Western States Center

This #BannedBooksWeek, we're reminded that the stories they seek to silence often hold the most power. At Western States Center, we’re spotlighting "1/6", a graphic novel that chillingly imagines a world where the January 6th insurrection was successful—and reminds us of the ongoing threats to our democracy. More than just fiction, the "1/6" Action Guide offers practical steps for protecting the values we share: democracy, dignity, and truth. Join us in defending the right to read and the right to a just and equitable future. Explore the guide here: https://lnkd.in/g3Wmvz2S #FreedBetweenTheLines #BannedBooksWeek #DefendDemocracy #WesternStatesWednesday

🌈 Western States Center is proud to be a sponsor of Idaho’s First Trans March in Boise, hosted by a queer chaplain! 🌟 Join us for an unforgettable day celebrating trans joy and raising visibility for Idaho's growing trans community: 🗓️ Friday, September 13, 2024 5:30 PM 📍8th & Jefferson ✨ Gather for speeches by Mani Rivers & Cole LeFavour 6:00 PM ✊ March for Trans Joy to 📍Anne Frank Memorial 6:30 PM 💐 Create & Celebrate with non-binary DJ Auralux, drag performances, and a flower message dedication to the trans & non-binary community 7:00 PM 🌸 March to Boise Pride Festival, where our flowers and messages will adorn a stunning sculpture for the weekend! Let’s show up and make history together. In the face of 617 anti-LGBTQ2SIA+ bills nationwide (18 in Idaho alone), we’re standing in solidarity, celebrating joy, and honoring Boise’s vibrant trans community. 🏳️⚧️ #UpliftAndAmplift #TransJoy #BoiseTransMarch #TransRights #WesternStatesWednesday #PrideInIdaho

The 2024 Pacific Northwest History Conference will feature sessions highlighting new scholarship on events related to public health, racial injustice, climate disruption, Indigenous sovereignty, queer history, and the fragility of democratic institutions, all from a Pacific Northwest history lens. Presenters include activists, academics, students, and public history practitioners from a variety of backgrounds and locations. With ample time for each session as well as breaks for connecting with colleagues, the conference provides opportunities for reflecting on completed work and gathering energy for projects in the making. Discounted registration is available for educators, students, and members of OHS and WSHS, but the price for all categories will increase by $25 on October 1, so register today! https://lnkd.in/eb2XXyZx

🚨 Attention everyone! 🚨 Bigoted and anti-democracy groups are targeting our schools and curricula, putting young people at risk. Students often notice the first signs of hate, whether it’s a hurtful comment, graffiti in the library, or talk of a white pride group forming. Every student deserves a safe and inclusive education. While it’s not solely on students to counter bigotry, their voices and power to organize are crucial. For #WesternStatesWednesday, we’re excited to introduce our new toolkit, "Speaking for Ourselves: Resisting Organized Bigotry." This toolkit empowers young people to take safe action and seek adult support when encountering white nationalism and organized hate. Let's stand together to protect our schools! 💪🏽✊🏿✊🏾✊🏽 Download your copy today! https://lnkd.in/g6J8b2u6 #YouthEmpowerment #YouthActivism #FightHate #StandAgainstBigotry #ProtectOurSchools #TogetherAgainstHate #EmpowerYouth #UniteAgainstHate #NoToBigotry #YouthForChange

The Bigoted Conspiracy Caucus Report reveals the dangerous spread of white nationalist, anti-immigrant conspiracies in the 118th Congress. Learn about their roots, promotion, and impacts on our democracy. Download the report and resources here 🔗 https://lnkd.in/eBcPEvBW #BigotedConspiracyCaucus

We're hiring! Join Western States Center as the Momentum Program Director and lead our efforts to combat white nationalism and political violence. This pivotal role involves strategizing at state and national levels, supervising research, and representing WSC in media and public forums. If you’re passionate about protecting democracy and ready to make a significant impact, we want to hear from you! Learn more and apply here: https://lnkd.in/e-nQWNXs

WSC condemns the assassination attempt on Donald Trump, stressing that political violence erodes democracy's foundation. We urge unity against violence and bigotry, and call for leaders to investigate and reject violent acts. Read our full statement here: https://lnkd.in/e9eGYQrG

Western States Center is currently monitoring the reported incident involving former President Donald Trump. We unequivocally condemn all forms of political violence. We await further details from official sources and law enforcement. Our thoughts are with all those impacted by this event.

🌟 We're Hiring! 🌟 Are you passionate about strengthening inclusive democracy? Join us at Western States Center! We're looking for a Development Manager to help lead our donor management efforts and support our mission of advancing justice and equity. This pivotal role involves managing donor systems, coordinating development logistics, and fostering community engagement. This is a full-time exempt position. Benefits include health and dental insurance; paid sick leave; 20 days of paid vacation; 15 paid holidays; office closures in 2024 from August 5-9 and December 23-January 1; work from home stipend and digital security subscription; annual professional development support; and a 3% employer contribution to retirement effective date of hire and up to a 2% match for a total 5%. Western States Center observes a four-day work week. To maintain equity among staff, compensation is designated via an internal, non-negotiable salary matrix that considers years of experience. This position is eligible to earn between $71,000-$80,000 annually, depending on experience. Full job posting and application available at https://lnkd.in/emwiybPU

As Pride Month comes to an end, let's remember that our pride is timeless. 🌈 For #WesternStatesWednesday, we're highlighting the No On 9 Remembered website! In 1992, the Oregon Citizens Alliance tried to amend the state constitution to label homosexuality as "abnormal and perverse." This was part of a broader "culture war," much like today's efforts to roll back civil rights. The fight against Ballot Measure 9 united thousands of Oregonians but also saw a rise in hate crimes and mental health struggles. No on 9 Remembered shares 30 stories from that time, showing the ongoing relevance of this historic fight. It's about using past lessons to inform our actions today. Whether you experienced that era or are learning about it now, your story matters. Visit #NoOn9Remembered's website to learn more and share your story. 📚✨ www.NoOn9Remembered.org