Celebrating Long-Term Movement Building

As we wind down the year that was 2024, we wanted to reflect on the tremendous progress our scrappy organization has made in our East Multnomah County region, and share what’s in store for 2025.

Celebrating Long-Term Movement Building

In our 6th year, the 2024 election cycle marked a transformative chapter for East County Rising (ECR), as the organization implemented its most robust, and collaborative political and civic engagement program to date. With a theme of early planning and preparation, ECR strengthened its infrastructure and deepened relationships to build long-term capacity for change.

Highlights from the 2024 Election Cycle

1. Mentorship and Mutual Support
   ECR focused on mentoring emerging leaders and fostering mutual systems of support across communities and elected officials.. Even in tough losses, ECR is building the long-term capacity and relationships needed for sustainable progress. By prioritizing mentorship and trust, ECR ensures that every race—win or lose—contributes to a broader movement rooted in equity and justice.

2. Launching Our Strongest Program Yet
   ECR began its political program during the May Primary, with a deep door-knocking campaign that contributed to the Gresham Safety Levy ballot measure’s first-ever victory after multiple defeats. In November, we helped the Gresham Simple Majority ballot measure. These successes were powered by a broadened coalition that prioritized meeting the needs of Gresham’s growing population.

3. Elevating Voter Education with Ranked-Choice Voting
   In partnership with the Ebony Collective CDC, ECR led voter education efforts around East Portland’s new ranked-choice voting system and district elections. These efforts empowered East Portland voters to engage with the historic changes and set a tone for continued voter education to increase participation in our local elections ..

4. Winning Key Legislative Races in East County ECR spearheaded voter contact efforts in several  of the most competitive legislative races in Oregon. Rep. Hoa Nguyen’s successful re-election campaign for House District 48 (Outer SE Portland/North Clackamas) was  led by ECR’s Aimee Santos-Lyons and other ECR staff. In East County, ECR played key roles in the successful campaigns to re-elect Reps. Ricki Ruiz and Zach Hudson, alongside Sen. Chris Gorsek. ECR was recognized statewide for its volunteer mobilization and grassroots organizing. 

5. Rebuilding Volunteer Infrastructure
   ECR’s Rockwood office became a vibrant organizing hub for campaigns, volunteers, and partners, enabling more responsive and organized support for events, trainings, and canvassing efforts. This investment in infrastructure underscores ECR’s commitment to empowering communities and strengthening collaboration.

6. Political Education Through Slate Cards
   ECR’s slate cards have long been a cornerstone of political education, fostering trust and alignment among voters. With ranked-choice voting, slate cards proved even more vital, offering clear guidance to carry forward shared values. Thanks to United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) for their support in making this work possible.

7. Celebrating Community at the ECR Gala
   Nearly 200 attendees gathered for the ECR Gala in September, celebrating progress, raising funds, and honoring retiring leaders. The event exemplified the energy, connection, and hope driving East County forward.