June 2025

Open any newspaper, click on any headline– it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by what’s broken. But in classrooms and libraries across David Douglas, something different is happening. Students are leading real conversations—about safety, belonging, and what it means to build a school where everyone feels seen.

These stories don’t often make the news. These are the kinds of stories Oregon Strong was created to uplift: real examples of hope, courage, and community, led by those who live it every day. For June’s exploration, we visited Gilbert Park Elementary and Ron Russell Middle schools to learn from their student equity groups. 

What’s clear is that in David Douglas, student voice isn’t just a checkbox for inclusion—it’s a powerful tool for intergenerational learning. When we visited the student equity group at Gilbert Park Elementary, we expected a glimpse into how kids think about school. What we heard were thoughtful, layered conversations about advocacy, allyship, microaggressions, and confidence—led by fifth graders. They spoke with clarity, took turns listening and learning from one another, and modeled a kind of dialogue many adults struggle to maintain. 

At the middle school, that leadership only deepened. Students are setting goals, leading schoolwide equity initiatives, and creating a culture that calls people in rather than pushing them out. In a time marked by division, these students offer a vision of what’s possible-  a future built on respect, voice, and community.

As we head into summer, let this be a reminder: the next generation is already leading with heart and courage—and through stories like these, Oregon Strong keeps showing us that hope is real, and we’re stronger when we build together.