As we shared in November, one of our long-term goals has been to revamp our website to equally reflect 107IST and our supporters groups, growing beyond 107IST being synonymous with only “Timbers Army.” We’re excited to announce that as the most recent step of our ongoing website renovation, we’ve made 107ist.org our primary domain, with timbersarmy.org redirecting to 107ist.org/timbersarmy. This change allows us to have separate sections with Timbers Army content and 107IST content.

Next steps in this ongoing project include a migration of Rose City Riveters content and a completely revised travel and away day section — for when we can travel again, that is. Thanks to our talented team of volunteers who made these changes possible!

If something looks wrong or links are broken, please let us know!

This week, the 107IST Community Outreach Committee is highlighting Brown Hope as a recipient of the Fall round of micro-grants. While one of their programs, the Black Resilience Fund, was awarded funds during our Spring micro-grant distribution with funds meant to support organizations doing work with those effected by the pandemic, we’d like to celebrate/acknowledge their broader work. While this is one of the newer organizations in our community, it is worth noting that their staff are far from newcomers with many having moved over from other highly effective organizations to create an amazing capacity. We enjoy a stronger relationship with Brown Hope than some of the other recipients as we’ve spent time with their leadership in both formal and informal spaces and are knowledgeable about who we are and what we do.

Brown Hope is a culturally specific non-profit organization that develops Black, Brown, and Indigenous leaders to create powerful strategies that build community resilience and inspire transformational change. Guided by their 12 Principles of Hope, they organize four programs which help to advance our goals to transfer power and capital to Black, Brown, and Indigenous Oregonians: Blackstreet Bakery, Power Hour, Black Resilience Fund, and Equity & Beyond. As a nonprofit incubator, their programs evolve to meet critical needs in the community.

Oregon’s culture of racism began during statehood and fueled exclusionary policies, such as redlining, that forced Black Portlanders into neighborhoods that lacked basic services, including financial institutions and supermarkets. Despite these discriminatory practices, a self-supporting Black community eventually flourished; culturally specific schools, churches, small businesses, and community centers provided resources that Black Portlanders could not access elsewhere. The absence of City investment contributed to many challenges of poverty and crime, which persisted until the 1970’s, when decades of urban renewal and gentrification began. Tens of thousands of Black residents in North and Northeast Portland were forced to relocate away from the City core and into areas with fewer equitable opportunities, a lack of city investment, and no cohesive community as they had once developed and benefited from.

The consequences of systemic racism and displacement have resulted in devastating disparities within Portland’s Black communities. In Multnomah County, 35% of Black families live below the poverty line and the Black community experiences an unemployment rate more than twice that of their white neighbors. These staggering poverty levels have an undue impact on educational, health, and social outcomes.

Brown Hope’s mission is centered around trauma-informed activism for Black, Brown, and Indigenous Oregonians by building radically inclusive spaces for healing, community building, and leadership. Historical trauma is the cumulative emotional and psychological wounding of an individual or community, caused by a traumatic event and is passed on to the next generation. Black, Brown, and Indigenous communities have survived several psychological, sociological, and material shockwaves of historical trauma, which contribute to perpetuated systemic inequities. Sue Coyle’s essay in Social Work Today entitled, “Intergenerational Trauma-Legacies of Loss, describes how treatment for historical trauma is similar to that of any trauma-informed practice, including the need for clinical therapy, further education, and community empowerment.

At Brown Hope, they take this treatment one step further, by centering the power of peer-based healing and leadership activities to recognize, support, and uplift in a manner that is accessible to as many Black, Brown, and Indigenous people as possible. Brown Hope is committed to reversing, not just ending, systemic racism in order to achieve an empowering community-centered future where we all can thrive.

With the 107IST's support, Brown Hope is investing in the healing and resilience of 6,000 Portlanders who are surviving the ongoing shockwaves of racism and historical trauma. Their initiatives respond to urgent community needs, such as: Black Resilience Fund, which has provided immediate financial relief to 4,000 neighbors, Power Hour, which has alleviated isolation and socioeconomic disparities for 600 community members, and Blackstreet Bakery, which has sustained livable wages for 5 Black Portlanders. Brown Hope organizes for lasting impact by advocating for policies that promote community resilience and inspire transformative change.

Much of the work done by Brown Hope is thanks to their many volunteers who deliver food boxes and use their skills to help develop/implement strategies. They are also hiring into some key positions. If this is something you’d like to help with or would like to learn more about, check out their site at brownhope.org.

