National Writers Union Oregon Chapter

Minutes for September Meeting

Attendees: Marty Hart-Landsberg, Alex Fig, Fernando Gapasin, Kacey Carpenter

Marty Hart-Landsberg, Chair, opened the meeting at 4:00 pm.

Treasurer’s Report: Lura previously shared our July 2026 Chapter Report available at this location.

July 12, 2026 meeting minutes were approved.

Social Media Strategy

Alex shared our Oregon Chapter’s social media strategy, including the campaign, content, tools, and work with the NWU National Communications team.

The goal is to build awareness and reach many more people online in our target audience in Oregon, including freelancers beginning to look for collective organizing and new writers looking for resources and support. We want to increase impressions and online engagement and, as people become interested in NWU and the Oregon Chapter, encourage them to provide their email address so we can stay in touch and provide additional information.

We are starting with two main channels, Instagram and Bluesky, with the ability to expand to other channels over time. Instagram can also be connected to Facebook.

Currently, we are using the Oregon Chapter website and a Google form to collect email addresses but hope to transition to the new NWU.org website, database and email communications over time. We will build a ladder of engagement, from someone first learning about NWU to staying connected and learning more about the union and how they can get involved.

Alex demoed the workflow using Canva to create content and Buffer to schedule posts, with assets and templates available to simplify the process and metrics reporting to measure success.

The first campaign focuses on member stories with a simple question: why should people care about the National Writers Union? We need stories about why NWU Oregon matters. The Willamette Writers Fair was an early opportunity to meet writers who did not know us and create short videos and photos of the event and our participation. Alex produced a video featuring Marty and Kacey at the Portland Writers Fair as a sample video asset to share on Instagram. Click here to view it and share it with others.

Next Steps and Discussion

Q: Marty asked if we could use the new NWU Oregon logo on our website.
A: Yes. We will use the Oregon logo on our website.

We are also planning to meet with Elena this week to look at a transition to the new nwu.org website and opportunities to better integrate our database, communications and email with the national union’s website, email and database. This is an important transition following recent security issues with our current website and plugins.

Q: Fernando asked how he could share the work he is doing in Ashland in Southern Oregon, including an article published in Monthly Review based on an interview and a new course he is teaching at Southern Oregon University on labor history. Marty also shared that he is working with a Portland Jobs with Justice History tour that could be shared and has recently shared a series of articles that have generated a lot of awareness about AI.

A: Yes. This is exactly the type of content and knowledge we can share through our social media plan, with a focus on members and the work they are doing.

The next step will be to create an intake form that allows members to provide information about speaking events, new books, articles, courses, organizing and other activities. We can then build this information into our social media campaign strategy and plan.

Our strategy is to break content into smaller pieces, using short videos, images and templates to make it easier for people to engage.

When we know about an upcoming event or activity, we can support the organizer with materials, collect names and promote our website and social media channels to build our email list.

NWU Affiliation Discussion

Q: Fernando asked for an update on NWU affiliation, including our history with UAW and current AFL-CIO affiliation in Oregon.

Q: Marty shared that a committee with current NWU leaders has been in discussions with CWA NewsGuild.  The process has been slowed due to issues with financial reporting, health issues with the President, and the need for a financial plan and audits.

NWU National Election

NWU is holding its biennial election for 2026–2028 National Officers and Delegates. Voting opened September 4 and will remain open until 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on September 18, 2026. New officers and delegates will take office October 1, 2026.

Candidate statements: Read the candidate statements here

The election is part of NWU’s national governance, with national officers and chapter delegates serving in the union’s governance structure.

Discussion and Questions

Q: Fernando asked how members could find their ballot.

A: Kacey said to check email for the eBallot message sent September 4. If members cannot find their ballot or have questions about the election, they can reach out to the Election Committee at electioncommittee@nwu.org.

Q: Fernando asked about the different candidates and how the election relates to our future vision and strategy for the Oregon Chapter and the national organization.

Marty and Kacey discussed their support for the candidates running on the same slate as Lura, No Solidarity Heroes! Lura is unopposed for Treasurer, while the other candidates on the slate are working together on a platform that Marty and Kacey said they believe is important to the future of the organization.

Members are encouraged to review the candidate statements and participate in the election. Be sure to vote before the September 18 deadline.

Marty Hart-Landsberg, Chair, adjourned the meeting at 5:30 pm.

Next Meeting: Our next meeting will be November 8, 2026, at 4:00 pm.

