Dear Friend, As most of you know, in Spring of 2021, Samantha Gladu announced that she would be stepping down as Executive Director of Next Up and Next Up Action Fund. Thanks to Samantha’s three years of leadership, she collaboratively built a visionary 5 year strategic plan that set strong policies and values in place… Read More
Dear Friend, It’s time for the 2021 legislative wrap-up. When we entered the session in January we had a bold agenda to transform our electoral system. We prioritized bills that were rooted in racial, economic, and youth justice, and more specifically, ones that would break down systemic barriers to participation, and increase equitable processes and… Read More
One of our priority bills for the session which will address civics education updates, SB 702, passed both chambers and is now headed to the governor’s desk to be signed! SB 702 would require that during the State Board of Education’s existing review of social studies standards for kindergarten through grade 12, they shall consider… Read More
Last week, 25 young people joined our virtual Youth Lobby Day to advocate for voting rights bills that would continue to break down systemic barriers to participation in our elections and increase access to the ballot for young voters. After an hour-long hands-on training that discussed legislature 101, how to lobby and an overview of… Read More
CONTACT: Isabela Villarreal, isabela@nextuporegon.org Today the Oregon House passed HB 3291, which will allow for ballots to be accepted if they are mailed by Election Day. As an organization that builds political power and strong, effective leadership pipelines for diverse young people we strongly support updating postmark date for ballots. We’re heartened by the Legislature’s… Read More
Endorsement Background Please note that an endorsement does guarantee that field (calls or texts) on behalf of the campaign will be done. It’s time for school district elections! We are particularly interested in races that include candidates and campaigns aligned with our values and are under 35 years old, Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, LGBTQIA+, disabled… Read More
From now until May 18th we’ll be working hard around School Board Elections – this includes hosting events, candidate forums, and making thousands of calls and texts to get out the vote to amplify student voices. You can find all opportunities listed below, they are all virtual, open to all ages, and free. We hope you… Read More
PORTLAND, Ore. – Artist and activist John Legend has lent his voice in support of voting rights for incarcerated Oregonians. In a heartfelt and very personal video message to Oregon lawmakers, Legend urged them to support Senate Bill 571/House Bill 2366, a bill that would restore the right to vote to people with felony convictions… Read More
It’s time for the search for our next Executive Director to begin. At Next Up we envision an Oregon where young people boldly lead the state forward, our democracy is inclusive and accessible, and our communities are strong and resilient. We’re seeking a strategic and energetic Executive Director to lead the organization to boldly execute… Read More
As of March 1, I stepped off the C4 Board and joined Next Up as our Interim Executive Director. I am excited to continue supporting the organization in this new role while we search for our next Executive Director! As a board member for almost two years, I am deeply committed to this organization and… Read More
