Vernon Neighborhood Association
Connect. Listen. Share.
Through the Vernon Neighborhood Association, neighbors old and new can work together to shape the future of our neighborhood – from Alberta Street to Alberta Park – by taking on projects, taking up issues, and taking action together.
The Vernon Neighborhood Association strives to actively initiate, promote and implement programs that connect the diverse neighbors in this community. We work to build a safe, resilient neighborhood informed by its rich cultural history. Through listening and sharing we cultivate community engagement.
It's rewarding to have an impact
Here are some of the things we've done together as neighbors in the past few years:
- Annual neighborhood cleanup day in May
- Annual movie in the park in July
- Provide feedback and input on development planned in Vernon addresses
- Provide representation and input to the Northeast Coalition of Neighborhoods
- Host in-person dialogues with government reps, police and neighbors on livability, safety, crime and other issues in our neighborhood
It's easy to get involved
The VNA has an all-volunteer board, elected each October. Our board meets the 3rd Wednesday of most months (see the schedule at right). You can contact us at VNABoard@gmail.com if you are interested in speaking or suggesting a topic. Our 2021 schedule is on the right side of this web page.
The easiest way to follow our activities is on the VNA Facebook page, or by signing up for our newsletter at right.
We are dedicated to ensuring a diverse board and workforce and shall not discriminate against individuals or groups on the basis of race, religion, color, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, citizenship, national origin, income or political affiliation. From providing a welcoming and healthy work environment to maintaining and expanding partnerships with organizations that also work with diverse groups, we are committed to diversity within the organization.
Do you live in the Vernon?
Our neighborhood is bordered by Ainsworth and Wygant, from approximately NE 22nd Ave to NE 10th. (The boundary jumps around a little from NE 14th Place to NE 10th).
Become a Member
If you live in the boundaries of the Vernon neighborhood, you just fill out the simple membership form below (or at a board meeting) to declare yourself a member. Business and organizational representatives are also eligible (see bylaws for restrictions). There is no cost to join the organization because we are sponsored by the Portland Office of Neighborhood Involvement.
Woodlawn & Vernon Historical Walking Tours! Tours will be held outdoors, rain or shine. Pre-registration is required to attend. Email vnaboard@gmail.com with any questions. These special tours are sponsored by the Portland Parks Foundation Small Grants Program.
Woodlawn Tours: Saturdays @ 1pm September 4, 18 & Oct. 2
Vernon Tours: Saturday @ 1pm October 9, 16 & 30
Social
Upcoming Events
VNA Meetings are typically held quarterly the 3rd Wednesday of the month at 7pm.
Next VNA Community Meeting:
VNA Board Elections!
Wednesday, October 20th, 7pm, Zoom Link
Our 2021 Schedule
February: VNA Meeting
March: Work Session
April : Work Session
May: VNA Meeting
June: Work Session
July: Work Session
August: VNA Meeting
September: Work Session
October: VNA Meeting - Board Elections!
November: Work Session
December : Work Session
Meeting Minutes
December 2020January 2021
February 2021
April 2021
May 2021
June 2021
July 2021
About the VNA
As outlined in our bylaws, the purpose of the Vernon Neighborhood Association is:
- To actively initiate, promote and implement programs for the diverse citizens of this community
- To cooperate with governmental agencies in securing needed community services and support
- To provide a forum at which all members of the Association may meet, consult, and arrive at decisions affecting the community's livability and physical and social environment
- To perform all of the activities necessary to implement said purposes and to have and enjoy all of the powers granted and engage in any lawful activity for which corporations may be organized under ORS Chapter 65
- For other objectives as approved by the Board of Directors or membership.
If you are interested to know more about the governance of the VNA, you can check out our page on the Northeast Coalition of Neighborhood website, where you can download the Vernon Neighborhood Association Bylaws.
Or ask a board member, because we love meeting our neighbors!
Alberta Park
This beautiful park is in the Vernon neighborhood. How lucky are we? The background image on this page is "Alberta Park (Portland, Oregon)" by Jason Marlow.
You want to see more of the Vernon neighborhood? Check out this (uncurated) photostream on Flickr.