WHO: You & all #CPstrong! Hosted by Katy (Fetters) Gaastra, Cerebral Palsy Strong’s founder.
WHAT: Our second CP Social: Outdoor Edition.
WHEN: Saturday, July 30, 2022
WHERE: Portland, Oregon — Kelley Point Park & the Arc’teryx PDX store. We’ll meet at KPP at 2:00pm and then Arc’Teryx for an evening happy hour after store close around 6:00pm.
RSVP: This event is free, made possible by the Arc’teryx Community Grant Program. RSVP ASAP to let us know if you’re interested in joining us!
WHY: Because we can! We all follow each other on social media, but there’s something special about coming together face to face. Our first CP Social back in 2019 was a success and we’re feeling ready to make it happen once again.
THE IDEA: The CP Social is a community-building event for young adults with cerebral palsy and their family & friends — a celebratory meeting place where those who identify with #CPstrong and disability can gather to connect in person but also to explore topics and address issues that are important to our community. We’ll host an informal dialogue, chat about all things CP, share food & drink, and have FUN! For those who are inclined, there’ll be plenty of space to wander, hike around, and explore the wilderness of this beautiful public park, but we’ll also have a dedicated place to chill in our reserved picnic area. There will be some seating available and light food & drinks provided. Bring your favorite chair or blankets to sit on and we’ll take care of the rest! For those who don’t want the fun to end, or can’t make it to the outdoor gathering, we’ll meet back up at Arc’teryx PDX for an evening happy hour after-hours.
In 2021, Arc’teryx granted us the opportunity to bring our CP Social outdoors, “so everyone can experience the transformative power of nature.” Historically, many marginalized communities, especially people with disabilities, have been excluded from nature. Whether the barrier is cost, accessibility, cultural & social, or otherwise — there are many reasons why exclusion takes place. This is Arc’teryx’s goal; to remove some of these barriers so that we can all enjoy the beauty of nature and “find Outer Peace.“
While many outdoor spaces remain inaccessible, this is our opportunity to connect to nature in our own way, by reminding ourselves that being outdoors doesn’t necessarily mean hitting the trail or being active—but rather, slowing down and quiet contemplation. Both are personally transformative narratives about nature, but the latter is not grounded in the dominant idea that the outdoors belong to non-disabled people—all bodies belong in nature.
Check out this short film that explores this idea.
ACCESS INFO: After an extensive review of public spaces in the Portland area, we chose this outdoor location based on a high-level of accessibility (ease of parking, paved pathway, seating at (5) picnic tables, benches near view point and proximity to accessible bathroom stalls.) Learn more about the accessibility of KPP. The exact meeting place within the park will be detailed following your RSVP. The Arc’teryx store is located on a busy street corner with curb cuts on either side of a pedestrian crosswalk. The retail space is small but we will clear the path for a range of mobility needs and ensure seating.
DON’T MISS OUT: RSVP here to let us know your interest in joining. Can’t make it this time? Sign up to receive updates and turn on post notifications for @cereralpalsystrong on Instagram. Keep an eye on our stories and your email inbox as we get closer to the event — we’ll reach out to registrants with any urgent updates.
WHAT ELSE? If you have any questions, please feel free to email me with the subject line, CP Social Question to katy@cerebralpalsystrong.com.