Activating new advocates and celebrating long-time allies at our 2025 Affiliate Conference

Written by Jenni Denekas, photographed by Sarah Yeoman | 3-minute read

Last week, 1000 Friends affiliates, staff, partners, and community members gathered in Albany and Corvallis to celebrate our shared history and strategize for upcoming advocacy opportunities.

Day 1: Kenagy Family Farm in Albany

We kicked off our 2025 Affiliate Conference with a lively afternoon and evening at the Kenagy Family Farm, hosted by long-time 1000 Friends members Peter Kenagy and Tina Springer and board member Alana Kenagy. Together, we learned about the Kenagy family’s history and relationship to the land, enjoyed a delicious meal grown and prepared on-site, and engaged in thoughtful conversations about our relationships to land and what we envision for Oregon’s future.

A group of people seated at long, forward-facing tables in an indoor setting
Two pairs of people talking to one another in an indoor setting
Two people stand in front of a room, pointing to a screen where historic maps of agricultural land are shown
A group of people standing on the edge of an agricultural field, backed by a large, mossy tree
A group of people walk past a red barn and a tree with yellow foliage
A group of people gathered around a table, deep in conversation, in an indoor setting

Day 2: Oregon State University in Corvallis

The following day we gathered at the Oregon State University Alumni Center in Corvallis for a full program spanning storytelling strategies, celebrations of Oregon’s land use heroes, and policy and legal discussions that set the stage for 2026 and beyond.

A man in a suit addressing a crowd, with a screen behind him that says, "The power of your story"
A collaged image with Cathey Armillas gesturing and speaking in front of the room, and the audience focusing on her words
A group of people talking and smiling together
Rep. Ben Bowman speaking at a podium
A group of people at a table, deep in discussion
1000 Friends of Oregon Executive Director Sam Diaz, keynote speaker and marketer Cathey Armillas, and Oregon State Representative Ben Bowman

Here are some more detailed highlights:

  • An illuminating opening session with keynote speaker Cathey Armillas—a nationally recognized marketing strategist, TEDx speaker and coach, and author—exploring how personal stories can spark community change.
  • Hands-on workshops led by board members and staff focused on community organizing and digital communications.
  • An inspiring lunch kicked off by keynote speaker House Majority Leader and State Representative Ben Bowman, followed by our annual Activist Awards honoring the following outstanding affiliate partners: Ag for Oregon, Friends of Douglas County, Friends of French Prairie, Friends of Linn County, Friends of Marion County, Friends of Polk County, Friends of Yamhill County, Oregon Coast Alliance (ORCA), Save Helvetia, and Thrive Hood River. We also honored the late Cherry Amabisca and Kathleen Lee Carl with posthumous Activist Awards.
  • A legal and legislative deep dive with our policy team, with an eye towards the upcoming legislative short session that begins on February 2, 2026.
  • A lively mythbusting trivia session led by Legislative Manager Cassie Wilson and Working Lands Program Director Jim Johnson—and won by Je Amaechi, Lynne Carothers, Jenni Denekas, and Lori Huck!
Two people smiling and sharing a side-hug; one of the people is holding a certificate
A group of people standing together, around Shelley Wetherell, who is holding a certificate
Mary Kyle McCurdy speaking at the podium, with many people looking on
Cassie Wilson speaking into a microphone
Jim Johnson holding up a tote bag with a colorful map on it; in the background is a screen that says "myth busting"
A group of four people smiling and posing with soil map tote bags and books in hand

Now we are even more inspired, united, and better prepared for what’s ahead—from advancing affordable housing and transportation solutions to protecting Oregon’s farms and forests for generations to come.

Keep up to date on future gatherings, action alerts, and more by signing up for our newsletter and following us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. We also encourage you to fill out our Land Use Leadership Initiative (LULI) interest form—or share with a friend!

We couldn’t have done it without the gracious hospitality from the team at the Oregon State University Alumni Center and New Morning Bakery. And thank you to the 2025 Affiliate Conference sponsors (Aileen and Roger Kaye, Dan Keeley, Gil Kelley, John Marble, Greg Macpherson, Friends of Marion County, Thrive Hood River), our McCall Society members who donate over $1,000 each year, and our foundation partners including the Henry Richmond Land Use Defense Fund, The Collins Foundation, The Healy Foundation, and Meyer Memorial Trust.