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 long legislative sessions

At the Annual Joint Meeting of the Advocacy Commissions, the OCAPIA joins with the OCBA, OCHA, and OCFW to hear presentations from APANO, 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 APANO

The OCAPIA joined its community partner APANO for a joint Legislative Day at the Capitol in 2015 and 2016. OCAPIA Commissioners joined the other attendees including API community and faith leaders, college students, parents and their children from around the state. The large group of participants gathered in in the Capitol to be welcomed with presentations from legislators and other leaders.

Policy Research Partnerships

OCAPIA is continuing its research partnerships around immigrant and refugee re-credentialing and has established a Stakeholders Workgroup which it co-convenes with Partners in Diversity. The Stakeholder Workgroup meets bi-annually to bring partners together, discuss progress in Oregon, share research and national models, and plan next steps in building equitable workforce and pipeline development. The partners in the workgroup include the other Advocacy Commissions, HECC, Portland Community College, Resettlement agencies, DHS, the Governor’s Office, Licensing Boards, OAC legislators, and leaders in the refugee and immigrant communities.

In 2020, OCAPIA initiated its research partnerships with OHA, DHS, and OCHA on Mental Health, Behavioral Health and the Oregon Asian and Pacific Islander Community. The planned work will include literature and best practice review, qualitative and quantitative research, and community and stakeholder engagement. The Executive Summary of the work will provide specific policy recommendations to improve Mental Health and Behavioral Health Outcomes for API’s and Middle Eastern communities across Oregon.