In times of community stress or grief, things can feel overwhelming. You might feel as if there is a little you can do to bring about change. During these times, focusing on small ways to engage in your community that can also have an impact can help your community as well as help you feel better.
There are countless ways to make small, sustainable, and positive impacts in our Eugene and Portland communities. One way to make a difference is by volunteering with local organizations that support vulnerable populations. For example, in Eugene you could assist at Food for Lane County or Burrito Brigade, which provides meals to those in need, or volunteer with shelters like St. Vincent de Paul to support unhoused individuals. In Portland, the Oregon Food Bank has many volunteer opportunities, as does the Portland Rescue Mission, which provides clothing, food, shelter, and many other services to those struggling with hunger, homelessness, and addiction. Engaging with these organizations not only meets immediate needs but also fosters a sense of connection and compassion in the community.
It’s also important to take care of yourself. Even little things can help in big ways.
Allow Time: Just like any grief process, healing takes time. Remind yourself that your feelings are valid and that it’s okay to take the time you need to process them.
Practice Mindfulness or Meditative Practices: Breathing exercises, meditation, or yoga can calm the nervous system and help you process emotions without becoming overwhelmed by them.
Stay Engaged: If part of your grief is a sense of powerlessness, channeling your energy into constructive action can help. Consider volunteering, joining organizations, or supporting causes that align with your values.
Find Community: Sharing your feelings with trusted friends or family members can be very healing. Knowing others feel similarly can ease feelings of isolation and bring you support.
Focus on Self-Care: Engaging in activities that make you feel grounded can be helpful. This could mean taking breaks from the news, limiting social media, or spending time outdoors.
Acknowledge Your Emotions: It’s okay to feel sadness, anger, disappointment, or even fear. Giving yourself permission to feel these emotions, without judgment, is the first step in processing them.
Environmental stewardship is another area where you can create lasting change. Participating in neighborhood clean-ups, planting trees with Friends of Trees (Eugene), or joining advocacy efforts for climate action are all meaningful ways to protect the region’s natural beauty. Oregon’s proximity to outdoor recreation areas also means that preserving trails and waterways through organizations like the McKenzie River Trust can significantly impact local ecosystems and residents’ quality of life.
Lastly, fostering a sense of community through civic engagement and education is a powerful way to contribute. Attending city council meetings, advocating for policies that reflect community values, or starting grassroots initiatives can help shape our future. You might also mentor youth through programs like the Boys & Girls Club, Youth Empowerment Services (PDX), Ophelia’s Place (EUG), and Transponder (EUG). These efforts not only strengthen the social fabric but also empower others to join in making our communities a more inclusive and vibrant place to live.
