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
Dear Next Up Community, After three years – including countless hours of phone banking, fundraising, advocating for this organization at every opportunity, crying when it’s hard, laughing when it’s joyous – it’s so hard to say goodbye. Being part of this organization has truly been the adventure of a lifetime and I’m so grateful to… Read More
Dear Friend, In 2020’s life-changing election, Oregon’s young people voted at the highest ever rate on record. That record was not a coincidence. Working alongside our coalition partners and allies, Next Up has been breaking down structural barriers to voting, boosting youth voter turnout, and broadening the leadership pipeline for the last 18 years. Long… Read More
