A community comprises one or more groups of people who share a common story that defines a part of their identity. This story is important to them and shapes how they view the world and their personal history. Communities may involve formal or informal structures, often supporting and fostering social connections, cooperation, and collaboration toward collective well-being.

A community-centered approach places the community at the forefront of decision-making processes, problem-solving, and resource allocation. This framework acknowledges that communities have unique perspectives, histories, and identities informed by their shared stories and lived experiences. It emphasizes self-determination so communities can define their needs, goals, and strategies to suit their circumstances. Community-centered approaches foster active participation, strong relationships, and collaboration and equip the community toward achieving its desired outcomes.

Individuals who use or buy goods or services for personal use are known as consumers. They significantly impact and shape the economy, and informed and proactive consumers are crucial in promoting consumer justice by holding bad actors accountable for unfair practices, substandard products, and deceptive advertising.

The term consumer can also apply to entities. View glossary entry>>

Entities, like businesses, organizations, or the government, can also be defined as consumers when they purchase goods or services needed for their operations, including raw materials, equipment, or professional services.

The term consumer can also apply to individuals. View glossary entry>>

Consumer advocacy describes the act of supporting and protecting the rights and interests of consumers. Consumer advocacy aims to educate and equip consumers with the necessary resources and knowledge, elevate and lobby for pro-consumer policies, and help individuals access justice by holding bad actors accountable for their actions.

Consumer fraud refers to deceptive or dishonest practices to trick consumers for financial gain. Consumer fraud can take various forms, such as false advertising, fake promotions, identity and data theft, phishing scams, pyramid schemes, or selling counterfeit items. These fraudulent (and illegal) activities exploit consumers' trust and can result in financial loss or other harm.

Consumer justice is the freedom for all to thrive and equitably share in our abundant resources. To make this happen, we must rethink and reconstruct unjust systems and promote equitable economic policies that put people first. In doing so, financial and business transactions are made safer, and Oregonians have effective ways to access justice if needed.

The consumer marketplace is a specific economic market segment where individual consumers purchase and consume goods and services. It's where consumers interact with businesses, organizations, and the government to get products and services through physical and digital storefronts.

Consumer privacy involves protecting the personal information of individuals and giving them control over how it's collected, used, and shared by businesses, organizations, and the government. It includes safeguarding sensitive data and online activities from unauthorized access or misuse.

Consumer protection refers to the rules and regulations put in place to protect the rights and interests of consumers in the economy. Consumer protection involves laws that ensure fairness, prevent predatory practices, and keep consumers safe from harmful products and services. These laws also give consumers the right to take legal action if illegal or unethical business practices harm them.

Consumer rights are protections for people when they buy goods or services. They include the right to safety, information, choice, recourse, education, and privacy. When adhered to, these rights foster fairness and honesty in the marketplace, which, in turn, helps consumers make informed decisions and protect themselves from harm.

Legal principle. Name is a French term meaning 'as near as possible.'