Our next recipient of the 2020 Black Lives Matter microgrants is North Portland’s Self Enhancement, Inc. SEI is a comprehensive, one-stop resource for youth and families, primarily African Americans and others living in poverty or seeking culturally responsive services. It is also one of the city’s leading multi-service organizations, providing thousands of youth, families, and adults with a wide array of education and social services on an annual basis. SEI’s strength is in its ability to meet the complex needs of the children and families it serves, including helping people to overcome cultural, educational and economic barriers.

SEI was originally founded in 1981 as an upstart basketball camp to provide support and structure for kids in the neighborhood. The group quickly grew into an organization and began branching out into other areas of need, partnering up with local schools and organizations to embed and amplify their support inside the very communities that needed them. SEI is now nationally recognized for their innovative programming and partnership models.

The money from the Black Lives Matter micro-grant will go toward support of these SEI focus areas:

• High school education support, graduation rates and a continuum of service from 6th-12th grade

• College scholarship support

• Culturally & population-specific “wrap around” support for families

• Food, energy and housing assistance for families

• Community-building and entertainment for youth

• Free COVID 19 testing

If you are interested in getting involved and volunteering with SEI, you can find more information here.

For more information about SEI and its mission, please visit their website at https://www.selfenhancement.org.

As we have discussed in several past posts, the board has committed to improvement in five areas of focus this year. We have promised to:

• Improve accessibility.
• Hear from members.
• Communicate more.
• Increase accountability.
• Evaluate the organization’s structure and activities.

We’d like to share some of the steps we’ve taken in these areas with our members and with the general public.

This week, we’re going to look further at our successes and our next steps to Evaluate the organization’s structure and activities, in particular the documentation and board member onboarding.

What we’ve accomplished

Board handbook: In the early days of the organization, day-to-day information was passed on to new board members in an ad hoc fashion. While individual files and documents have been stored in shared locations, there was no central location for all the essential, day-to-day board information (such as contact information, passwords, policies and processes, and other basic board member documentation). We’ve now created a working copy of a new board handbook to put all this knowledge in a single, central location, which contains enough necessary information for new and existing board members to have a more successful start.

Documentation: While individuals and groups have passed on knowledge and information to those who come after them in committees and in board work, in the past this sharing of knowledge has been dependent on individuals’ will and ability to pass it forward. Similar to the board handbook, we have systematically begun to document best practices, policies, and other documents to help keep “institutional knowledge” more available for future board members and others who serve on 107IST committees.

Onboarding of new board members: In the past, there has been no formal “onboarding” process for new board members. We have developed a checklist for onboarding new board members to ensure all the correct accesses are granted on day one, setting up meetings with the president to answer questions during the first few weeks, sharing the handbook, and communicating ahead of time what is coming up and what to expect further down the road.

Next steps

We will continue to add to both the handbook and the documentation of organizational best practices this year, as well as refine the onboarding process for future board members.

As we have discussed in past posts, the board has committed to improvement in five areas of focus this year. We have promised to:

• Improve accessibility.
• Hear from members.
• Communicate more.
• Increase accountability.
• Evaluate the organization’s structure and activities.

We’d like to share some of the steps we’ve taken in these areas with our members and with the general public.

This week, we’ll look at our successes and our next steps to Evaluate the organization’s structure and activities, in particular the changing of 107IST board structure and member representation.

What we’ve accomplished:

Created pathways for participation and representation: We have evaluated board structures and processes to create more pathways for participation and representation of 107IST members who identify as BIPOC, as well as formalizing processes to ensure pathways for board representation from both Timbers Army and Riveters 107IST members.

In the past, the eleven 107IST board members have either been elected by voting members, or — in some cases — appointed by the board to complete the term of a board seat that has been vacated early. Because we recognize the structural barriers to participation inherent in this system, we’ve changed the way some board seats are filled.

To create more pathways for participation and representation, the board now consists of seven elected members serving three-year terms, and (up to) four additional appointed members serving one-year terms: one appointed from the Timbers Army Steering Committee, one appointed from the Riveters Steering Committee, and two appointed from the 107IST BIPOC Committee. (Read more about the changes to election and appointment processes here and see who next year’s elected and appointed board members are here.)

The following committees forward their recommended candidates to the board for one-year appointments:

(Note: If a committee does not have a recommended candidate for a seat, that seat will remain open for the following calendar year.)

