Watch out Oregon, we’re going statewide! For Every Kid welcomes statewide partners into the Coalition and as we continue the fight to make Safe Routes to School (SRTS) for every kid in Oregon. We are focused on the 2017 legislative session and will advocate for dedicated funding for Safe Routes to School education programs and street improvements near schools. Here are four things you should know:
#1 We are building on the momentum from the successful Portland Metro For Every Kid Campaign! In case you missed the n
ews, WE DID IT! The For Every Kid Coalition successfully advocated for dedicated funding to make streets safe around schools and provide programs so that kids can walk, bike, and access transit safely. $3.5 million was dedicated to Safe Routes to School programs and prioritizes students who need it most. We were also able to secure $25 million of dedicated funding for active transportation projects. BIG THANKS to coalition members and the Joint Policy Advisory Committee on Transportation for making this happen! We are building on this momentum by meeting with state representatives that wrote a letter of support for the Metro campaign to discuss ways to make sure that SRTS is included in the 2017 Oregon Transportation package.
#2 Safe Routes to School For Every Kid needs you! Here’s how you can help.
- Do you live in or near Bend, Medford, Newport, Salem, or Hillsboro? Mark your calendars to attend and testify at one of the upcoming Joint Transportation Committee hearings. See the schedule of hearings below. Contact leeanne@btaoregon.org for testimony tips and sample talking points!
- Invite two organizations to join the For Every Kid Coalition! We learned over the last two years that our large, vocal, and diverse coalition was one of the main reasons why we won funding for SRTS in the Portland Metro area. We can be even more vocal at the statewide level with your help. Bring your partners into the fold! Together we can fight to ensure every kid in Oregon has a safe route to school.
#3 Meet others engaged in Safe Routes to School in Oregon! Your Safe Routes to School Network works to energize current programs and to expand Safe Routes to School to every community and every kid in Oregon. Click to meet the Leadership Committee! The Network also hosted the Oregon Safe Routes to School Conference this past June, read about the three goals the attendees identified here.
Thank you to Representative John Lively who attended the Oregon Safe Routes to School Conference and helped parents and teachers learn how to invite elected officials to Safe Routes to School events at their school. He is also working to help us get a Safe Routes to School tour during the Joint Transportation Committee hearing in Hillsboro on September 19th.
#4 Upcoming town hall meetings with Governor Brown’s appointed Joint Transportation Committee: Email leeanne@btaoregon.org for more info.
- Bend: August 18, 5:30 p.m.
Wille Hall, Coats Campus Center, Central Oregon Community College, 2600 NW College Way, Bend - Medford: August 31, 5:00 p.m.
Jackson County Library, Medford Branch, 205 S. Central Avenue, Medford - Newport: September 15, 5:00 p.m.
Ballroom, Embarcadero Hotel, 1000 SE Bay Blvd, Newport - Hillsboro: September 19, 5:00 p.m.
Shirley Huffman Auditorium, Hillsboro Civic Center, 150 E. Main Street, Hillsboro - Salem: September 2, 5:15 p.m.
Hearing Room F, Oregon State Capitol, 900 Court Street NE, Salem
For Every Kid is a growing coalition of community, public health, and social justice organizations that are seeking to ensure safe routes to school for every kid. Coalition Leaders include American Heart Association, Safe Routes to School National Partnership, Bicycle Transportation Alliance, Commute Options, Oregon Walks, Asian Pacific American Network of Oregon, Opal Environmental Justice, Community Alliance of Tenants, the Community Cycling Center, advocated from Eugene and Medford, and many more. Read more about the coalition at ourhealthystreets.org/foreverykid.