Welcome to the Metro Choice Action
Team (CAT) Webpage!
What is the CAT?
Joining the CAT – Overview:
CAT members agree to become regular, committed volunteers for a two-year period. The specific time commitment required is three to five hours per month, but that can include the CAT’s monthly meeting (usually between one and two hours). Of course, more than five hours a month of volunteering is welcome, though optional. Just before an election or for a major event, CAT members usually spend extra time volunteering. In addition, some team members choose to take leadership positions such as CAT chair, vice chair, secretary, membership chair, etc.
Members take on a variety of fun and meaningful pro-choice projects, including:
- Researching and recommending positions on local political races and/or local ballot measures to NARAL Pro-Choice Oregon.
- Originating and participating in fundraising events.
- Attending trainings to advance the activism skills of CAT members.
- Tabling at community events, fairs, and special events.
- Canvassing door-to-door in support of pro-choice politicians and issues.
- Attending phone banks and/or captaining phone banks.
- Writing letters to the editor of local papers in response to current choice-related news.
- Attending special events, including those put on by NARAL Pro-Choice Oregon and by groups that NARAL supports.
- Keeping informed about choice-related issues and sharing that knowledge with others. (Relevant info is often circulated via e-mail alerts.)
What Do I Have to Do to Be a CAT Member?
Monthly Meetings:
Monthly meetings are fun and educational. A NARAL staffperson provides political updates to keep members informed of the latest choice-related issues. Members discuss current and future events, do strategic planning for the team, and conduct business regarding current projects. Meetings are also a chance to socialize and network within the pro-choice community.
Attendance is expected on a monthly basis. If a member cannot attend that month, he/she should call the CAT secretary or chairperson to give advanced notice. Per the bylaws, all CAT members must attend ¾ of all meetings in a year. If CAT members miss more than three consecutive meetings, they could be removed from the team.
For the time in between meetings, members are encouraged to stay in touch by e-mail and phone. Messages related to CAT business are often circulated by e-mail.
Bylaws and Dues:
The bylaws list additional information about CAT membership and procedures, including cases in which it is not appropriate to join the team (for example, refer to the sections on conflicts of interest and political candidates). One of the key provisions of the bylaws states that CAT members should be NARAL Pro-Choice Oregon members, which means membership dues are required. The annual contribution amount is currently $35.
How Can I Get Involved?
Anyone interested in joining the CAT should contact the chair of the CAT and/or NARAL Pro-Choice Oregon staff. New members must be voted in by current members, but generally, membership is open to anyone truly willing to commit to the team as outlined above.
Joining the CAT means a chance to spend time with other activists supporting the common cause of reproductive choice. Our group is friendly, informal, committed, and welcoming. The list of activities may seem long, but in reality, it’s simply a few hours per month participating in choice-related events with friends. Newcomers are welcome to attend CAT meetings and events before deciding whether to join. Volunteers, visitors, and guests are welcome.
Monthly Meetings:
CAT meeting are held on the first Wednesday of every month at NARAL ProChoice Oregon's downtown offices. For more information on CAT membership and meetings contact Maeve. 
