No Group in Your Area?

No Problem!

Learn how to start your own coalition here!

Your presence here means that another caring adult is willing to stand up for Oregon’s kids, and that makes a real difference.

Together, we are building a community of people who believe that every child deserves a safe, healthy, and distraction-free childhood. OR Unplugged brings together parents and advocates from across the state to learn, collaborate, build community, and take action. Here you’ll find like-minded parents and community members eager to build a brighter future for our kids.

This guide is here to help you organize a group, whether you’re a first-time organizer or a seasoned pro. We hope this guide makes it a little easier and more approachable! We believe that anyone can build a community that supports healthier norms around screen use and drives state-wide change!

There’s no single “right” way to begin; often, all you need to get the ball rolling are a few conversations with like-minded parents and community members! Consider these suggestions below as a helpful starting point. We’re here to support you every step of the way!

If you have comments, concerns, or queries, feel free to check out our FAQ or send us an email at ORUnplugged@proton.me.

Step 1: Connect with the OR Unplugged Community

Organizing works best when it’s shared. Invite a friend, neighbor, or fellow parent who shares your vision to join you in planning and communication. Don’t know anyone IRL with the same vision? We are currently in the process of setting up outposts for people to connect on WhatsApp, Four Norms, Instagram, and Facebook! Don’t hesitate to send us an email if you’re having a hard time finding someone to connect with.

Once you feel ready, send an email our way so we can schedule a Zoom meeting with you (and your co-leaders if you have them)! In this meeting, we’ll talk through how to start a group, share ideas for growing your local effort, and answer questions about community organizing in your area.

Step 2: Find Your Goal

Choose a focus or goal like raising awareness on the impact of screentime, encouraging phone-free schools, delaying smartphones, encouraging more outdoor play, or hosting more open-ended monthly conversations.

What speaks most to you? What do you see impacting the kids around you?

Most groups in our network gather around delaying smartphones (until at least age 14) and social media (until at least age 16).

Step 3: Decide on a “Pledge” Model

We have a pledge you can use as a basis on our website.

You are also welcome to use the Wait Until 8th pledge if that resonates more with your community!

If you'd like help deciding, we’re happy to talk you through all your options and draft something aligned with your goals.

Step 4: Choose a Name for Your Group

Browse other OR Unplugged groups for inspiration; some prefer something simple like “Salem Unplugged” or other riffs on “Unplugged” while others get creative!

You can also belong to national or partner networks like Wait Until 8th, MAMA, The Balance Project, or Okay to Delay and still be a full participant in the OR Unplugged Coalition.

A clear name will make it easier for others to find you.

If you’d like help with a logo, we are happy to draft one for you!

Use your group name and logo consistently on flyers and posts and watch your network grow!

Step 5: Set Up an Email Address

Create a simple email that matches your group name for ease of correspondence!

Step 6: Join the OR Unplugged Resource Hub

You’ll receive access after our first meeting. The hub includes key materials, templates, and a community of group leaders across Oregon, plus invites to weekly support calls.

Step 7: Find Other Parents in Your Community

After creating your group, we will add you to our map of groups in Oregon! The map makes it easy for parents and community members to find resources in their area, and join your group!

Beyond our map, we encourage you to:

  • Tell friends and neighbors what you’re working on.

  • Post in local groups on Facebook, Nextdoor, or PTA/PTO pages.

  • Ask your principal to include a note in the school newsletter.

  • Set up a small table at school events, Back-to-School Night, or community fairs.

  • Ask to share your mission at a PTA or PTO meeting.

Both in-person and virtual outreach are key to finding folks ready to engage with you and advocate for the kids in your community.

Step 8: Build Your Group’s Online Home Base

A simple online presence helps interested participants stay connected!

Options include:

A quick website (we plan to host monthly workshops on website building using Squarespace. If we have yet to roll out those workshops and you need a hand, send us an email and we will meet with you one-on-one).

A Facebook or Instagram page to share updates and resources.

A group communication space using Four Norms or a similar tool.

A Google Form for collecting interest and sending updates.

Posting useful research, videos, articles, and invitations to events.

Clear calls to action: sign a phone pledge, attend a meeting, or invite a friend!