Civic Stewardship & Engagement

The Duck Store stands against violence. We stand against injustice and prejudice. We stand against those who would seek to undo our democracy.

The assault on our nation's Capitol on Wednesday, January 6, 2021 was a manifestation of inflammatory rhetoric inciting violence as a means to an unlawful end. It followed similar attacks and acts of violence around the country, including here in Oregon at our state Capitol weeks prior. Insurrectionists used incendiary language as tacit approval to violently attack institutions and processes representing the fundamental bedrocks of our democracy; in the most egregious case: The peaceful transfer of power from one freely and fairly elected President to the next.

The Duck Store is about potential, and it is potential that drives us. Just as we see potential in every student, school term and season, we see potential in our nation, elections and the great experiment of democracy.

Democracy only works when we denounce violence as a solution and instead use our informed voice in its critical role to debate, educate, practice and grow - to improve our quality of life and the quality of governance. Change is a natural part of the growth for any nation, and we've seen how exercising our voice can shape policy and start to bring about social change for the betterment of all our communities. Heinous attacks on our institutions are antithetical to that process, and we fervently condemn all violence.

There is hard work to be done. Our country can be better than this; we can Be more.

Actions and Opportunities

The Duck Store encourages team members to volunteer with organizations they are passionate about by providing an option for paid time off to volunteer with eligible organizations in our community. To qualify for Community Outreach Time Off (COTO), the service activity must be for the general betterment of the community, reflect Duck Store values and not represent or support a political cause or religious institution.

Additionally, we recognize that for there to be positive and lasting change in our communities, we need to increase voter education and participation.