Dear Friends and Neighbors,
Earlier this month, I saw the following on social media, and found it helpful to me as I reflected on national election results. I wanted to share it with you, in case you find it helpful as well.
Author: Venice Williams
You are awakening to the
same country you fell asleep to.
The very same country.
Pull yourself together.
And,
when you see me,
do not ask me
"What do we do now?
How do we get through the next four years?"
Some of my Ancestors dealt with
at least 400 years of this
under worse conditions.
Continue to do the good work.
Continue to build bridges not walls.
Continue to lead with compassion.
Continue the demanding work
of liberation for all.
Continue to dismantle broken systems,
large and small.
Continue to set the best example
for the children.
Continue to be a vessel of nourishing joy.
Continue right where you are.
Right where you live into your days.
Do so in the name of
The Creator who expects
nothing less from each of us.
And if you are not "continuing"
ALL of the above,
in community, partnership, collaboration?
What is it you have been doing?
What is it you are waiting for?
For me, this post was a reminder to continue acting in ways that resonate with me personally and professionally as your County Auditor. I continue to believe that it is essential to build and sustain systems that support each person’s ability to thrive. It is also critical that our government is transparent with us about how it carries out the people’s business - and is accountable to us for its processes and actions. My team and I will continue to work on your behalf to promote accountable, equitable county government and to communicate to you on the results of our work.
While this month included local and national elections, it has also been Native American Heritage Month. It is my privilege to share the reflection below from County Ombudsperson Cheryl Taylor, who is a member of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, about this important month and its lessons for every month.
Sincerely,
Jennifer
Native American Heritage Month: Reflections by County Ombudsperson Cheryl Taylor
This Native American Heritage Month, I am thinking a lot about the way Indigenous cultures preserve and share wisdom and how they have been resilient through so many changes. Community is at the heart of Indigenous resilience. Indeed, it is at the heart of resilience for all who struggle. At this divisive time in American history, resilience is more important than ever for those who may experience hardship in the coming years and for those who wish to help. From my experience as an Indigenous woman, focusing heavily on what we can do in our local community is the path out of despair and toward a sense of hope and resilience.
As people search for something to hold onto during these tumultuous political times, there is wisdom to be gleaned from Indigenous Americans’ experience and perspective. It should bring a sense of comfort to contemplate that Indigenous populations have lived in community on this land since time immemorial, through all the ups and downs of American democracy. It’s important to remember that colonialism did not bring civilization to Indigenous people, we were civilized all along. We cared for the land and each other, just as we do today, and as we will do in perpetuity.
Part of the comfort one may take from the Indigenous perspective in 2024 is that things change, sometimes in ways that are devastating to one’s way of life, but through perseverance and focus on community we can survive even the most daunting challenges. Shifting one’s perspective to that over which we have control can provide relief from the fear and despair many are currently experiencing. Now is a good time for those who are inclined to channel their anxiety and disappointment into their community and how best to serve those who are most vulnerable. This is precisely how Indigenous people, who are famed for our resilience, have survived over millennia under some of the most difficult conditions that have existed in America. Simply put, we take care of each other.
In my experience, volunteering and gently educating are the antidote to despair and anxiety. Resilient people don’t have time to give in to despair, that’s why they’re resilient. Resilience is developed by finding ways to survive difficult situations.
It is in this spirit that I encourage people to focus on what you can do in your community, try not to worry about things outside of your control, and look to history for hope. Those who have been through the most devastating chapters of our history can provide an example in these trying times.
I am truly grateful for my position as the Multnomah County Ombudsperson for helping me keep my focus on my local community, where it belongs and where I can do the most good, for myself and others.
Update on Good Government Hotline activities
International Fraud Awareness Week: Our office was an official supporting organization for this event that took place from November 17-23. We used the opportunity to remind employees about how they can help prevent fraud, waste, and abuse of position in the county.
Community members can make reports to the Good Government Hotline too. The identity of anyone who makes a report will remain confidential, and reporters can remain anonymous if they choose. In addition, the Good Government Hotline webpage has detailed information about how to file a report about fraud, waste, or abuse of position in county government.
To submit a report, employees and community members can:
- Submit online
- Call: 888-289-6839 (24/7)
- Contact the Auditor's Office: 503-988-3320
- Call the Hotline Director: Marc Rose at 503-988-3359
- Scan the QR code:
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Memo to the Board of County Commissioners: This month, I sent a memo to the Board to provide transparency about what we found when we investigated a report made to the Hotline. The report to the Hotline alleged that a county contract was overpriced and a waste of county resources. While my office did not substantiate the allegation, our investigation identified concerns, which you can read about