Timbers Army Steering Committee (one board candidate): Along with many volunteers, the Timbers Army Steering Committee leads tifo, game day operations (capos, drums and trumpets, and flag crew), merchandise (No Pity Originals), and communications for the Timbers Army. It works closely with other committees under the 107IST umbrella. The Timbers Army Steering Committee comprises members of core aspects of the gameday experience — capos, drums and trumpets (DnT), flag crew, tifo crew, and merch (NPO) — with board resources and support from key committees. This year’s board candidate is Darren Lloyd, who will be serving on the 107IST board in the 2021 calendar year.

Riveters Steering Committee (one board candidate): Along with many volunteers, the Riveters Steering Committee leads tifo, game day operations, travel, merch, communications, etc. for the Rose City Riveters (Supporters Group for the Portland Thorns). The Riveters Steering Committee did not forward a candidate for board consideration for the 2021 calendar year.

107IST BIPOC Committee: (two board candidates): The BIPOC committee is made up of individuals who identify as Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC). Members of the 107IST BIPOC committee are volunteering their time and knowledge in order to ensure the 107IST is a more inclusive organization where all members’ voices are heard and respected. This year’s board candidates are Dominique Whittaker and Lindy Lacson, who will be serving on the 107IST board in the 2021 calendar year.

Next steps: We are continuing to identify the means to creating pathways to leadership for more of our membership, both through the above-named committees and through work in other 107IST committees.

Congratulations to wonderful board members that will joining and continuing to serve on the 107IST board! Dawn Bauman, Gabby Rosas, Jennifer Ingraham, and Stephan Lewis have been elected to 3 year terms on the board. And a big welcome to Darren Lloyd, Dominique Whittaker, and Lindy Lacson as they join the board in the new committee nominated roles for 2021.

Thank you to everyone that participated in this year’s election and sticking with us as we navigated some new waters. 

About the board

Our board members help shape the organization and work to make the Timbers and Thorns supporter experience bigger and better, as well as contribute to initiatives in the Portland soccer community. You can find out more about the current board, the positions and committees they serve on, and the initiatives they manage here.

If you have any questions about the election process, feel free to email our elections committee at elections@107ist.org.

As we've discussed in past posts, the board has committed to improvement in five areas of focus this year. We have promised to:

• Improve accessibility.
• Hear from members.
• Communicate more.
• Increase accountability.
• Evaluate the organization’s structure and activities.

We’d like to share some of the steps we’ve taken in these areas with our members and with the general public.

This week, we’ll look at our successes and our next steps to Increase accountability.

What we’ve accomplished

• Create accountability measures for board members. Board members now have regular, one-on-one, mid-month check-ins to report on individual progress toward our improvement objectives.
• Adopted a Statement of Understanding for board members. Board members now agree to adhere to the documented expectations for fiscal responsibility, legal responsibility, health and well-being of the organization, seeking out new members, seeking feedback, ensuring regular attendance at board meetings and at meetings with the Front Office, active promotion of the 107IST and its activities, adherence to agreed-upon deadlines, and engagement in online communication.
• Survey, evaluate, and formalize current committees. In the past, committees worked in a variety of ways; some did not have clearly defined members, roles, meeting dates/times, minutes, and so on. It also wasn’t clear which committees were open to visitors always, at certain times, or not at all. We’ve now formalized these aspects of committees, improving accountability accessibility for committees and for committee work.

In progress

• Research grievance processes, and then establish a formal grievance process and reporting.
• Create a board member handbook. including expectations for board members, established routines, and procedures. This will assist with onboarding new board members and providing accountability measures for current board members.

Ongoing

• Expect regular mid-month accountability check-ins (see above).
• Update board meeting minutes to include monthly action items.

In a previous post, Community Outreach committee member Dominique Whittaker announced the board’s approval to award $10,000 in micro-grants to community organizations that are focused on critical issues to the Black Lives Matter movement:

This year, 2020, has brought societal issues to the forefront of the American consciousness — from having frank conversations about systemic racism and police brutality, to asking what diversity and inclusion means and what the expectations of allies are. The 107IST itself has been called upon to reflect on the ways in which it has historically not been perceived as inclusive and how that can be changed going forward. Community, inclusion, and action are more paramount than ever and, while more can (and will) be done, the 107IST and the Community Outreach Committee are awarding $10,000 in micro-grants to community organizations whose mission and efforts center on furthering local efforts central to the Black Lives Matter movement.

