Oregon Potters Association - Equity and Inclusion in OPA

Land Acknowledgement

We acknowledge the land on which we sit and we of the Oregon Potters Association members recognize and take time to honor the traditional and indigenous lands and village sites of the Native peoples of the Alsea, Cayuse, Chetcof, Chinook, Clatskanie, Coos, Galice and Applegate, Kalapuya, Molala, Multnomah, Nez Perce, Paiute, Shasta, Siuslaw, Takelma, Tillamook, Tolowa, Tutuni and Coquille, Umatilla, Umpqua, Walla Walla, and the Wasco and Wishram.

OPA Supports Black Lives

The Oregon Potters Association supports Black Lives.

We as an organization are examining where we are at and are taking action to show our support. This is going to take time. We are all committed to learning, educating and growing as an organization spanning 400+ members. We are going to identify and change structures that create barriers for all to participate in our organization.

Current Changes in Process are:

Creating inclusive language to our official documents such as the bylaws and OPA Manual.
Change how schools access our Clay in Education residencies so that there is no longer a financial burden for schools to take on by seeking grants to back the cost schools would normally provide. - Artist in Residence Program
Seek ways to elevate Black voices and experiences in our organization.
Committing to listening and learning as a continuous process.