The Beaverton Organizing & Leadership Development (BOLD) program intends to promote civic involvement and encourage diversity on Beaverton's boards and commissions.

The BOLD Program is a leadership development and civic engagement training designed for emerging immigrant, refugee leaders, and leaders of color in Beaverton. The primary objective is to enhance the involvement of underrepresented communities in city government.

The BOLD Program, including the 2023 cohort, has seen a total of 203 participants. In 2024, the Affordable Housing and Long-Range Planning programs will collaborate with the Equity Office to co-host the BOLD program. The 2024 cohort will delve deeper into the city's workings, with the initial phase focusing on leadership training (in-person sessions over three Saturdays in May and June). The latter part will involve attending presentations and providing feedback (via Zoom, through five Wednesday evening meetings).

The partnership between Unite Oregon and the City of Beaverton is a source of pride. BOLD Program participants have consistently demonstrated continued civic engagement in their communities. As of 2022, 37 appointments and reappointments have been made to city boards and commissions, with 22 individuals contributing to various committees such as the Planning Commission, Visioning Advisory Committee, Arts Commission, Budget Committee, Library Committee, Human Rights Advisory Committee, and more. Kudos to our emerging immigrant, refugee leaders, and leaders of color in Beaverton!

References

• BOLD Program: https://beavertonoregon.gov/BOLD

• Getting Bold in Beaverton, OR: https://mayorsinnovation.org/2021/09/15/getting-bold-in-beaverton-or

• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Plan 2022 Annual Report: https://content.civicplus.com/api/assets/d6826f20-7be2-4130-9e99-9771cdb1b701