2025 Civil and Human Rights Conference

October 4 at 9AM – Sunday October 5th at 12PM

Hyatt Regency Portland, 1005 NE 2nd Ave., Portland

The 2025 Civil and Human Rights Conference: centering the voices, leadership, and struggles of BIPOC, LGBTQIA2S+, Immigrant, Disabled, and working-class communities. This conference will blend political education, cultural celebration, and action planning as we build toward a liberated future. Through panels, storytelling, art builds, and interactive workshops, members will connect across identity and geography to deepen solidarity and develop collective strategies for action. This is our time to vision, organize, and rise. 

Conference Program

Saturday, October 4 

9:00 AM – 10:00AM Breakfast and Attendee Registration 

10:00 AM – Welcome from CHRC Chairs and Member Planning Committee 

10:30AM– Keynote: Chris Smalls Co-founder of the Amazon Labor Union, where he made history by leading the first successful union drive at Amazon: making headlines around the world and proving that workers can take on corporate giants and win. His leadership has inspired workers across the country to organize for racial and economic justice. Recently returning from the Freedom Flotilla to Gaza to deliver humanitarian aid, Chris embodies the themes of this conference: civil rights, human rights, and international solidarity. 

12:00 Lunch 

12:45– Immigration, Labor, and Human Rights (Workshop)
This workshop will use music, storytelling, and interactive theater to explore the struggles immigrant workers face and the power we have when we stand together. Participants will share their own journeys, take part in a simulation of ICE raids, and practice ways to intervene and show solidarity. We’ll end with practical tools and resources that people can bring back to their families, worksites, and communities.

Led by Samuel Davila  

Get more info on Immigration Resources.

2:30 PM – Break 

2:45 PM – Know Your Role  

In this workshop we will cover the state of trans rights nationally, within our state, and within our union. We will focus on how to protect trans people in the face of threats both nationally, and in the workplace. We’ll go through some FAQs about how to respect and support trans people, as well as work on how to interrupt transphobia in the workplace. 

Led by: Melody Murphey, Ezri Meier

Resource room hosted by: Lavender Caucus 

Get Resources for Transgender People 

Note: Don’t forget to grab your dinner ticket on the way out. 

3:45 PM – Action Break  

5:00 PM — Dinner, Member Recognition

5:45 PM-7:00 PM – Dancing, Entertainment 

DJ Mami-Miami (Emilly Prado) will get us dancing after dinner on Saturday night.

Sunday, October 5

9:30 AM – Climate Justice Panel: Workers, Communities, and the Fight for a Better Future
The current political and economic system enriches billionaires while deepening inequality, stripping workers of dignity, and worsening the climate crisis. Just 57 oil, gas, coal, and cement producers are responsible for driving global climate change, while working people bear the greatest burdens of pollution, extreme weather, and environmental damage. This panel brings together labor leaders, scholars, and community organizers to explore how workers’ struggles and class politics can unite us in building a just and sustainable future for the 99 percent. 

11:00 AM – Political Session (CAPE) Come learn more about our union’s political program, how to get involved, and how we are organizing around the issues that most impact our communities.  

11:30 AM – Closing Plenary 

12:00 PM – Lunch

Conference Accessibility and Inclusion Guide & Frequently Asked Questions 

What is the Code of Conduct?

All conference attendees are asked to agree to the SEIU 503 Code of Conduct upon registration. The Code of Conduct ensures our gathering is safe, respectful, and inclusive for everyone. Click here to read the full Code of Conduct and learn more about how to provide support. 

Where can I register? 

Registration is currently closed. The event space holds 150 participants, and we have already reached capacity with 190 registrations (including staff). 

What ADA accommodations are available? 

We are committed to accessibility. Accommodations include: 

• ASL interpretation 

• ADA-compliant seating (available upon request) 

• Elevator access plan 

• Mobility scooters 

• Wellness rooms 

What about parking? 

Parking validations will be provided for conference attendees. The address to the parking garage is 1005 NE 2nd Ave., Portland, OR

What food and dietary needs are supported? 

We asked about dietary needs during registration. Vegan and vegetarian options will be available. Please let us know if you have additional needs so we can do our best to accommodate. 

Are there wellness or quiet spaces available? 

Yes. Wellness rooms will be available for anyone needing rest, privacy, or downtime. These spaces are for physical, emotional, or spiritual needs and are open throughout the conference.  

Is childcare available? 

There will be a family-friendly room available during the conference. Please note: adult supervision will be required in the family-friendly room. We encourage attendees with children to utilize the dependent care stipend, which we will have copies of at the conference.

Will there be gender-neutral bathrooms? 

Yes. There will be two gender-neutral bathrooms, in addition to men’s and women’s restrooms. 

How is language justice supported at the conference? 

We are committed to language access and inclusion. The conference will support: Spanish; English; ASL (Additional language support may be arranged upon request.) 

What are the COVID-19 and public health safety measures? 

We encourage all members to stay up to date on their COVID-19 vaccinations and to test before attending if possible. Masks will be available at the conference, and we encourage their use to help protect our community. 

Is the Hyatt Regency Portland and the Conference climate responsible?  

Yes. The Hyatt Regency Portland was built to LEED Gold standards, meaning it meets high marks for sustainability and energy efficiency. Hyatt has eliminated plastic straws and drink picks globally, is moving toward bulk in-room amenities, no linens on tables and encourages refillable water use. The hotel is also connected to the Oregon Convention Center, which runs partly on solar power, making it a more climate-conscious choice than a typical convention hotel. 

In addition, the conference will feature a Climate Justice Panel to explore the intersections of environmental justice, labor, and community resilience. 

Tips for attendees to support our climate goals: 

• Bring a refillable water bottle to reduce single-use containers. 

• Use public transit, biking, or carpooling when possible. 

• Recycle and compost at designated stations in the venue. 

• Limit single-use packaging (coffee cups, takeout containers, etc.).

What committee planned this event?  

The Civil and Human Rights Committee assembled a Planning Committee made up of members from a variety of Caucuses to set the vision and direction of this conference.