An Invitation to Steward Our Mission Together

Leaven is a

community of communities, rooted in justice, story, diversity, and action.

We exist to

re-weave the strands of connection that have become unraveled in today’s world.

It begins with our stories. All of them.

Together we are

Moving from isolation into radical belonging. From uncertainty into mutual accompaniment. From fear and perfectionism into restorative justice.

At Leaven Community Center in NE Portland, we share headquarters with like-minded organizations, gather for community meals, train as community organizers, and make meaning together through spiritual gatherings.

Across the state, we build transitional and affordable housing (over 500 units to date) through the Leaven Land & Housing Coalition, which organizes faith-owned land and connects us to statewide sacred organizing networks.

How We Will Do It in 2027: Three Strands, One Braid

Nurture Story and Spirit: Revive a secular, “soulful” storytelling gathering and rekindle circles of mutual care.
Build Resilience: Revitalize our building as an energy-efficient Community Resilience Hub and launch new volunteer teams and tools for mutual aid and relationship-building.
Organize and Belong: Deepen our core practice of Community Organizing, train and support new leaders, and orient our community compass toward transparency and restorative justice.

To reach these goals, Leaven needs to raise an additional $40,000 from current and new stewards and utilize about 1,200 volunteer shifts in 2027.

The Binding? Stewardship.

A Leaven Steward sustains the everyday work of community at the Leaven Community Center and beyond. Stewards share their time, skills, relationships, and/or financial resources to help Leaven remain rooted, welcoming, and ready to meet our neighbors’ needs with care and collective action.

To become or recommit as a Leaven Steward, please fill out this form before our annual meeting on November 29