Another piece of the day sticking in my memory were presentations by various Portland theater artists like Olga Sanchez and Adrienne Flagg. Olga, Artistic Director at Miracle MainStage & Bellas Artes, Miracle Theater Group, reaffirmed that culture is not stagnant but consistently moving, living and growing. Adrienne, Creative Director, Interstate Firehouse Cultural Center (IFCC) reminded us that there are over 170 theaters in Portland nurturing the creative culture, yet need continued support. We also heard from various panelists who noted that the arts inspire higher test scores in our schools and support dynamic communication.

At one point during the day a panelist said cultural art “is truly the soul of our lives and it preserves history in order to ignite the future.” Can’t argue that point. Today, I’m still stewing on how I can become a more effective cultural arts minded citizen. Stay tuned on further ideas. In the meantime, I’ll purchase a few tickets to “Snow Falling on Cedars” at Portland Center Stage.

Our schedule for the day was ambitious. It began with a testimony from Rosie Sizer, Chief of Portland Police Bureau. It continued with shadowing a Clean and Safe Officer, witnessing a live courtroom proceedings, touring the county jail, and hearing from a panel of knowledgeable professionals regarding issues facing criminal offenders dealing with substance abuse.

At the end of the day, we were asked what our reactions were to the day’s events, and what we were willing to do with our learnings. For example, what can be done to ease reintegration into society for inmates in the county jail? What can we do for youth today that will prevent future prolonged stays in the county detention center? How can the city provide dignified housing for all when housing, and funding for housing, is scarce? Which programs are necessary to bridge the gap for an individual exiting jail and re-entering society?

The program day was an opportunity to get a read on Portland’s legal/social barometer – it exposed some of the issues compromising Portland’s good standing as a safe, and vibrant, city. Fortunately, many of us in the Leadership Portland Class of 2010 will pursue opportunities to creatively remedy these issues with a fervor and belief that solutions are possible, and worth the effort.

We’re on it.