National Writers Union Oregon Chapter

Minutes for July Meeting

New Chapter Logo

If Oregon members have a campaign or event where they want to show union support by using our union’s logo, we now have a new chapter logo that includes our state name along with the national logo.  We should have it up on our website soon.  Reminder: members need to get union support for any campaign before using the logo.  That requires either coming to a union meeting and winning member agreement or sending a proposal to the steering committee for its approval, per our current process.

Treasurer’s Report

• Oregon 2025: In 2025, we paid for our AFL-CIO dues, the web hosting, and the bookmarks. At year end we had $8,194 in our unit fund.
• Oregon 2026: On May 31, 2026 we had paid $483 in 2026 AFL-CIO dues, and $100 for the Willamette Writers ad. 2026 income was $425. We had $8,167 in our unit fund.
• 2026 Oregon budget was approved by ExCom. In addition to the items already paid for, it includes funds for member-specific organizing, our postcard project, a social media intern, scholarships for NWU memberships for members facing financial hardship, and our annual in-person meeting.   

Social Media Intern

We hired Alexandria (Alex) Fig to help our chapter’s social media work after advertising the position to national members and Oregon members. Alex has years of work as a freelance social media manager. She will be working for us from mid July – mid-September.  Her responsibilities include helping our chapter develop a social media strategy, support our members’ use of social media, and to strengthen our use of WhatsApp. If people want to learn more or work with her, they should contact Kacey Carpenter, who will be supervising her.

Oregon Labor Chapter Representatives

We have three union members working with the Oregon AFL-CIO as chapter representatives.  We look forward to reports from their work.

• Michael Funke, Oregon NWU chapter representative to the Central Oregon Labor Chapter. 
• Elissa Edge, Oregon NWU chapter representative to Cascades to Coast Central Labor Chapter (which was established from the merger of the Lin-Benton-Lincoln Central Labor Chapter with the Marion-Polk-Central Labor Chapter).
• Fernando E. Gapasin, Oregon NWU chapter representative to the Southern Oregon Labor Chapter. (March 2026)

 Delegate Assembly Elections

Our current delegates, whose terms have expired, are Bob Rossi, Jim Smith, Shane Burley, Marty Hart-Landsberg, Lura Frazey (Alternate). The national union will be organizing elections for new delegates soon. If members want to run for the position, they need to demonstrate an on-going relationship with our chapter. Please feel free to contact current delegates to learn more about the responsibilities.

Table at Willamette Writers Meeting

We will be talking to writers and letting them know about the work our union is doing at the Willamette Writers meeting, Crowne Plaza Hotel in downtown Portland, July 31, 5-7pm. Several members have already committed to attend, the more the merrier!

Next Steps

How do we encourage more members to attend our meetings? How do we grow the chapter? Jim Smith proposes we discuss this at the next meeting.

Next Meeting

Our next meeting will be September 13, 2026 at 4:00 pm

https://chat.whatsapp.com/KDXsQW81D6wD6mGRRkFGMT

National Writers Union Oregon Chapter

May 2026 Async WhatsApp Community Agenda

Welcome everyone to our May async community meeting in the NWU Oregon WhatsApp Community. Throughout the month we’ll be sharing updates, ideas, organizing opportunities, and ways for members to connect with one another across Oregon.

Community Channels

• Announcements
• The Writers Corner
• Community Activity
• Member Meetings
• Surveys and Feedback

Approval of Previous Minutes

Review and approval of the March 8, 2026 meeting minutes.

Leadership and National Union Updates

We’ll share updates from chapter leadership and the national union, including opportunities for members to get involved in organizing, campaigns, committees, and advocacy work across the union.

We also want to recognize that Oregon chapter member Lura is currently serving as Interim National Treasurer.

Members are invited to share any union, writing, organizing, or community work they are currently involved in.

Chapter Endorsements and Solidarity

A reminder that our chapter can endorse events, candidates, partnerships, and community actions that align with the values of our union.

Most recently, we endorsed the Southern Oregon May Day event organized in part by chapter member Fernando Gapasin.

Members interested in requesting chapter endorsements are encouraged to review our endorsement process and reach out with questions or ideas.

Treasurer’s Report and Budget Priorities

Discussion of proposed 2026 chapter budget priorities, including:

• AFL-CIO dues and labor solidarity efforts
• NWU Oregon branding and logo design
• Member organizing and outreach
• Postcard printing and mailing
• Social media and communications support
• Membership scholarships for writers
• Participation in the Willamette Writers Conference
• Support for Oregon meetups and in-person gatherings

The goal of the budget is to help grow the chapter, strengthen member participation, and create more opportunities for Oregon writers to connect, organize, and support one another.

Summer Organizing and Events

This summer we plan to participate in the Willamette Writers Conference in Portland with a chapter outreach table and organizing presence.

