by Duane Poncy
In June 2026 I began this archive, partly as a personal memoir, and partly because I wanted my history of socialist activism in Central Oregon to be part of the historical record. Most of the Central Oregon documents are from the period of the 70s and early 80s. I was part of, and helped create, a vibrant movement for social change. At that time, Bend had a population of about 17,000. A small town, but so much was happening in that era.
While attending college at COCC in 1968, I was involved in the Eugene McCarthy presidential campaign, and four years later I helped organize Students for McGovern on campus. In 1974, left Bend for a year and a half to get my political science degree in Ashland. When I returned, I ran for a position on the Bend School Board in 1975, doing surprisingly well for a open socialist advocating for radical changes in education. I came in third in a very tight 3-way race, earning close to 30% of the vote.
In 1977 I became involved in the Oregon Nuclear Safeguards Campaign (Ballot Measure 9), and the same year I took a custodian job at COCC, and immediately became involved in a successful union drive. The support staff at COCC was among the lowest paid in the entire state system, particularly the low end worker. There will be another article dedicated to that labor effort.
During this period I was traveling to Portland to attend meetings of the New American Movement, so some items from that connection are here as well. Mostly though, this as a home for my scans of the Community Voice.
I hope it will be useful and inspiring to current wave of activists.