Advocacy

One of OCCA’s primary responsibilities is to support the 17 colleges before policymakers and partners whose actions affect the well-being of community colleges across the state. Much of this work occurs during the state’s Legislative Sessions and interactions with state legislators. OCCA has developed strong relationships with the Higher Education Coordinating Commission (HECC), Office of Community Colleges and Workforce Development (CCWD), the Governor’s Office, legislators, and their staff in an effort to strengthen the well-being of community colleges.

2023 OCCA Legislative Priorities

Bill Tracker

Policy Priorities & Advocacy Resources

Advocacy Toolkit
Campus Advocacy Coordinators (CACs)
OCCA 2023 Budget Presentation to Joint Subcommittee on Education
- VIDEO: Helen Paz, Clackamas Community College (Benefits Navigators)
- VIDEO: Kelsey Carlson, Transfer Student, Rogue Community College (transfer)
- VIDEO: Mike Ralston, Student Veteran, Rogue Community College (CTE)
- VIDEO: Ken Betschart, Director of SBDC, Central Oregon Community College (SBDC)

Take Action

Contact a Legislator:

You can make a difference in Oregon’s community colleges! Help in making sure legislators know why you support community colleges by contacting them here.

Active Voter Voice Campaigns

Capital Construction (runs through 4/21/2023)
Budget (runs through 5/20/2023)
Budget (STUDENTS ONLY; runs through 5/20/2023)

Sign up to receive notifications of new OCCA Voter Voice campaigns by clicking here!

You can also find your legislator here.

Success Stories:

Did you earn a degree or certificate at an Oregon community college and land a great job as a result? Are you a business that’s hired a great worker who went to an Oregon community college? We want to hear from you! Click here to tell us your story!

Community College Day of Action – May 18, 2023

What legislators have proposed for the Community College Support Fund (CCSF) isn’t enough to maintain college programs and services while keeping tuition low for students. Join your community college advocates from around the state on this DAY OF ACTION to urge legislators to increase funding to the CCSF!

How YOU Can Take Action on May 18:

Work with your college to schedule in person (or virtual) visits with your local legislators
Call or send a message to your legislators through the Voter Voice platform (app or web-based), and then encourage your colleagues, friends, family and neighbors to do the same
Tag legislators on social media to urge their support of increased community college funding; also use #CCDayOfAction in posts
Use OCCA’s Advocacy Toolkit to access talking points, informational one-pagers, social media guidance and more

About Oregon’s Legislature

The Oregon State Legislature convenes annually in February at the State Capitol in Salem, but sessions may not exceed 160 days in odd-numbered years (long session) and 35 days in even-numbered years (short session). In odd-numbered years, the Legislative Assembly convenes on the second Monday in January to swear-in newly elected officials, elect legislative leaders, adopt rules, organize and appoint committees, and begin introducing bills.

If an emergency arises during the interim period when the legislature is not in session, the Governor or a majority of both houses of the legislature may call a special session.