We’d love to have members join us to meet writers, talk about the union, and help grow our Oregon writing community. Anyone interested in volunteering or participating can contact Kacey.

Freelance Organizing Discussion

We’d also like to begin a broader conversation among freelancers in our chapter about:

• Sharing rate and contract information
• Supporting one another professionally
• Organizing for better working conditions
• Building a stronger statewide freelance writer network

If this is something you’d like to help shape, we’d love your input.

The Writers Corner and Member Updates

Members are encouraged to share:

• Publications and writing news
• Readings and events
• Community projects
• Workshops and collaboration ideas
• Opportunities for mutual support and visibility

Open Discussion

Please use the month to share ideas, feedback, questions, organizing priorities, and suggestions for future chapter activities.

Next Meeting

Our next chapter meeting is planned for July 2026. More details will be shared soon.

National Writers Union Oregon Chapter Meeting Minutes, Sunday, January 11, 2026

Welcome and conversation: Lura Frazey, Martin Hart-Landsberg, Michael Funke, Zachariah O’Keeffe, Kacey Carpenter

Marty Hart-Landsberg, Chair opened the meeting at 4:11 pm. 

Approval of Minutes November 9 2025

Treasurer’s report

• Lura shared our current chapter balance: $7,873
• Update provided that the National Treasurer is currently on leave while the National Excom conducts an audit and review of financial records.

NWU Updates

Delegate Assembly

• The next quarterly meeting of the Delegate Assembly is Saturday January 31. The chapter has four representatives. Delegates: Bob Rossi, Shane Burley, Jim Smith, Marty Hart-Landsberg.  Alternate: Lura Frazey. Due to a scheduling conflict, Lura will represent Marty at the next meeting.
• Every member is welcome to attend. Register here! While only delegates and national officers can vote, all members can participate in discussions on resolutions or other agenda items. 

Affiliation Updates

• Conversations continue on a potential affiliation with News Guild-CWA 
• Michael shared that the AFL-CIO temporary status will continue with ongoing meetings to explore qualification and listing of affiliation membership. 
• Discussion on the AFL-CIO per-cap dues and our chapter payment process was clarified:

• The Chapter Chair (Marty) receives the statement.
• The statement is shared with Lura.
• Lura coordinates with the Treasurer to ensure payment is completed.=
• Kacey posted on Google Drive.

Announcement of Chapter election results

• Marty Hart-Landsberg, President; Kacey Carpenter, Secretary; Lura Frazey, Treasurer; Zachariah O’Keeffe, Steering Committee 
• Nominations opened for two weeks in November. The online election was held for three weeks in December with the Oregon Chapter elected leaders.
• A write-in nomination for an additional Steering Committee member was submitted. That individual has not responded to communications to confirm interest in the role. Additional elections or appointments may be held in the future if interest arises.

Recent chapter activities:

• Springfield Library Support: Letter of support written in support of local community members fighting to maintain staffing and hours at the Springfield, Oregon, public library. The letter and social media amplification contributed to a strong turnout at the December 8 City Council hearing, where community members spoke in favor of maintaining library services. The city has proposed a 0.1% payroll tax; advocates noted that an additional 0.01% would sustain the library’s already lowest-per-capita-funded budget in the state. A vote is expected in late January or early February, with FY27 budget decisions, including a proposed $500,000 cut, scheduled for April–June. The library reports progress toward increased funding in 2026 and will keep the chapter informed. 
• Presence at Powell’s Books on Burnside, Portland. Jonathan Rosenbloom shared his book and Marty and Kacey attended the event with our sign, bookmarks, and a clipboard to sign up supporters. 

2026 Planning Proposals

• Events and Database (Zachariah) Develop an events calendar where we can have representatives to connect with potential members, especially at College Campus events
  • Creation of a centralized events calendar and database, including:
    • Portland Book Fest November 8, 2026
    • Zine Symposium
    • University, community college, and bookstore events
  • Goal is to increase in-person programming, building on past efforts such as:
    • Willamette Writers Fair
    • Eugene bookstore meeting
  • Zachariah is also developing a list of journalists and llist of relevant organizations
• Postcard Pilot Project (Kacey)
  • Create postcards highlighting chapter authors to distribute to promote visibility of member works and our chapter.Built on a postcard design previously created by Jim Smith, the piece will be double-sided: one side highlighting National Writers Union involvement and the other featuring Oregon chapter writers in action. A separate email will invite members to participate. A draft will be shared with members for feedback before being sent to the union printer. Targeted communications will use clear subject lines and calls to action. Lura obtained a printing quote from Morel Inc. for $252. Budget approval is required, as this exceeds the $100 threshold, including printing and mailing costs.
• Digital and Social Marketing Pilot: Discuss hiring a social media intern
  • Zachariah asked about how this will work and our marketing strategy.
  • Kacey proposed creating a paid social media and digital marketing internship or project-based role, not a full-time position.

