Thread by @JamieforOregon

I hope you and your family are safe and healthy. We’ve been through a lot this year.

Oregon is in a time of flux. Some are working to build a better Oregon and some capitalizing on divisiveness. #orpol

I’ve always believed politics should be about working together to overcome our challenges, not the pettiness that’s now common.

As a rural Oregonian, I recognize my interdependence on my neighbors. It is time to bridge divides, build relationships, & develop #rural leaders.

The painful fact is that the political establishment has demonstrated a fundamental lack of understanding of rural areas and has failed to invest in developing rural leaders. This lack of support hurts all rural communities, especially rural BIPOC Oregonians. #orpol #Oregon

So we’ve been doing something about it. During the primary election, I worked to elevate other rural voices, in addition to my own. #orpol

And afterwards -- that’s why you’re now seeing the name Team Jamie for Oregon -- I responded to numerous requests from rural candidates and developed a team of volunteers to mentor and promote rural candidates. #TeamJamieForOregon

During the 2020 election, we helped over 100 candidates and community leaders connect with voters.

We don’t believe that you ignore great emerging leaders just because they’re in a tough race. #orpol #orleg #TeamJamieForOregon

We’re continuing this work to: (1) bridge the divides, and (2) develop rural leaders. It’s simply a continuation of our work over the past few years to build a healthier democracy. #rural #orpol

I described my vision for our state in an article on upgrading to the Oregon Way 2.0 to better serve all Oregonians. bit.ly/3rzIu7O

Two days before the November election, I hosted a virtual forum with 10 Oregonians from across the political and geographical spectrum who spoke about the possibility of moving forward together:

I’ve been conducting statewide virtual trainings on how to heal our divides. Engaging in this work enables us to build stronger, equitable, and more resilient communities. #orpol #Oregon

In Jan., we’re starting our Rural Network, a monthly meeting of rural leaders to provide ongoing skill-building, resources & support for those thinking of running in the future. We’re not just focused on the next election. #TeamJamieForOregon is investing in the next generation.

If you would like to support this work that only rural communities can do for ourselves, we welcome your support here: jamiefororegon.com/donate/.

You can also receive updates on our work by signing up for our newsletter here: eepurl.com/gcgvHf.

Thank you for believing.