RtR Community,

In celebration of our Joy for Juneteenth campaign and with thanks to two Lake Oswego donors who generously contributed, we are announcing our matching grant of $5000. Through the end of May, your contribution will be matched dollar for dollar. Donate here.

Our focus today is on Lake Oswego resident, Lakeridge High School senior, and Respond to Racism member, Chase Merrill. A dynamic student leader, activist, and aspiring attorney, Chase has cultivated a powerful portfolio of civic engagement, academic excellence, and youth leadership. Serving on Respond to Racism’s Direct Action Committee and Youth Empowerment Coalition (YEC), Chase has been an integral part of building connections between adults and youth in Lake Oswego. Joy for Juneteenth asked Chase a few questions about her involvement with our organization.

Joy for Juneteenth: When did you join RtR and / or the YEC and what roles have you served while here?

Chase Merrill: I’ve been working with RtR for many years, but recently have increased my involvement throughout my junior and senior years. I’ve primarily served within the YEC, and with my fellow leaders, we’ve worked to revamp the YEC into a coalition that directly serves POC students within LO. I’ve been in charge of direct action within the YEC, including leading planning for the December 2024 fundraising Gala, moderating several community forums, and working with other leaders on our YEC podcast.

JJ: What have been the best and worst parts of growing up in LO?

CM: The best parts of living in LO are the resources. We live in an area that has ample resources available, and if utilized correctly, real change can occur. I’ve seen this within my advocacy work as I’ve been able to utilize connections and resources to increase education, work to bridge the gap between Portland and LO, and plan events with sponsorships from within the community.

The worst part of growing up in LO as a Black girl would be the stereotypes I’ve had to dismantle and face. When you grow up in a primarily white area, you become an example to others. The things you do and the actions you take not only represent yourself but are placed on your entire race. We don’t have the privilege of our actions only reflecting on us, but everything we do shapes the way other community members view Black people, because there is such limited exposure. There's an immense pressure to disprove negative stereotypes and go above and beyond; I have to succeed so the next Black girl who comes along has an example to look up to and not a glass ceiling. The hardest part about living in LO is trying to make the way forward easier for those who follow me.

JJ: How has the YEC supported you as a student and as a person living in Lake Oswego?

CM: The YEC has supported me immensely as a student and POC living in LO. The YEC was one of the first spaces that was created for me. In most of my experiences in LO, I have to create safe spaces for others, but the YEC was preexisting, and though we shaped its direction, we didn’t have to create it. I was also able to work with an amazing leadership board of other WOC and learned so much from their commitment and love for their work within the community. 

JJ: What do you hope to see for the future of the YEC and RtR?

CM: I hope the YEC and RtR can continue their work within the community and create spaces for other POC to feel accepted and safe. The work that RtR is doing is important, and not a lot of organizations think of LO. There’s not a lot of POC in LO, but we are here, and thanks to Respond to Racism, there's an organization that centers our experiences and struggles. I’ll be forever grateful for RtR and the YEC for the support and community each has given me.

***

Beyond her volunteerism with Respond to Racism, Chase was appointed to Lake Oswego City Council’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Board as a youth member, where she was a pivotal part of citywide programming, including the annual Cultural Exchange and Juneteenth celebrations. A skilled public speaker and facilitator, Chase has led election forums and civic education initiatives to increase youth involvement in local government.

Chase is also the founder of the Women of Color Alliance, President of the Black Student Union, a University of Oregon STAMP Scholar, and a Coca-Cola Scholarship Semi-Finalist. She is a varsity shot put athlete, a violinist, and a certified swim instructor. In addition, she owns two small businesses that reflect her commitment to sustainability and community empowerment.

                                                     MVSJ PHOTO: MILES VANCE

As an incoming Political Science major at the University of Oregon, Chase is committed to building a future rooted in public service and equity. We have no doubt she will be a leader for years to come, and we are forever grateful to Chase for her commitments and vision. 

The Youth Empowerment Coalition is one of RtR’s core programs that your contribution today can support.

$50: Coffee and snacks for YEC meetings

$100: Honorariums for activities, i.e., candidate forums and writing columns

$500: Cost for a youth focused organizer training

And remember, your contribution today will be matched dollar for dollar up to $5000. Join in the Joy for leaders like Chase and give today.

In solidarity, 

Troy

Please remember to add “Joy for Juneteenth” to the “Note to Seller” area.