ABOUT OWCS

We are invested in ensuring access to reproductive rights, freedom, and justice in Oregon, regardless of someone's race, gender, income, or immigration status.

We help train the champions who fight for these rights.

A LITTLE BIT OF HISTORY

The Oregon Womxn’s Campaign School is an independent, non-partisan, non-profit organization run by a board of volunteers and financed entirely through voluntary contributions. The School originated from the Oregon Women’s Political Caucus. Formed in 1972 – when there was no legal access to abortion – by Gretchen Kafoury, Margie Hendriksen, Jeanne Dost, and others, the Women’s Political Caucus was a direct response to underrepresentation of women in politics and at the decision-making table, a problem that continues to threaten the ideals of equity and inclusion in American Democracy.

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In 1979, the School was created to encourage, educate, and support women running for office. The School’s function remains the same. Over the decades, the School’s mission shifted to support and train candidates of all genders who will be champions for reproductive justice.

Since 1979, the Oregon Womxn's Campaign School has worked to change the face of Oregon politics. We've trained people who went on to:

  • Work for candidates at all levels

  • Lead local non-profit organizations

  • Fight for access to equitable education on local school boards

  • Represent the needs of all citizens on Portland City Council

  • Sponsor the most comprehensive reproductive health legislation in the country in the Oregon State Legislature

  • Become Speaker of the Oregon House

SUPPORT THE NEXT GENERATION OF REPRODUCTIVE JUSTICE ADVOCATES

In a time when reproductive rights, access to sexual health education, and Title X are under attack across the country, Oregon remains the only state without restrictions on abortion, committed to comprehensive, holistic sexual health education, and the right of every person to access the resources and care they need to support their reproductive and sexual health. The Oregon Womxn's Campaign School trains and supports the activists who fight to maintain these rights.

We need your help to keep fighting.

  OWCS IS A VOLUNTEER-RUN ORGANIZATION

Your contribution goes directly towards: 

  • Funding scholarships for attendees to ensure that the school is accessible for everyone

  • Covering the cost of training 150+ people from across the state every two years’

  • Creating a pipeline of qualified and diverse staff, activists, and candidates