• Estimated scope: 10 weeks, 3–5 hours per week, Compensation aligned with FSP rates
• Responsibilities would include: Developing a social media strategy, executing before, during, and after campaigns for events, increasing engagement and website traffic
• Candidate recruitment could occur within the chapter or broader community.

Defend the Free Press Town Hall Webinar Update

• Marty shared a summary of a recent National Writers Union NewsGuild webinar he attended.
• Highlights included:
  • Journalists injured while reporting, including being struck by rubber bullets
  • Discussion of neutrality and safety in journalism
  • An update on the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette strike, which ended following legal rulings, though the paper subsequently closed.
• The full recording is now available on YouTube, as well as an article recap. Share it with your friends and family who were not able to make it, and remember to sign our petition to Congress to protect the Free Press!

Other Business

• Michael suggested exploring the possibility of sponsoring subscriptions to the Northwest Labor Press as a member benefit. Members discussed this as a potential value-add for membership recruitment and retention. The idea will be revisited at the March meeting.
• Kacey noted alignment with partnerships such as libraries and labor press organizations.

Zachariah also noted ongoing work to:

• Build a list of NewsGuild members in Oregon
• Explore opportunities for collaboration with NewsGuild affiliates

Next Meeting

• Sunday, March 8, 2026
• Note: This date coincides with Daylight Saving Time.
• Special communication will be sent to clarify the meeting time.

Adjournment

The meeting adjourned at 5:11 PM.

National Writers Union – Oregon Chapter

Meeting Minutes, Sunday, November 9, 2025

Marty Hart-Landsberg, Chair opened the meeting at 4:02 pm. 

Attendees welcome and introductions: Lura Frazey, Martin Hart-Landsberg, Michael Funke, Jim Gourley, Zachariah O’Keeffe, Jonathan Rosenblum, Jim Smith, Kacey Carpenter

• Jonathan Rosenbloom announced his upcoming book event at Powell’s Books on Burnside, Portland, on Thursday, November 20 at 7:00 p.m. Several members plan to attend. Jonathan will reach out to Powell’s to arrange a NWU book table. Kacey will bring signs, bookmarks, and a clipboard to capture contact information

Minutes September 14, 2025, shared minutes and approved without objection.

Treasurer’s report: Lura shared the balance of $7985.70 as of September 2025

Delegate Assembly Report 

• Held virtually with Chapter representation by Bob and Marty.
• Union affiliation discussion on NWU’s temporary affiliation with the AFL-CIO, which expires December 31, 2025.
  • National President Larry is exploring continued affiliation options, including:
    • Partnership with CWA–Newspaper Guild (approx. 7,000 members).
    • Maintaining similar dues structures to the UAW model.
    • Shared interests: AI, freelancers, independent workers.
    • Positive support to continue these discussions.
  • Michael shared updates from the October DALU (Directly Affiliated Local Unions) meeting organizing by NWU President, Larry Goldbetter

• NWU Oregon’s temporary DALU status will expire at year-end.
• Michael will follow up with Larry and report back on the Newspaper Guild affiliation.
• Resolutions discussed at Delegate Assembly:
  • Convert the Translator Organizing Committee into a full division – Approved.
  • Create a committee to clarify chapter rights and roles in NWU bylaws – In progress.
  • Establish a hardship scholarship fund for members (20 scholarships for six months) – Positive feedback with further discussion for specifics about the amount and time with positive feedback.

2026 Pilot Proposals

• Overview shared in the in-person meeting discussions in Eugene.
• Postcards: Kacey shared a pilot proposal for Chapter Author Postcards
  • Two-sided postcard modeled after existing bookmarks:
    • One side: NWU Oregon chapter info
    • Other side: Featured Oregon authors
  • Purpose: Handouts for events, libraries, and book fairs.
  • Estimated budget: $1,000
  • Will include QR code linking to membership info.
• College Campus events: Zachariah shared a pilot proposal for college campus events, list of org contacts for PSU, UofO, and OSU.
  • Target campuses:
    • Portland State University
    • University of Oregon (Eugene)
    • Oregon State University (Corvallis)
  • Goal: Build partnerships, speak in writing/union studies programs, and connect with student writers.
  • Volunteers:
    • Zachariah (lead)
    • Marty – PSU liaison
    • Jim Smith – UO liaison
  • Potential expansion: Community colleges and Vancouver, WA.
• Social media intern Kacey shared a pilot proposal for social media intern.
  • Proposal for a 10-week, part-time social media intern to build NWU Oregon’s online presence.
  • Tasks: content calendar, event promotion, engagement tracking.
  • Potential budget: $1,000–$1,500.
  • Candidate sources: Local colleges, Digital Media Group contacts, and National NWU members.
• Discussion:
  • Jonathan emphasized tabling at the November 20 Powell’s event.
  • Jim Gourley raised postcard cost concerns; Kacey clarified these will be hand-distributed, not mailed.
  • Jim Smith noted similar outreach would have improved the Eugene meeting turnout.
  • Lura noted the timing aligns with National NWU’s 2026 budget planning.
  • Consensus to start with Portland pilot first, then expand regionally.

