Money Talks Oregon Humanities runs on the notion that conversation can heal divided communities. Federal funding cuts mean an uncertain future — but the conversation isn’t over yet. BY GARRETT ANDREWS Lowell Greathouse understands the power of an empty chair. When Greathouse leads conversations for Oregon Humanities, he likes to leave one empty chair should a latecomer arrive. If someone does come to occupy the chair, he pulls out another one. When Greathouse pulls out an extra chair at the Jacksonville public library, someone asks: Isn’t there a name for when you leave a chair empty? A retired Methodist minister, Greathouse briefly explains the concept of the “chair of Elijah” — a Jewish tradition where, at some special events, a chair is left empty to welcome the ghost of the prophet Elijah should he return. The nonprofit trains facilitators like Greathouse to provide ample seating for participants in the “reflective conversations” it hosts throughout the state, to send the message that all comers are welcome. Today’s conversation, part of Oregon Humanities’ Beyond 250 programming series, has a prompt chosen by Greathouse: “Talking About Values Across Political Divides.” It’s a question that feels especially pressing in 2025. Polls find Americans increasingly politically divided and holding “unrelentingly negative” views of their political institutions. Researchers cite the structure of the U.S. political system, an ongoing geographic “sort,” and the disorienting and divisive impact of social media. Greathouse says he’s seen neighbors become friends, strangers find agreement and things get a little heated. He worries the weather—topping triple digits on a mid-August afternoon — will keep people away. In the end, around a dozen people show up — a good crowd given the weather. And when a late arriver snags the last available seat, Greathouse adds another chair to the circle. Missed Connections This year has been a roller coaster for Oregon Humanities, an organization whose mission includes grantmaking to other Oregon nonprofits and events like the conversation at the Jacksonville library, meant to train people in how to have difficult conversations. Changes at the federal level have forced OH leadership into lots of difficult conversations — about The team at Lift UP also remains somewhat optimistic. Working with a web of partnerships outside of the Oregon Food Bank, the nonprofit remains “better positioned than many of our peers,” according to Cecilia Estraviz, operations manager. Its programs reach far and wide, including a Grow to Donate campaign, where people commit to donate extra produce from their garden, fruit trees or CSA share. A small-bore solution for sure. Yet “it gives the community something tangible to do when everyone is feeling powerless as systems break down,” says Johnson. “It connects the public to the deeper issues around food as well.” It also might be a way forward. “The systems that are breaking down will not be coming back together in the same way,” says Barr. “Our long-term vision is to build a more localized, more resilient food system. We need to view this moment as an opportunity.” To that end, Lift UP is planning a feasibility study with Portland State University’s Master of Urban Planning students to assess what it would take to build a farm-to-food assistance hub for the west side. “The LFPA cut is a disinvestment in our farming community. It’s in our collective interest to have a market for them,” says Barr. Stein, at FOOD For Lane County, also remains optimistic. “We don’t have time to sit back. We have to keep working, finding partnerships and developing new ways to come together. I believe very strongly in our community.” GARRETT ANDREWS Top: Lowell Greathouse leads a meeting in the Jacksonville public library. Above: Greathouse speaks with a participant. 33
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