OCJ’s Program Areas
We’re committed to advancing consumer justice for all and shaping an equitable marketplace that puts people first. We’re taking a community-led approach, making sure our policy advocacy, legal, community, and consumer work are driven by what Oregon consumers, especially those who have been harmed the most by predatory business practices, need most.
OCJ is working closely with trusted organizations, advocates, and experts, and connecting directly with Oregonians across the state, including elderly, rural, and low-income Oregonians and those who identify as Black, Indigenous, or people of color. We’re taking time to identify and understand the consumer issues that are most pressing to Oregonians. As we develop a strategic plan to guide our work for the coming years, we’ll make sure all our programs are informed by what Oregon communities need.
Through advocacy, legal support, community engagement, and consumer outreach, we can make it possible for Oregon families to safely do business with others without the risk of predatory business practices. Together, we can build an equitable and inclusive marketplace that reflects the needs and experiences of everyone who lives here.
Advocacy
Every Oregonian has the right to a fair marketplace, where they can safely buy goods or services without the worry of predatory business behavior. Together, we can rewrite our rules and laws to make sure they put people first.
How we’ll accomplish this
OCJ is working in coalition with community organizations to pass pro-consumer legislation. We will continue to support and develop statewide policy solutions that reflect the needs of our communities and protect Oregonians from bad business practices, working in coalition with others, submitting testimony, and lobbying on behalf of specific bills.
Community
Consumer justice for all means shaping an inclusive marketplace for everyone who lives here, including elderly, rural, and low-income Oregonians and those who identify as Black, Indigenous, or people of color. We’re committed to working closely with community partners to better understand what Oregonians need and supporting the work of organizations already working to advance consumer justice in their communities.
How we’ll accomplish this
In the last two years, OCJ has awarded more than $2 million in grants to community organizations providing support to those who have been the most impacted by COVID-19, Oregon wildfires, and the statewide eviction crisis. We will continue elevating community members’ voices and supporting organizations that work to address consumer-related issues within their communities.
Consumers
Everyone should have easy access to the tools, information, and other support that will allow them to safely do business without the threat of predatory business practices.
How we’ll accomplish this
With the help of partners, we’re hosting community-based, culturally specific listening sessions to identify and better understand which consumer issues are most important to Oregonians, especially those who have been harmed the most by predatory business practices. We’ll develop actionable plans informed by Oregonians’ priority issues, and will develop campaigns to educate and empower Oregonians about their rights and resources as consumers.
Legal
Legal action is a crucial tool for people who have been harmed by predatory business practices, but not everyone can access the legal support they need. We’ll support and strengthen Oregon’s consumer law ecosystem so more Oregon consumers can win justice through the courts.
How we’ll accomplish this
OCJ has provided financial support to bolster consumer law in Oregon and nationally, through a $300,000 annual grant to the University of Oregon School of Law, funding to the Commons Law Center and national organizations leading on consumer justice, scholarships for attorneys, and more. In addition to financial support, we may work with private attorneys working in consumer law or fund pilot projects that will help ensure equitable access to justice.