Chapter Elections 2026

• The Oregon Chapter follows the NWU Bylaws requiring Chapter leadership elections at least every two years, with all candidates and voters being members in good standing. Our Chapter last held elections in 2023, filling five leadership roles: Chair, Secretary, Treasurer, and two Steering Committee members. 
• The Election Committee will include the Steering Committee and at least one additional member.
• Process:
  • Call for nominations via newsletter – two-week window.
  • Online voting (Google Form) three-week window in December.
  • Results finalized and approved at the January 2026 meeting.
• Action: Marty, Laura, and Kacey met to coordinate the process.
  • A two-week nomination period will run in November, followed by a three-week voting period in December, with all voting completed before December 31.
  • Election results will be presented and certified at the January Chapter meeting, and new Steering Committee members will be installed at that meeting
  • Link to meeting and next steps

Delegate Assembly – 2026 Planning

• Next in-person assembly planned for mid-2026, with the election process managed by NWU National.
• The Oregon Chapter will budget for travel stipends for at least one member as previously approved.

Solidarity Support – Francisco Aguirre Velasquez

• Member Bob Rossi submitted a request for the Oregon Chapter to support Francisco Aguirre Velasquez, a labor and immigrant rights leader from Portland, Oregon. Originally from El Salvador, Aguirre Velasquez fled violence, has long organized immigrant day laborers, and lives undocumented in the United States with his wife and two daughters. He remains at risk of deportation and is seeking a gubernatorial pardon ahead of his December 4 immigration hearing. The request is led by the Jobs with Justice Faith Labor Committee and endorsed by Oregon AFSCME Council 75.
•  The Oregon Chapter leadership team, Marty, Lura, and Kacey, approved the request for the Oregon Chapter signed on in solidarity with other unions and St. Augustine Church in support.

New Business & Member Updates

• Michael reported on Newspaper Guild organizing efforts in Bend:
  • 10-member unit advocating for fair workload (company dropped 10-story quota).
  • Demonstrations held Tuesdays and Thursdays in front of the Bend Bulletin.
• Jim Gourley highlighted the Oregon Governor’s SNAP funding action during the state government shutdown and suggested we thank our Governor.
  • Kacey suggested this as a model for social media engagement, connecting union visibility to real-time community issues.

Next meeting: Sunday, January 11, 2026 at 4pm Pacific

Meeting adjourned at 5:11 p.m.

Meeting Minutes

Date: Sunday, September 14, 2025

Time: 1:00–3:00 p.m.

Location: Hodge Podge Books, Eugene, Oregon

Attendees: Jim Smith (host), Lura Frazey, Zachariah O’Keeffe, Kacey Carpenter

1. Welcome & Venue Appreciation

• Special thanks to Jim Smith for organizing and hosting the Oregon Chapter’s summer in-person meeting at Hodge Podge Books, a new bookstore and event gathering space near the University of Oregon campus.
• Members enjoyed the opportunity to browse books and sample food and drinks before and after the meeting.

2. Administrative Updates

• July Minutes: Previously shared and posted on the chapter website.
• Financial Report: No changes since the July meeting.

3. National Union Update

• AFL-CIO Affiliation:
  • The National Writers Union’s temporary affiliation with the AFL-CIO will end this year due to structural issues in establishing a permanent relationship.
  • Historical context: the union previously ended an affiliation with the United Auto Workers (UAW) over concerns related to freelance-union legal challenges.
  • The national body is exploring new partnerships, possibly with a communications or media-focused union, or negotiating a short-term extension.
• Delegate Assembly:
  • Discussed the upcoming NWU’s fall virtual quarterly DA on Thursday, October 9 from 5-8pm ET. While only delegates and national officers can vote, all members can participate in discussion on resolutions or other agenda items.

