Native American youth & Family Center launches NAYA ACtion Fund
CONTACT:
Nicole Adams
(503) 754.0466
adamsn@nayapdx.org
Native American Youth and Family Center launches NAYA Action Fund
501c4 organization will broaden political advocacy for Native community
PORTLAND, ORE. (June 28, 2021)—The Portland-based Native American Youth and Family Center (NAYA), is pleased to announce the creation of the NAYA Action Fund, a 501(c)(4) social welfare organization which will amplify NAYA’s already-strong political advocacy and engagement. As a social welfare-classified organization, the NAYA Action Fund can conduct lobbying, electoral organizing for political candidates, and offer political endorsements.
“The events of the last few months have made one thing certain. The political winds are changing, here in Portland and well beyond. Native people must have a seat at every table where policies are being created. NAYA Action Fund will allow us to take on more of this important work. It will also deepen our relationships with those candidates and decision-makers who wish to have our support.”
“The creation of NAYA Action Fund is a testament to the progression of the civic engagement work we’ve found such great success with over the years,” said Paul Lumley (Yakama) who serves as Executive Director of both organizations. “We are excited to bring forward this powerful new tool, which enables our community to champion the concerns and needs of Native people through policymaking and political races.
The purpose of the new organization is to expand political advocacy and build electoral power in partnership with the Native community. Creating additional electoral capacity will further allow NAYA to become more visible, better represent our community, and have a greater presence and influence at all levels of government in order to impact positive change.
Lumley added, “The events of the last few months have made one thing certain. The political winds are changing, here in Portland and well beyond. Native people must have a seat at every table where policies are being created. NAYA Action Fund will allow us to take on more of this important work. It will also deepen our relationships with those candidates and decision makers who wish to have our support.”
NAYA Action Fund Board Leadership stated, “political engagement is crucial in combatting the erasure of Native people from the conversations that involve policies impacting our communities. Passively waiting for our government to respond to our communities’ needs is not an option, direct action is required.”
More information on the NAYA Action Fund can be found at NAYAAction.org.
###
Native American Youth and Family Center
Founded by the community, for the community, Native American Youth and Family Center (NAYA) is a family of numerous tribes and voices who are rooted in sustaining tradition and building cultural wealth. NAYA provides culturally specific programs and services that guide our people in the direction of personal success and balance through cultural empowerment. Our continuum of lifetime services creates a wraparound, holistic healthy environment that is youth centered, family driven, and elder guided. NAYA obtained their 501(c)(3) status in 1994.
NAYA Action Fund
Founded by the community, for the community, NAYA Action Fund is a 501(c)(4) social welfare organization with a mission to expand political advocacy and build electoral power in partnership with the Native community. The NAYA Action Fund provides tools to shape public policy, cultivate leadership, and elect champions for issues impacting Native people. Our vision of systemic change is youth centered, family driven, and elder guided. The NAYA Action Fund incorporated in November 2020.
