Originally posted March 18, 2020 -
most recently updated September 27, 2021.

Dear Friends,

WorldOregon joins all of you in closely monitoring the unprecedented impacts of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) global pandemic. During these difficult times, everyone's health and safety is our top priority. With respect to WorldOregon programs, we wanted to share that working with our partners and our Board of Trustees we have taken these actions:

Our in-person programs have been suspended and converted to virtual:

• WorldOregon public programs effective March 9, 2020 for the foreseeable future.
• U.S. Department of State international visitors:
  • youth effective March 4, 2020 until 2022 (exact date TBD)
  • adults effective March 12, 2020 until March 31, 2022 (with potentially some occasional small in-person projects with vaccinated visitors)
• Global Classroom programs; supplementary online Culture Box materials are available.

We mandated work from home for WorldOregon staff effective March 14, 2020 to be re-evaluated as circumstances warrant.

We appreciate your understanding and flexibility as we make these difficult but necessary adjustments to do our part to maximize social distancing and help flatten the curve of this pandemic. 

WorldOregon's mission is to connect Oregon with the world. At this time when our local and global community is under great stress, we believe that we must stay connected - virtually if not in person - and work together as a planet to confront this crisis. 
 
We feel for the pain of those who are sick or have lost loved ones from COVID-19 and for everyone being negatively affected by the resulting sharp downturn in the global economy. We salute all those working at their own risk to keep us safe and healthy, treat those who are sick, keep flowing the vital supply of food and medicine, and make the difficult decisions needed - both in Oregon and worldwide. 

Thank you for your ongoing support of WorldOregon as we work toward a more peaceful world in these challenging times.

Sincerely,

Derrick M. Olsen
President
WorldOregon