“Keep your feet under the table,” advised Michael Schrunk, Multnomah County District Attorney, in his report during the Leadership Portland Law, Justice & Safety program day. Grammatically, it was a declarative statement. But it was meant as an invitation to engage in the hard conversations necessary to find solutions to challenges facing Portland.

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.

The Dragon beckons…the Green Dragon that is. Join us in the beer garden this Thursday for happy hour and toast to a bold summer! 928 SE 9th is the grid square…be there at 5:30 ish. See you there!

Summer’s sunny rays, the company of bold, talented leaders, and delicious brews await you… 25 June at the glorious Green Dragon (928 SE 9th Ave ). Make your way to the cool outdoor beer garden for happy hour and conjure up some dreams of summer fun with your fellow alums. You deserve it!

This is our last happy hour event of the summer so if you want some inspiration and a cool beverage, join us on the 25th at “the Dragon”.

Make it a BOLD week!

As always, Portland Leaders turn up large. I want to personally congratulate each of you for all your hard work over the past year. As Theressa mentioned the 6 group Projects we’re awesome, inspiring and impactful. What an amazing opportunity for a people to get together, learn something, create something, improve something and have fun. Now I’m challenging all the past graduates to get motivated and make our final networking event fabulous. Take the time to attend our next event & rekindle those relationships from your class and make new friends too. Sue Melone will be posting our LAST event for the 2008-2009 year, as summer is time for slowing down, enjoying family, and taking time off to refuel ourselves. I look forward to seeing each you soon. But don’t worry, we’ll be back partying in the fall of 2009.

Lisa

Sun, warm temperatures, a bit of spring rain, green shoots…time to grow, bold leaders!  We have the perfect place for you!  Show up at Urban Farmer on Wednesday 20 May at 5:30 ish to dig in the dirt (hmmmmm), plant seeds, pour some miracle grow libations, and grow some new relationships.  Come on, grow local.  Grab your favorite buddy and come toast a cold beverage with us on WEDNESDAY! 

Make it a BOLD day.