Bend, Ore. (September 30, 2021) Two Central Oregon institutions are reimagining how change happens in the region.
The City Club of Central Oregon is partnering with The Bulletin, Central Oregon’s daily newspaper, to host informed conversations that move the needle on important issues in our community.
According to Kim Gammond, City Club’s Executive Director, the partnership provides a balance between background on topics and in depth discussion.
”Our community is demanding better ways to engage on issues. After our forums, we always felt there was a missing opportunity to take the conversation further,” said Gammond. “By partnering with The Bulletin we can begin to go deeper into issues and work toward solutions.
Together, the organizations will use their strengths to complement one another. The Bulletin’s in-depth reporting will provide insight and state and national context on important community topics, and City Club will bring community members together through its engaging and popular programming.
“We believe shining a light on issues that could be resolved within Central Oregon only goes so far,” said Bulletin Editor Gerry O’Brien. “By partnering with City Club and its connections, we hope to create true solutions that members of the community can work toward.”
An in-depth report in The Bulletin will launch the inaugural effort Oct. 17 on the first topic: improving the academic success of students who experience houselessness. Unhoused students graduate high school at lower rates than their peer groups. The City Club will pick up the discussion and feature local experts, students and educators in a forum on Oct. 21, and The Bulletin will host a Solutions Workshop on Nov. 4 to bring local decision-makers and advocates together to work toward evidence-based responses.
“The goal of the Solutions Workshop is to follow-up after the forum with a group of community members, digging deeper into the issue,” said Heidi Wright, publisher of The Bulletin. “Ideally, the workshop attendees will have background and expertise to understand the issue and/or be able to offer resources and sustainable solutions.”
City Club and The Bulletin plan to continue collaborating every three months, combining in-depth, local journalism with passionate non-partisan discussions between diverse perspectives with the shared goal of positive change in Central Oregon.
More details about registering for the Oct. 21 forum and the Nov. 4 Solutions Workshop is available online at cityclubco.org.
About City Club of Central Oregon
City Club of Central Oregon exists to be the top-of-mind hub for citizens and community leaders. We intentionally shape our community and influence public policy while preserving our uniquely warm and connected culture. We champion “passionately non-partisan” discussion between diverse perspectives. To learn more about City Club, follow us on social media or visit our website at www.cityclubco.org
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