Alder Commons

Mission

Our mission is to cultivate an equitable, all-ages community of self-directed learners. We aim to reduce barriers between youth and adults of diverse backgrounds by providing an accessible and inclusive space for them to share knowledge and resources.

Bottom Line for Portland

Our center plays a crucial role in fostering a vibrant neighborhood and serves as a hub for connection and communal learning in the city of Portland. Now, more than ever, we need community and connection. Our space serves as many things for many people: a space to gather, exchange thoughts, organize, teach, play, and more. From nonprofits to our tiniest activists, Alder Commons acts as a vital resource for self direction, social connection, resilience, and the promotion of a vibrant, inclusive, and equitable Portland!

Quote

“Alder Commons is a haven for building community, resources, skills, and memorable experiences while uplifting marginalized identities. A lot of event spaces in Portland are not financially accessible and oftentimes, not culturally sensitive to the needs of others to make it accessible and inviting. This space invites all ages and people of all identities to collaborate and share skills and ideas, making it possible to feel more connected to one's identity, sense of belonging, and community.” 

-Jenni, Alder Commons Member

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Our core values are more than ideas, they are a way of living. Self-Determination, Collective Liberation, and Community Support drive all community actions including programming, sliding scale/accessible payments, and liberatory education. We support 18+ DEI-focused organizations like Equitable Giving Circle and Edúcate Ya, as well as offer programs working to deconstruct whiteness in our community (Me and White Supremacy book clubs, People's History of White Supremacy in Oregon).

Partner(s)

We are delighted and honored to be working with the following organizations, artists, and community members…

• * Radical Abundance Thrift Shop is providing gift cards for our fabulous raffle!
• Radical Abundance is an Organization Member of Alder Commons. Radical Abundance increases access to inclusive, safe, and affirming wellness services for marginalized communities. Our vision is a world where everyone has the opportunity to achieve their best health. We’re more than just a queer thrift shop!
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• * New Coyote Consulting is offering 1 free hour of 1:1 anti-capitalist business coaching with Marina Martinez-Bateman for our raffle!
• Marina Martinez-Bateman is a facilitator and community member of Alder Commons. New Coyote Consulting is a Person-First, No Nonsense Equity & Communications Consulting Firm
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• * Narwhal Nonprofit Consulting will be providing a donation for our raffle!
• Narwhal Nonprofit Consulting is a team of facilitators at Alder Commons. We care deeply about the causes that nonprofit clients are navigating. By helping nonprofits with their law and consulting needs, nonprofits can focus more on carrying out their missions efficiently and intentionally. Narwhal combines passion for community and real life experience to be “On Your Team for Staff, Board, and Sea Changes.”
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• * Linnea Solvig will be providing a beautiful one-of-a-kind painting for our raffle!
• Linnea (she/her) is a painter, yoga instructor, and an Alder Commons community member/facilitator. She has her BFA from Oregon College of Art and Craft. Over the years, Linnea has found much delight in watching the remarkable growth of the artists in her classes.
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• * Los Mayas Loncheria will be providing a gift card for their delicious food cart for our raffle!
• Holding the title of Alder Commons' first Organization Member, Loncheria is a small Business offering Mexican food, specializing in food from our home state of Yucatan. They offer fresh food and make tortillas by hand every day! With over 4.8/5 on Yelp, 4.9 on Google Reviews, and featured as one of 11 best tacos in Portland (Eater Portland), their food is legendary! 
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All donors will receive a raffle ticket to win these (and more!) items. Stay tuned for details from our beloved community.