Spotlight studies

In the Spring of 2020, 28 girlfriends volunteered to research four critical issues that emerged as priorities for ninety-nine girlfriends. Over the summer, four Spotlight Teams studied these topics. They sought to understand the issues and to identify good work being done in the region about the issues. Our focus was on the bright spots: who is creating positive change - and how can we help? The emerging findings are intended to help ninety-nine girlfriends understand more about these priority issues; we are considering going deep into one of these issues in the year ahead with our collective learning, grantmaking and action.

In Spotlight Series in October the teams presented their findings to our members. Presentations featured guest speakers, team member presentations, discussion and breakout rooms. Find the written reports and presentation recordings below.

Special thanks to the Spotlight Team members and to the community experts who generously shared their expertise and knowledge during this study period.

Featured

Spotlight Study: Understanding Youth Mental Health

Today’s youth are tomorrow’s leaders. How can we support their social and emotional wellness during a time of social fragmentation, funding cuts, and uncertainty about the future? The Understanding Youth Mental Health 2020 Spotlight Report describes the issues and the limited resource available to support positive mental health of children and young adults, highlighting the incidence of depression, anxiety and behavior disorders. Learn about Oregon’s Student Success Act, and models for effective intervention and treatment, such as the bright spot of recent telemedicine efforts.

Spotlight Study: Improving Stewardship of our Natural World

Heat islands, pesticides and black carbon diesel pollution. These threats impact both our natural environment and our collective health. Learn from this Spotlight team about the specific actions you as an individual can take to become an effective steward of the natural world and influence sustainability policy.

Spotlight Study: Safe Homes For All

How can Portland solve its homelessness crisis? What actions can we take to prevent those at risk for homelessness from losing their home in the first place? The Safe Homes for All Spotlight Report explores several factors contributing to homelessness, including the local shortage of affordable housing, domestic abuse, and mental health issues. Learn about Portland’s recent policies and initiatives to provide more affordable housing and address some of the underlying causes of homelessness.

Spotlight Study: Reducing Racial Disparities in Our Community

In 2020, race is still a powerful indicator of outcomes in Portland. In light of nationwide calls for reforms to end systemic racism, this report shines a spotlight on racial disparities in our own community. Learn about the disproportionate COVID-19 infection rate among Oregon’s Latinx population, the challenges faced by students of color in Multnomah County, and the racial disparities within our criminal justice system that have sparked police reform efforts on both the local and state level.