about us

Elected offices and appointed boards and commissions have an incredible impact on their community’s ability to thrive, which is why we believe those leaders should come from all communities — not just communities with privilege and wealth.

Oregon Futures Lab (OFL) and our partners uplift BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and people of color) folks to enter public office and influential community roles with the skills and support they need to lead effectively and sustainably. 

We recognize that not all journeys are linear and have structured our approach around a recruit, run and retain model. Each phase in the model can connect to another and supports both individuals as well as the broader community.

To us, success looks like:

• a broad ecosystem with, who are free from psychological and physical violence, 

• holistic and BIPOC-centered care and

• support across all phases of leadership

As a BIPOC-led organization, we ground our work in lived experience. Our staff, board and partners reflect the very communities we aim to serve. Many are former elected officials and local leaders who understand the challenges and importance of public service. This shared experience allows us to hold each other accountable, remain rooted in our collective histories, and center the realities our communities face across race, gender, class, geography and more.

We envision a transformational, equitable and reflective bench across Oregon, filled with BIPOC leaders who are prepared to lead in decision-making roles and are set up to be successful as leaders who are local, first-time, rural and/or hold intersectional identities.