tash shatz

who I am: a lineage of social justice work

Growing up in a rural, fundamentalist environment and understanding my Jewish lineage first called me to the struggles of social justice.

Coming out as queer and transgender at an early age taught me about discrimination.

Being a survivor of childhood sexual violence showed me how systems meant to help can hurt.

Living with visible and invisible disabilities as an adult reminds me how the world was not built equitably for everyone.

Mentorship from Roslyn Farrington introduced me to bell hooks and Audre Lorde, driving me to act against racism as a white person.

Believing in “tikkun olam,” the idea that humans have the potential to repair the world, is what keeps me going.

Today, I strive to balance mainstream models of leadership and facilitation with reverence for models developed in marginalized communities.

My goal is to be a bridge and a beacon, exploring and living into servant leadership.

I am a movement worker. I believe that justice is a possibility and compassion is a necessity. As a trust builder, problem solver, and strategic thinker, I bring a gentle, focused approach to my work.

what I do: facilitation, coaching, strategy

Facilitation of processes and trainings:

Racial Equity and Restorative Process work through Sidney Morgan’s Red Sea Road Consulting LLC

Psychological Safety in the Workplace through Amanda Singh Bans M.A. LCSW, Resonance Therapy

LGBTQ+, Transgender, and intersectional gender justice work including partner facilitators as needed

Community and staff feedback processes such as assessments, surveys, focus groups, listening sessions, etc, with approachable facilitation that centers communities most impacted

Political education trainings customized to fit the needs of the group, exploring the history and intersections of race, class, gender, (dis)ability, and more

Coaching and support:

Train-the-trainer to grow facilitation skills among individuals or groups

Executive coaching (regardless of title) with non-judgement and compassion while centering race, gender, and power

Adapting skills to new realities, including how to effectively facilitate virtual meetings, workshops, and trainings

Curriculum development and refinement, including building, writing, editing, innovating, and/or compiling material for learning

Strategy in partnership:

Strategic planning ranging from individual projects to organization-wide multi-year processes

Change management and systems development in times of transition and conflict

Analyzing and reporting on data in accessible ways, including organizational equity assessments

I believe that change work requires sustained resources and thoughtful adaptability.

The best way to find out if I might be helpful to you is to reach out and have a conversation - let me know what you know so far about your needs, timeline, and budget. If I’m not the right person for the job, I’ll connect you with other fantastic folks in my networks.

I work on a sliding scale based on the overall budget of an individual, group, or organization. Each situation is unique and I bring a spirit of transparency and generosity. My scale starts at $50/hour and is informed by AORTA’s sliding scale and Rockwood Leadership Institute’s scale.

As an independent contractor I incur all employment taxes and operating costs. A minimum of 10% of my income is redistributed both to organizations and individuals. (Why individuals? Learn more here about cash assistance/mutual aid as a strategy.)

work I’ve been part of

creating and leading

“A Short History of White Christian Nationalism and Anti-Trans Attacks” (2023) interviewed on KBOO

“Introducing Gender Pronouns in Group Meetings” (2012-2022) guide co-creator

Queer Heroes Northwest (2017) honored awardee

“Trauma Informed Care and Assertive Engagement” (2017) workshop co-facilitator

“Faces of Trans Inclusive Health Care” video series (2012) lead producer

“Awkward Ally Moves” (2012) co-creator of original handout

“The Benefits of Equality: A Blueprint for Inclusive Health Care for Transgender Workers” (2011-2013) toolkit co-author

consulting and editing

Animal Aid 2023-2025 Strategic Plan (2022) project manager and consultant

2021-2025 ADVSD Area Plan on Aging (2021) co-managed trans elder needs assessment

“Houselessness in natural areas: Conservation and social service professionals come together for a compassionate approach” (2017) collaborator

Equity Data Governance Digital Community Engagement Model - Multnomah County Mental Health and Addiction Services (2017) consultant on community input model

"We are BRAVE: Race, money, and abortion access" (2014) first edition editor

“Tribal Equity Toolkit: Tribal Resolutions and Codes to Support Two Spirit and LGBTQ Justice in Indian Country” (2013) first edition reviewer

“Healthy People, Healthy Communities: A Toolkit for Effective Conversations about Transgender Health Access” (2013) collaborator

Oregon Insurance Division bulletin on transgender health coverage (2012) collaborator and co-editor of original bulletin

"Know Your Rights: Gender Identity, Gender Expression, and Trans Oregonians' Rights” (2011) collaborator

“Too Afraid To Learn: Barriers to Post-Secondary Education for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Students” (2009) contributor

quotes and CONVERSATIONS

“New rules outline employee rights as county honors Transgender Day of Visibility” (2017) interviewed for role in Multnomah County policy change

“It’s personal: tash shatz learned from an early age to advocate for LGBTQ rights” (2017) video profile as a Multnomah County employee

Interview with KGW News Channel 8 (2015) on Domestic Violence Awareness Month and the Purple Purse Campaign

"Beyond the Binary: Portlanders Talk About Identities Outside Male & Female" (2015) interviewed for PQ Monthly

“Cover Oregon ‘not accessible’ enough for gay and transgender Oregonians, groups contend” (2014) interview for Portland Business Journal

The F Bomb: Five Portlanders on Feminism (2014) panelist for Bitch media event

Oregon Public Broadcasting “Think Out Loud” (2013) interviewed for radio program

“Gender-neutral restrooms required in county in Oregon” (2013) quoted for KPTV

Gendercast Episode 36: Trans-Inclusive Healthcare, Trans Justice Project at Basic Right Oregon (2013) featured on podcast

“Oregon bans anti-trans health care discrimination” (2013) interviewed for Washington Blade article

"Oregon, California require transgender health coverage” (2013) quoted for Associated Press

“Oregon law protects trans healthcare rights” (2013) interviewed by Erin Rook for PQ Monthly

"Sexual violence on campus, not just a crime of men against women” (2010) interviewed for Investigate West

“New Reports Call Bullying in Oregon Schools a Major Problem” (2009) quoted for Salem News

blogs by tash