Partnerships

As part of their statutory missions, the Commissions maintain an independent policy voice within the three branches of state government, collaborating with the Governor’s office, Senate President's and House Speaker's offices, legislators, and judicial branch, in support of mutual areas of public policy concern, addressing long standing issues and lifting lesser known but important policy areas into prominence with advocacy, equity-focused policy research, partnerships and community engagement.

Coordinating with community partners in preparation for legislative sessions
At the Annual Joint Meetings of the Advocacy Commissions in late autumn prior to long legislative sessions, the OCFW joins with OCAPIA, OCBA, and OCHA to hear presentations from the Governor’s Office, Legislators, AAUW, Family Forward, Coalition of Communities of Color and key community advocacy groups to discuss and coordinate support for equity related bills in the upcoming session.

Joint legislative days with American Association of University Women (AAUW)
The OCFW historically joins the AAUW for a joint Legislative Day at the Capitol during long session.  The attendees often include students from Western Oregon University School of Public Health, guests of OCFW Commissioner Dr. Doris Cancel-Tirado.  The participants are welcomed by presentations from leading legislators including the House Speaker and Senate President’s Office who speak on women’s economic issues, affordable housing, safety, and the state budgeting process.   The attending OCFW Commissioners, their guest students, and AAUW members visit in small groups with the Office of the Senate President and other scheduled meetings with individual legislators on women’s issues including provision of sick leave, wage transparency, and other key issues.