Shifting culture to benefit public education employees
Let us re-introduce ourselves.
We are Oregon Well-Being Trust.
You have known and supported us as OEA Choice Trust. While our name has changed, our purpose remains the same – to shift the culture for the well-being of every public education employee in Oregon.
Shifting culture takes all of us, and we want to take an opportunity to introduce the people behind our work and share what guides our work.
In the coming weeks, we will be sharing reflections on the Trust’s new mission, vision, and values.
Value 5
Communities are wise. The lived experience of individuals and collective wisdom of communities are valued.
Asta’s Reflection on Value 5
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Asta Garmon
Grants Manager
This value resonates with me because I have seen it play out repeatedly in my own communities and, previously, in my international development work. At Oregon Well-Being Trust we hold this value and create spaces where wise communities can meet their own needs.
 Upholding this value as the Grants Manager means listening deeply to the stories of potential and current grantees so that I can support them in creating a program that makes sense for their community.
It also means not assuming too much about a school district, ESD, or community college. As a former K-12 education employee, I understand the energy flow of a school year and some of the standard committees that districts have. However, I will never know the specifics of each organization.
An example where the wisdom of the community shone through was in La Grande School District. When starting their employee well-being journey, rather than creating another committee, La Grande SD utilized their existing Communities of Care committees in each building, allowing counselors to lead the program. With funds from their Education Employee Well-Being Grant, they provided a budget for each building to put on activities that support the staff’s well-being and sense of belonging.
Additional Reflections
Updated Mission and Vision
Every adult working within public education faces countless responsibilities and expectations. Often, their own needs are sacrificed while dedicating so much to the students they mentor, guide, and care for. These employees are working in a system that has more…
The Story of the Flourish
Our new logo is a visual representation of our work to shift organizational cultures towards well-being and belonging.The curved lines remind us that this work includes peaks and valleys, and is never a straight path. The space between the lines…
People Are Paramount
This week, two board members reflect on how Oregon Well-being Trust’s values impact their work on the Board of Trustees. Jordan Ng is a Physical Education teacher at West Powellhurst Elementary, which is part of David Douglas School District. Stephanie…
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