Monthly Learning Sessions

One of the CSN's cornerstones is education. Knowledge is power. The more we know about each other's agencies, services offerings and access points, the better we can collectively serve our community. Join our email list to get the links to our meetings and be notified about workshops and trainings.

We meet virtually from 9:30-11:00 a.m. the third Tuesday of the month. Local nonprofits, government agencies and community organizations share info about their programs; upcoming speakers and topics are below. The last 30 minutes is reserved for event sharing, resource connections and networking.

Complete our Presentation Interest Form if you’d like to be a featured speaker.

Upcoming Speakers and Topics

Sessions are hosted in partnership with a variety of organizations and are free for the CSN community to attend. Their focus is on providing access to important learning opportunities around topics like diversity, equity, inclusion, organization, leadership and more.

Upcoming workshops and trainings are below.

Workshops and Trainings


Jun
6

Intercultural Communication

This workshop examines common micro-aggressions within an allyship model, reflection on allyship you can commit to, your allyship style and where some ideas of your connections to community come from.

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Mar
7

Definitions: Language of Equity

Language is ever changing and manifests our world view. When we have access to language, we are better able to understand and articulate community needs. It is important for our growth that we be mindful of the language we use, as it cultivates our patterns and determines our routes to liberation. In our ever-changing, technologically-advanced modern world, we have more access to shared language than ever before. And, in the world of equity work, fluidity and understanding of terms and definitions is necessary as we work collectively to dismantle antiquated, oppressive systems that have for too long been barriers for marginalized communities.

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Dec
7

Taking Accountability

In this workshop, attendees will learn what it means to take actual responsibility for their actions when harm is caused. Despite most folks having thoughtful intentions, we're all at risk of causing harm to others. By learning how to clean up the [often accidental] messes we make, we can strengthen our connections to others and build authentic relationships. 

Learning Objectives:

  • To understand what harm, responsibility, and accountability are

  • To examine the components of a genuine apology 

  • Learn how to create a harm repair plan

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Oct
25

HRSN Benefit Overview Continued

This Zoom webinar will:

  • Continue exploring the HRSN benefit requirements. Content will be determined based on needs identified during the first two webinars and updates to the benefit’s design.

This is part 3 of a 3-part series hosted by the CSN and CareOregon. By signing up for this workshop, you will receive an invite to attend all three workshops in this series. Register here.

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Oct
11

Participating in the HRSN Benefit as a Service Provider

This Zoom webinar will:

  • Identify requirements and expectations for organizations to participate in the HRSN benefit as food, housing, and/or climate service providers

  • Discuss funding and support opportunities to build the infrastructure needed to deliver food, housing, and climate benefits

This is part 2 of a 3-part series hosted by the CSN and CareOregon. By signing up for this workshop, you will receive an invite to attend all three workshops in this series. Register here.

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Sep
20

Health Related Social Needs Benefit 101

This Zoom webinar will:

  • Describe the Oregon Health Plan and Oregon’s Coordinated Care Organization (CCO) health system structure

  • Define the housing, food, and climate benefits that will be part of the HRSN benefits and the  populations that will qualify for support

  • Discuss what it means to provide food, housing, and climate support as a Medicaid benefit and how this is different than how community members currently access services

This is part 1 of a 3-part series hosted by the CSN and CareOregon. By signing up for this workshop, you will receive an invite to attend all three workshops in this series. Register here.

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Sep
14

Biases and Microaggressions

In this workshop, we will focus on how each of our individual, subconscious biases play a role in perpetuating some of the harmful oppressive tactics embedded in our society, in our community, and in our minds. We will pull apart and dissect what implicit biases are and how they impact us on levels we don’t consider in our day to day lives. We will also discuss what a microaggression is and highlight the amount of inherent harm these comments can cause. At the end of this workshop, you should be able to take away how implicit biases shape our thought patterns on micro levels and can potentially translate to microaggressions. 

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May
18

Virtual Workshop Series: Creating Neurodivergent Friendly Spaces

All are welcome to join for this free workshop presented in partnership with YWCA of Greater Portland. We will:

  • Define neurodiversity

  • Explore barriers neurodivergent people might have

  • Learn about the Neurodiversity Paradigm & Universal Design

  • Explore ways society can increase equity for neurodivergent people

Registration is required; reserve your spot here.

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Apr
19

Virtual Teen Workshop Series: Basics of Personal Finance

Are you ready to take control of your financial future but don't know how to start?

Join the CSN and Financial Beginnings Oregon for this free webinar workshop series on the basics of personal finance and prepare yourself for your journey through adulthood. The April 19 topic is, “Credit: Learn how to utilize debt and credit as tools for reaching your financial goals.” Registration is required.

No-Cost Learning Materials: Participants receive a workbook filled with engaging activities and resources for use during and after the workshop.

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Apr
18

April Education Meeting

April’s speakers and topics are:

Email info@csnpdx.org to receive the meeting link.

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Apr
12

Virtual Teen Workshop Series: Basics of Personal Finance

Are you ready to take control of your financial future but don't know how to start?

Join the CSN and Financial Beginnings Oregon for this free webinar workshop series on the basics of personal finance and prepare yourself for your journey through adulthood. The April 12 topic is, “Spending: Understand financial services and how to avoid cash management fees.” Registration is required.

No-Cost Learning Materials: Participants receive a workbook filled with engaging activities and resources for use during and after the workshop.

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Apr
5

Virtual Teen Workshop Series: Basics of Personal Finance

Are you ready to take control of your financial future but don't know how to start?

Join the CSN and Financial Beginnings Oregon for this free webinar workshop series on the basics of personal finance and prepare yourself for your journey through adulthood. The April 5 topic is, “Budgeting: Learn the SMART Goal system and how to build a budget around those goals.” Registration is required.

No-Cost Learning Materials: Participants receive a workbook filled with engaging activities and resources for use during and after the workshop.

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Mar
21

March Education Meeting

March’s speakers and topics are:

  • Mackenzie Stewart, Leader of Healthy Living at YMCA, on its youth programs.

  • Juneteenth on BIPOC events in Portland.

  • Allison Ekeya, Admissions and Outreach Coordinator at Portland Youth Builders, on its pre-apprenticeship program.

  • Gladys Boransing Boyer, Outreach and Education at the OR Department of Justice - Civil Rights Unit, on bias incidents, hate crimes and sanctuary promise law.

Email info@csnpdx.org to receive the meeting link.

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Mar
9

Exploring Social Identity Development Workshop: Privilege, Oppression and Social Position

Join us for this virtual webinar with Kaycie Lopez Jones in partnership with YWCA Social Justice Program.

Participants will be exposed to Social Identity Theory and Racial Identity Development Theory. We will define, name, and explore our social identities, how they are contextualized by privilege and oppression by way of power. This workshop will be a mix of lecture, large and small group discussion and individual reflection exercises.

This event is free and open to all. Registration is required.

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Dec
20

December Education Meeting

December’s topics are:

  • Zach Surmacz, Community Educator with the Community Energy Project, on home weatherization workshops.

  • Molly Hogan, Director of the Welcome Home Coalition, on affordable housing.

  • Choya Renata, Community Engagement & Relationships with Metro, on Metro’s affordable housing bond and supportive housing services funds.

Email info@csnpdx.org to receive the meeting link.

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Nov
15

November Education Meeting

November’s speakers and topics are:

  • Olivia Vo, Family Engagement Specialist at Youth Rights Justice, on the Family Defense Project, its new pilot that provides legal advocacy and social work support to clients who may be at risk of losing their children, as well as examples of legal situations they assist in and the requirements and referral process.

  • Denae Murphy, Crime Victim Advocate at Lutheran Community Services Northwest, on the Crime Victim Advocacy Program.

  • Natalie Hollabaugh, Expungement Advocate and Lawyer at Criminal Justice Reform Clinic, on juvenile expungement and its Senate Bill 819 project.

  • Kiley Yuthas, Marketing & Communications Manager at The Pathfinder Network, on services provided by The Pathfinder Network in and around Portland.

Email info@csnpdx.org to receive the meeting link.

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Oct
18

October Education Meeting

October’s speakers and topics are:

Email info@csnpdx.org to receive the meeting link.

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Oct
4

Racism 101 (Oregon Focused) Workshop

Often when we struggle to communicate with someone on issues of race and racism, it’s because we are using different meanings for the words that make up our conversation. This workshop will include an investigation into the terms we use to discuss racial justice. We will navigate a brief history of race in Oregon and explore events that shape the region we live in today. Workshop members will analyze the differences between interpersonal, cultural, and institutional racism and the harms and benefits they create. There will also be a discussion on the impacts of racism on advocates and survivors of domestic and sexual violence and how to integrate anti-racism work into our organizations.

This training is brought to you by the Community Services Network and the YWCA of Greater Portland. It will be facilitated by Debbie Elias on Zoom; a live transcript will be available.

Registration is required; click here to register.

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Aug
16

August Education Meeting - Fair Housing

Join us for a meeting with Eliza Galaher and Gina Rizk of the Fair Housing Council. This training will be focused on empowering individuals and advocates to know their rights under the fair housing act, how to spot discrimination, and how to advocate when it happens. 

Email info@csnpdx.org to receive the meeting link.

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