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Oregon Advocacy Commissions Office: Agency Subdivisions
Commission on Asian Affairs
Address: 527 SW Hall, Suite 308U; Mail: 1819 SW Fifth Ave., #313, Portland 97201
Phone: 503-725-9980
Fax: 503-725-9984
E-mail: liani.ocaa@gmail.com
Web: http://www.oregon.gov/OCAA
Contact: Liani Jean Heh Reeves, Chair
Statutory Authority: ORS 185.610, 185.620
Duties and Responsibilities: The Commission on Asian Affairs (OCAA) was established in 1995 and originally had a trade and economic development focus. The 1999 Legislature amended the commission’s function to place a greater emphasis on advocacy.
The goal of the OCAA is to facilitate communication and dissemination of information between state government and Asian communities. This not only benefits Oregon’s Asian Americans, but also provides the state with information on how to best provide services to all its citizens. The state accomplishes this by asking volunteers who are already leaders in their communities to aid the commission with their knowledge and relationships.
The OCAA is composed of 11 members. Nine are appointed by the governor, one by the Senate president and one by the speaker of the House. The commission strives for ethnic as well as geographic diversity in its appointments. In addition to the 11 members, two representatives are appointed from the Legislature and serve as non-voting ex officio members.
Commission on Black Affairs
Address: 527 SW Hall, Suite 308U; Mail: 1819 SW Fifth Ave., #313, Portland 97201
Phone: 503-725-9980
Fax: 503-725-9984
Web: http://www.oregon.gov/OCBA
Contact: Clifford Walker, Chair
Statutory Authority: ORS 185.410
Duties and Responsibilities: The Commission on Black Affairs works for the implementation of
economic, social, legal, and political equality for Oregon’s African American and Black populations.
The commission’s responsibilities are many. It is authorized by law to monitor existing programs and legislation designed to meet the needs of the African American and Black community; identify and research concerns and issues affecting the community in order to recommend actions and programs to the governor and the Legislature; act as a liaison between the community and Oregon’s government; encourage African American and Black representation on state boards and commissions; and establish special committees as needed.
The commission is composed of 11 members, nine of whom are appointed by the governor and confirmed by the Senate to serve three-year terms. The president of the Senate and the speaker of the House each appoint a member to serve a two-year term.
Commission on Hispanic Affairs
Address: 527 SW Hall, Suite 308U; Mail: 1819 SW Fifth Ave., #313, Portland 97201
Phone: 503-725-9980
Fax: 503-725-9984
E-mail: ocha.chair@gmail.com
Web: http://www.oregon.gov/Hispanic
Contact: Andrea Cano, Chair
Statutory Authority: ORS 185.410
Duties and Responsibilities: The Commission
on Hispanic Affairs was created by the 1983
Legislature to work for economic, social, legal and political equality for Hispanics in Oregon. The commission monitors existing programs and legislation to ensure that the needs of Hispanics are met. The commission researches problems and issues and recommends appropriate action, maintains a liaison between the Hispanic community and
government entities, and encourages Hispanic representation on state boards and commissions.
In addition, the commission focuses on the bigger statewide picture regarding what gaps exist in services and programs for the Latino community; refers customers to professionals, connecting seekers of service together with individuals or organizations most capable of serving their needs; facilitates youth programs and efforts that help Latino youth appreciate education, business and community involvement; encourages Oregon residents to resolve their own local issues in a positive, productive manner; and promotes positive aspects of the Hispanic community.
Commission for Women
Address: 527 SW Hall, Suite 308U; Mail: 1819 SW Fifth Ave., #313, Portland 97201
Phone: 503-725-9980
Fax: 503-725-9984
E-mail: OACO.mail@das.state.or.us
Web: http://oregon.gov/Women
Contact: Sue Castner, Chair
Statutory Authority: ORS 185.510–185.570
Duties and Responsibilities:
In 1964, Governor Mark Hatfield established the Governor’s
Commission on the Status of Women to advise him of the needs and concerns of Oregon women. In 1983, the commission gained independent status as
the Oregon Commission for Women, with a
directive to strive for women’s equality through the
implementation of beneficial programs and
policies. The commission continues this work by advocating for women in the community, providing information on women to the governor and
Legislature, serving as a link for women to state agencies, and providing services to individual women in Oregon.
The commission is composed of 11 members and meets at various locations around the state to gather information about women. It also publishes a handbook called Oregon Women and the Law, and holds an annual fundraiser to honor Oregon’s outstanding women.