4. 2026 Event Planning

• Campus Outreach:
  • Proposal to host in-person events at three Oregon campuses: Portland State University, University of Oregon (Eugene), and Oregon State University (Corvallis).
  • Goal: build relationships with students, faculty, and local writers to grow membership and awareness.
  • Members will present detailed proposals at the November meeting.
• Other Locations for Consideration: Bend, Astoria, and other communities.

5. Member Support & Promotion

• Value of Membership:
  • Lura shared how union legal resources improved her book contract negotiation.
  • Members emphasized the union’s role in fostering solidarity and advocacy for writers.
• Author Promotion Initiative:
  • Jim presented a two-sided postcard promoting both his book and the Oregon chapter.
  • Proposal: create a similar postcard or digital feature highlighting recently published works by chapter members for distribution at events, bookstores, and through social media/email campaigns.
  • Budget and design options to be discussed at a future meeting.

6. Communications & Social Media

• National office now provides some staff support for platforms including X/Twitter, Facebook, and Bluesky.
• The Oregon chapter currently lacks a dedicated social media coordinator.
• Goal: identify a volunteer or secure grant funding by 2026 for a sustained digital marketing strategy.

7. Community & Solidarity

• Members reflected on the importance of social solidarity in challenging times and the role the union can play in supporting writers and broader solidarity and justice movements.

8. Next Steps

• Develop proposals for 2026 campus events (Portland, Eugene, Corvallis).
• Explore budget and design for the author-promotion postcard or similar outreach tools.
• Identify potential social media coordinator(s) or grant opportunities.

Adjournment: 3:00 p.m.

Next Meeting: November 9, 2025 (Zoom, details to be announced).

Marty Hart-Landsberg, Chair  opened the meeting at 4:05 pm. 

Welcome and introductions: Marty Hart-Landsberg, Lura Frazey, Jim Smith, Alison Clement, Kevin Foster, Kacey Carpenter

Agenda: Marty reviewed our agenda. No amendments were proposed.

Writer’s Corner Presentation: James Smith shared from his new book, The Future Starts Here: The Wild and Scary 2020s. Watch the session recording here.

Members Meeting:

• Minutes May 18, 2025: Were shared and approved without objection.
• Treasurer’s report: Current balance is $7,687. 
• Upcoming events
  • Willamette Writers Fair: We have a NWU Table at the Willamette Writers Fair, Friday, August 1, 5-7pm, at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Portland, Oregon (1441 NE 2nd Ave, Portland, OR 97232). Hope to see you there.
  • AFL-CIO Convention September 5-6: Our Chapter can send two delegates to the event in Seaside with budget available for hotel and registration.. Contact Lura, Marty, and Kacey to submit your interest. 
  • Members Meeting in Eugene: Our September 14 Members Meeting planned to be in Eugene. Stay tuned for more details.
• Resolution Proposal: Requirements for Chapter Delegates and Other Voting Representatives. Approved.
• Delegate Assembly Report Back:  Marty and Lura shared an update from the July 10 Delegate Assembly meeting including committee reports (journalism, AI, resolutions), adhoc finance working group, website update project.
• The next Meeting is Sunday, September 14,2025 in-person in Eugene. 
• Meeting concluded 5:22pm

Lura, opened the meeting at 4:07 pm. 

Welcome and introductions: Lura Frazey, Elissa Edge, Bob Rossi, Zachariah O’Keeffe, Kacey Carpenter, and Jim Smith

Agenda: Lura reviewed our agenda. No amendments were proposed.

Writer’s Corner Presentation: The Writers Corner featured Natasha Hakimi Zapata and her book Another World Is Possible: Lessons for America From Around the Globe (The New Press)  

Jim asked about Natasha’s book publishing experience and best practices for book marketing.

Check out the video recording here.

Members Meeting

Approval of Minutes: The previous meeting minutes were shared and approved without objection.

Treasurer’s Report: Current balance: $7,895. Lura noted efforts at the national level to improve financial transparency and readiness.

Report from the Delegate Assembly (March 29):

Laura,  Bob, and Jim  provided highlights:

• Budget approval and delayed staffing/payroll updates.
• Two financial resolutions considered to improve transparency and oversight.
• Concerns raised regarding the ongoing annual deficit at the national level.
• Emphasis on the need to expand membership and streamline dues collection through improved web infrastructure.

Discussion:

• Bob stressed the need for a clear strategy and noted missed opportunities, including participation in Authors Against Book Bans and the AFL-CIO meeting.
• Jim emphasized the importance of increasing cash flow and suggested exploring affiliations with other unions.
• Kacey noted Oregon’s strong financial standing and potential to engage new members locally.
• Zach requested more information about legislative engagement and shared outreach he had initiated with a local representative.
• Bob reinforced the need to protect libraries and align with efforts opposing book bans.