Our second micro-grant recipient is The Black United Fund of Oregon, an organization serving BIPOC youth and young adults, with an emphasis on first-in-family college students and students from families with socioeconomic barriers. They also work to address systemic inequity through community-driven solutions for youth, both during and after high school, working to guide them to postsecondary success. About 65% of the individuals served identify as Black or African Diaspora, more than 80% identify as persons of color, and nearly 100% qualify as low-income. These individuals face the trauma of generational poverty, racial inequity, unequal opportunity, and — for immigrant students — a potentially painful and uncertain adjustment to life in a new country.

The Black United Fund’s primary activities include:

• One-on-one postsecondary support and workshops for 1,000 students annually using the culturally congruent Path to Scholarships^®️ curriculum
• Community outreach events, such as large-scale workshops and college fairs
• Culturally specific professional development for BIPOC young professionals (“BUF Talks” and their alumni program)
• Postsecondary scholarships for students of color (funded through workplace giving)
• Mentoring BIPOC-led nonprofits to help them leverage resources and become more sustainable
• Grassroots grants (funded through workplace-giving) to smaller organizations reaching youth of color in creative and meaningful ways
• No- and low-cost rental space for female/queer-identifying and majority BIPOC-led nonprofits and groups, addressing the root causes of inequity to meet, rally, and organize in a safe space

Funds donated to the Black United Fund will support these activities, as well as others specifically geared to meet community needs in the midst of a pandemic, including:

• Exploring how the community has been impacted by COVID-19, making materials available remotely
• Increasing staff time to manage an expanded virtual program for program participants
• Providing educational materials and supplies for students, parents, and volunteers
• Remaining responsive to the community as they navigate the economic and educational consequences of the pandemic

In particular, the Black United Fund is concerned with the multimonth gap in education that is occurring, which will have long-term effects on BIPOC and low-income communities, setting our most vulnerable students up for failure. The Black United Fund is stepping up during the coming school year to give BIPOC youth the resources their white peers access to ensure they are on track next year — advancing to college, trade schools, careers, and more.

If you’d like to know more about the Black United Fund of Oregon, check them out here. If you’d like to support their work, you can donate here through December 31st as part of Willamette Week’s Give!Guide.

Since 2010, the 107 Independent Supporters Trust has been advocating for supporters’ rights, supporting the activities of the Timbers Army and the Rose City Riveters, and giving back to our communities through charitable donations and volunteer organization.

As the organization has grown and evolved over the years, the 107IST has been working through organizational changes as well. What started out as a leadership group born out of the Timbers Army, the board now comprises supporters from both of Portland’s professional clubs. We recently announced the formation of the Timbers Army Steering Committee, a formalized leadership team that can steer the day-to-day, match-to-match activities of the Timbers Army, much like the Rose City Riveters Steering Committee. With two steering committees working with the 107IST board, the 107IST can focus on activities that deepen our relationships with members to be better representatives, expand our relationships with our communities, and focus on our mission.

A key part of this change was to update our crest to reflect our future, and to give a nod to our city and our supporters. We’ll be updating the website and our member materials to include the new crest going forward.

About the crest:

At the base, rests the distinctive arches of our cathedral, Providence Park, the birthplace and nexus of the 107IST. Light from inside illuminates and welcomes all who wish to join us in our support. The 107IST text advances above the stadium, which like our organization is always moving forward. Over this is the hyperbolic star from the iconic City of Portland flag, which serves to remind us of our incredible city and its place within the Cascadia region. An equilateral triangle encases the entire design, the strength of which symbolizes both our strength together and approach to our work with its three equal sides. The left represents the teams we support, the right side our supporters, both of which support the top, our mission: to support soccer in and around Portland, Oregon, from the grassroots to the highest professional level.

Since 2010, the 107 Independent Supporters Trust has focused on supporting soccer in and around Portland, Oregon, from the grassroots to the highest professional level. As an organization, we continue to grow and evolve: “107IST” used to be synonymous with “Timbers Army” and only Timbers Army; however, the 107IST has also been the engine behind the Rose City Riveters since 2013. Over the coming weeks, we’ll be updating our website to more accurately reflect the organization. Coupled with a fresh new look and updated crests, we’ll be moving content around to create sections with Timbers Army content, Rose City Riveters content, and 107IST content.

If something looks wrong or links are broken, please let us know! The best place to reach our website team about changes is the Website Help members forum (login required).