2025 East County Rising Summit
Saturday, November
1st, 2025
8:00 AM – 3:30 PM
David Douglas
High School
Post-Summit Happy Hour: 4:00–6:00 PM at Mi Cava Cocina
Tickets: $20 general
/ $5 students
Culture Shift, Power Lift: Organizing for East County
The East County Rising Fall Summit is a dynamic, day-long gathering of community leaders, organizers, policy advocates, and everyday neighbors working to build an inclusive, just, and thriving East Multnomah County.
This year’s theme — Culture Shift, Power Lift: Organizing for East County — invites participants to explore how we can strengthen democracy, tell new stories about East County, and uplift solutions led by those most affected by inequity.
Together, we’ll strategize for the year ahead, connect across movements, and grow community power in anticipation of the 2026 election cycle. The Summit offers workshops, panels, and networking designed to support political education, campaign readiness, and community resilience.
Program Highlights
Start your morning connecting with neighbors, elected leaders, and organizers from across East County. Grab a cup of coffee, meet local officials, and learn about upcoming initiatives in your district.
A look at where we’ve come from and where we’re heading: shaping a more connected, equitable East County for all.
Stories from the field—hear from local advocates on housing, healthcare, and participatory budgeting across East County.
Choose from 10 participatory sessions including:
- So You’re Thinking of Running: Campaign Management for First-Time Candidates
— Paige Richardson, Springwater Partners
- So You’re Thinking of Running: Campaign Management for First-Time Candidates
- You’re Already an Organizer, and I’ll Prove It!
— Steph Routh, East Portland Voice - Who Represents Me? / Quién Me Representa?
— Unite Oregon staff (English & Spanish sessions) - Ways of Community Resilience in East County
— Karen Wolfgang, Thrive East PDX & Caleb Coder, Cultivate Initiatives - Using Business for Good
— Michael Jonas, Narwhal Law & Business Strategy - Local Initiatives Forum: Organizing in Your Backyard
— Helena Guerrero Sullivan, East County Rising - The Union Difference
— Fiona Yau-Luu, UFCW 555; Alberto Gallegos, SEIU - Know Your Rights / Conoce Tus Derechos
— Latino Network - Shaping Narrative
— Diane Goodwin, Drive Your Narrative - Board & Organizational Development
— Kelley Weigel
- You’re Already an Organizer, and I’ll Prove It!
Moderated by Lori Stegmann, former Multnomah County Commissioner
Panelists:
- Ashton Simpson, Metro Councilor
- Michael Reyes, Reynolds School Board
- Heather Coleman-Cox, Gresham Barlow School Board
A powerful conversation on what it means to lead boldly for East County’s future.