Labor Report: Cascades to Coast

Alyssa reported an update on participation in the newly combined Cascades to the Coast chapter, merging two counties to increase opportunity and collaboration.Two chapters of the Oregon AFL-CIO have merged to form the Cascades to Coast Central Labor Chapter. The new chapter combines the Marion-Polk-Yamhill Central Labor Chapter withLinn-Benton-Lincoln Central Labor Chapter.  Bylaws and officer roles are in place. Lots of opportunities to participate. 

Endorsement and Action Process Development

Lura and Kacey introduced a process for evaluating endorsements, partnerships, and political actions for discussion and feedback. Drafted by Kacey, Marty, and Lura.

Key Points:

• The goal is to improve transparency and allow for timely, strategic responses.
• Three levels of action were outlined:
  • Quick decisions by the leadership team.
  • Member input or national union engagement.
  • Long-term expansion into structured volunteer roles.
• Prompted by the recent opportunity to comment on the Pacific Northwest Labor Council’s vote regarding the police union.
  • NWU Oregon leadership supported a member’s participation

Discussion:

• Bob voiced concern about the speed of the process and urged caution about missed opportunities and relationship missteps.
• Kacey recognized the concerns and shared background about why the leadership team met to create this process, and clarified goal of the document is to standardize responses, not to prevent action.
• Zach asked, What is stopping us today?
• Kacey responded that nothing is stopping us today, but our siloed process limits our collective impact.
• Bob emphasized the importance of partnerships, relationships, and standing with those who are asking, which can be more important than the why or what
• Kacey agreed that partnerships are critical to our union strategy. Many of us are acting independently at protests and actions, opportunity to engage more strategically
• Lura emphasized the need for strategic coordination to prevent fragmented decision-making.
• Zach mentioned engaging conversations from the May Day events.

Protest Sign Distribution

• National NWU protest signs are available
• Zach, Bob, and Alyssa requested signs; Kacey committed to distributing them.
• Kacey suggests a good organizing best practice is to bring signs to the weekly and monthly protest rallies and engage folks in conversations with the bookmarks a powerful tool to engage new supporters and members. Share photos with NWU signs and logos on social networks.

In-Person Meeting Request

• Jim requested a future in-person meeting
• Kacey shared this is a great idea and we need to plan something for this summer. With zoom, we can host a meeting from anywhere. Last year, we met up in Salem. 
• Members, please let us know if you would like to host an in-person event this summer.

Next Steps and Adjournment

• Members are encouraged to review the endorsement process draft and submit feedback.
• Our next meeting will be Sunday, July 13, 2025, at 4:00 PM Pacific
• Meeting was adjourned at 5:35pm

Marty Hart-Landsberg, Chair opened the meeting at 4:04 pm. 

Welcome and introductions: Elissa Edge, Jonathan Rosenblum, Stefan Ostrach, Lura Frazey, Martin Hart-Landsberg, Michael Funke,  Bob Rossi, Norm Baxter, Zachariah, Tom Henderson, Alexis Gunderson, Charles Wynns, Tom Henderson, Sarah Buel, Kacey Carpenter

Agenda: Marty reviewed our agenda.

The Writers Corner featured Jonathan Rosenblum, a union and political organizer, writer based in Seattle, and National Recording Secretary of the National Writers Union. He spoke with Oregon members about the intersection of media work and movement-building and shared news of his forthcoming book, Revolutionaries Inside the Halls of Power (OR Books), due out later this year.

Jonathan led our breakout discussions, focusing on three strategic organizing questions:

1. What are you/we doing right now to fight big tech, either in your work as a writer/media worker, or in the growing movement against Trump, Musk, and the decimation of public services?
2. What particular talents and skills do we have as writers and media workers that can further contribute to these fights?
3. Who else among writers and media workers who are not yet members of NWU can we involve?

Check out the video recording here. 

Additional resources: 

• NWU GET ACTIVE IN YOUR UNION! (draft)
• NWU AI Working Group Zine

Members Meeting

• January 9, 2025 Meeting Minutes: Approved
• Lura Frazey shared the Treasurer’s report
  • Income: Member Dues $107.50 (rising)
  • Balance Total 7,742
• Reports from Labor Council/Chapter Representatives:
  • Michael Funke, Central Oregon representative. Appreciate the opportunity to engage with AFL-CIO and keep engaged. Helping Transportation Workers with campaign for expired contract, helping Bend media organize to get first contract, fighting layoffs down to 11 members with Carpenter Media takeover. Smaller unions encouraged by wins. Supporting library training sessions in Sisters with history of unions and Unions 1.0 for Labor Council to help bridge the knowledge gap. Compiling number of union members in central Oregon (7000 counted so far. 

