WorldOregon programs build bridges across cultures, foster real dialogue, and promote global understanding

Each year, our international visitor exchange program hosts hundreds of emerging leaders and entrepreneurs from more than a hundred countries around the globe, through our exchange programs. 



We annually offer dozens of public programs — rich conversations with world leaders, Nobel laureates, celebrated authors, policy insiders, and activists — that animate the ideas and issues that are shaping our global future. 


We offer an array of resources for K-12 educators, students, and the community at large—tools that inspire and empower the next generation of global citizens. 


WorldOregon Strategic Plan

Charting A Course

WorldOregon rolled out an updated Strategic Plan at the end of 2023 to guide the organization forward as we approach our 75th anniversary in 2025.  WorldOregon invites the broader community to join us as we amplify three key areas of focus:

  1. Expand and Diversify Participants, 
  2. Clarify and Grow the Contribution to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), and 
  3. Increase Profitability to Grow our Team and Ensure Long-Term Sustainability 

This is an exciting time for us all and we want to thank you for your engagement and support of WorldOregon’s mission to connect our community with the world. 


Read More

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion


WorldOregon’s mission is to broaden and deepen public awareness and understanding of international affairs, engaging the people of Oregon and SW Washington with the world —and with each other.


In early 2021 as part of the organization’s strategic plan, WorldOregon established a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Ad Hoc Work Group composed of diverse individuals representing different identities and lived experiences from the Board of Trustees, Board of Advisors, and Young Professionals Steering Committee —with staff support. The DEI Ad Hoc Work Group was dedicated to shaping the organization’s new two-year strategic plan, ensuring our programming is accessible, inclusive, and intentionally seeks to engage with the community —with a focus on building relationships with Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC).


Facilitated by DEI consultant Cinthia Manuel, Autentica Consulting, and utilizing internal work conducted in 2020 and intensive training and discussions with WorldOregon Boards and staff in late 2020 and early 2021, the DEI Ad Hoc Work Group, in coordination with the Nominations & Strategic Planning Committee, created a DEI statement to guide the organization with a new strategic plan with a DEI focus.

We see this as the beginning of WorldOregon’s DEI journey, and we will share updates from time to time on our progress.


Read More

Land Acknowledgement

WorldOregon acknowledges and honors that the land now known as Portland sits on the unceded territory of the original peoples of this land: the Multnomah, Wasco, Kathlamet, Clackamas, Cowlitz, Bands of Chinook, Tualatin Kalapuya, Molalla, and many other Tribes who prospered in thriving communities along the Columbia and Willamette Rivers.


Today, our region’s diverse and vibrant indigenous communities are descended from over 380 federally recognized Tribes, with the Grande Ronde, Siletz, and Cowlitz tribes living in the area. We extend our deepest gratitude to those who have stewarded this land, and offer our respect to the Native communities and their elders, past, present, and future. We remain committed to honoring, engaging and learning from these Native communities as we fulfill our mission to connect Oregon and SW Washington with the world. 

Share by: