We foster collaborative engagement to advance equity in Washington County.

VAN Convenings
Behavioral Health Workforce Summit - March 29, 2022
Vision Action Network recently convened a Behavioral Health Workforce Summit with nearly 90 key stakeholders in healthcare, workforce development, faith, government, and the nonprofit sector to explore innovative ways to strengthen the workforce in response to the behavioral health crisis in Washington County.

With financial support from Washington County, the summit provided an opportunity to explore and brainstorm possible solutions to this crucial workforce shortage. VAN believes the ideas generated during the summit will be a springboard to action, and it is planning to reconvene key stakeholders in April.

Watch the recording above and stay tuned for information on a follow-up session to assess the results of the summit and explore next steps!
Legislative Session Recap: March 16, 2022
On March 16, VAN and Westside Economic Alliance co-hosted Westside legislators who shared the results of Oregon’s short session that concluded March 4, 2022. Learn about the key bills signed into law and those that failed to make it through. Watch the Legislative Session Recap above.

A big thank you to our guests!
Rep. Maxine Dexter, M.D.
Rep. Ken Helm
Sen. Akasha Lawrence Spence
Rep. Susan McLain
Rep. Courtney Neron
Rep. Ron Noble
Sen. Janeen Sollman
Finding Community Podcast
Our guest for Episode 13 of Finding Community is Sabrina Wilson, Executive Director of the Rosewood Initiative. Sabrina talks about the transformational work of her community-led organization, and shares insights about the importance of place and placemaking, the impact of the built environment on a community’s health and wellness, and how connecting people is the core work of community building.
Listen to Ep 13!
Episode 14 of Finding Community features Oregon State Senator Akasha Lawrence Spence. She talks with Glenn about the influence of her ancestors, of writers like bell hooks, and the determination of our youth. Together, they discuss the power and privilege of voting, of fostering a love ethic, and how listening to understand is key to serving the community.

Listen to Ep 14!


Listen and subscribe on your
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spreaker.com/show/finding-community
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VAN Welcomes New Staff
VAN is excited to welcome Ally Parzych as our new Director of Development and Community Partnerships! Ally brings her passion for community development and a belief in the power of storytelling to shift mindsets towards real action and authentic connection. She is a strategist, fundraiser, and community builder with a 20+ year career that spans the arts, nonprofit, government, and political sectors. She joined VAN because she wants to help build community that is rooted in equity and prioritizes a diverse mix of voices, where everyone can reach their full potential.

Ally’s work and home life often intersect, as she is a natural connection facilitator and believes in showing up for our land, community, and animals. When she isn’t working, Ally can be found hiking and camping with her family and friends alongside her new husky puppy. She is a lover of old growth trees, music, art, coffee, books, and all things food.
Get Engaged!
Visit our Community Events Calendar for opportunities to engage meaningfully in your community!
Featured Event
State of the County 2022
Tuesday, April 12, 4pm

Join Board of County Commissioners Chair Kathryn Harrington for a virtual 2022 State of the County address. Chair Harrington will reflect on the challenges we have faced over the past year, future priorities and the work the county does to support the community. She will be joined by each district commissioner who will share their own updates and priorities for 2022 and beyond.
Learn more here!
Save the Date!
Thrives Quarterly Meeting
Wednesday, April 20, 8:30-10am

Be sure to join us as we convene quarterly All-Collaborative sessions with nonprofit, business, government, healthcare, education, and faith-based leaders to address safe, stable, and affordable housing, workforce training, and early learning and youth enrichment in Washington County. Sign up to receive invitations to our upcoming meetings, and be a part of the solution!
Register to attend!
Your City, Your County, Your Community
Beaverton Community Vision
An opportunity for residents to help guide city functions
Peace Building Grants
Designed to support events, projects or programs that foster peace in Beaverton
10th Avenue Visioning Project
The City of Hillsboro needs to hear from community members
2022 Climate, Health, and Housing Institute (CHHI) Fellowship
BIPOC community members apply by 5pm Fri, April 15 for this virtual institute
Community Engagement Consulting Services RFP
Washington County, Hillsboro, & Beaverton collaborate on community engagement
Closing date: Thurs, April 21, 2022 2:00 PM
Westside Economic Alliance Breakfast Forum
Featuring two candidates for Metro President
Mon April 11, 7:30 - 9:00 AM, Embassy Suites, Washington Square, Tigard
Welcoming Beaverton
Quarterly gatherings to support immigrant welcoming and integration
Wed, April 13, 2022, 1:00-2:30 pm, Zoom
Housing and Belonging- with Paul Susi
Join the City of Hillsboro for these facilitated conversations
Sat, April 23, 2022, 1:00 – 3:00 PM, Hillsboro Shute Park Library
Sat, April 30, 2022, 1:00 – 3:00 PM, Hillsboro Brookwood Library
Know Your Fair Housing Rights for Renters in Beaverton, Hillsboro, and Washington County
2-hour virtual session to learn more about fair housing law & how it applies to you
Thurs, April 28, 2022 6:00 - 8:00 PM, Zoom
Voters’ Forum
Hear directly from the candidates running for office in Beaverton
Thurs, April 28, 2022, 6:30 - 8:30 PM, The Patricia Reser Center for the Arts
Washington County Chamber Hiring Expo
Friday, May 6, 2022, Wingspan Event Center at Wash County Fairgrounds
10:00am - 1:00pm high school or under 18 | 1:30pm - 4:00pm adult job seekers
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