• Strategic organizing
  • Marty shared our organizing resources available including bookmarks, buttons, t-shift, and hats.  With the support of Worx, a worker-owned union co-op, NWU now has our own merch shop! You can order NWU-logo T-shirts, tote bags, hats, and mugs. We also have NWU Oregon Chapter bookmarks available for members to request here.
  • Marty led group discussion to answer the question, “what do we want to achieve here in NWU Oregon Chapter?”
  • Zachariah O’Keeffe: Americans are damaged and isolated and need to talk with each other in local communities. Leading Meet Me at the Crossroads events in Portland to meet people and talk with each other and create community foundation.
  • Marty: We are in a very real struggle right now to defend our rights and values, and writers and journalists are key to the effort, pushing back and helping people understand what is happening. 
  • Kacey: Writers have the power of the pen, write letters to the editor to support federal, state, and local legislation (Authors Against Book Bans, Political Librarian, book reading events, newsletters, etc…)
  • Lura: I came here to our union because this is a place in my life where I exist, am not alone, with resources and people who support me. 
  • Bob: Attended the AFL-CIO Legislative Conference in Salem where over 200 union members and staff gathered and Authors Against Book Bans for SB 1098 hear to oppose book bans. Bob shared an opportunity to support important Legislative Bills relevant to writers, entrepreneurs, freelancers, not included in AFL-CIO priorities. Raised the opportunity to engage more strategically with partners and our role. 
  • Michael: Learned about SB 686, a bill to support journalism jobs in Oregon. The NewsGuild, SAG-AFTRA, and other groups (AABB, Authors Guild, Libraries, etc..)are pushing for changes to ensure funding goes directly to working journalists rather than administrative costs.
  • Marty: We need to focus on one or two priorities, create our strategic organizing program in our next members meeting.
  • Kacey: We can also engage in this moment before the next meeting by sharing our resources and knowledge, Zoom calls for smaller groups, etc..
• Our next meeting will be Sunday, May 18, 2025, at 4:00 PM Pacific (Sunday May 11 is Mother’s Day so we pushed out a week)
• The meeting ended at  5:25 pm.

by Kacey Carpenter

Marty Hart-Landsberg, Chair opened the meeting at 4:03 pm. 

Welcome and introductions: Martin Hart-Landsberg, Zachariah O’Keeffe, Bob Rossi, Jim Smith, Norm Baxter, Paul Bowman (Chicago), Joseph Hancock (LA), Kacey Carpenter

Agenda: Marty reviewed our agenda.

The Writers Corner featured Martin Hart-Landsberg.

Marty recently traveled to Taiwan for Le Monde Diplomatic with an assignment to learn what he could about current political-economic developments and, most importantly, the aims and strategies of social movement activists there.  He will share some of his experiences and insights. 

Check out the video recording here.

Members Meeting

• November 10, 2024 Meeting Minutes: Approved
• Treasurer’s report
  • Beginning Balance 7,559.97
  • Income: Unit Dues Share 74.58
  • Income Total 74.58
  • Expense Total 0.00
  • Balance Total 7,634.55
• Updates
  • Marty: The web committee is moving forward to upgrade with a hired web developer and input from others
  • Marty: NWU Chairs are now having monthly meetings which also include Division heads.  Bob Rossi and Marty are part of a committee that writes a chair handbook.
  • Marty: NWU now has an organizing committee which is tasked with supporting internal and external organizing.  It has met twice so far. Anyone can join the meetings
  • Marty: NWU Delegate Assembly November 15-18. Oregon Chapter was represented by Jim Smith, Bob Rossi, Lura Frazey, and Marty with a focus on organizing strategy. Jim attended in person in New York and assured that everyone worked very hard with purpose.

• Organizing strategy and discussion
  • Kacey: Our new bookmarks were distributed to all members. Please contact Kacey if you would like more for local book events, libraries etc..
  • Zachariah: hosted an organizing event in Portland.
  • Marty: Opportunity to focus on organizing strategy in our next week to consider issues including library censorship. 
  • Kacey: Selected to submit paper for a special edition of our academic journal, The Political Librarian, which will be released early in the new year. This special issue will be devoted to what the 2024 election may mean for the future of libraries and library work.
• Our next meeting will be Sunday, March 9, 2025, at 4:00 PM Pacific
  • Marty suggested a priority agenda to focus on organizing strategy
  • Kacey asked for writers for the upcoming Writers Corner.
• The meeting ended at  5:30 pm.