERATIONS ARE DEPENDING ON ALL OF US!

Carol Tebo, Membership Team

Ann Agent, Webmaster