Civic Engagement
At 4D, we believe that the only way to overcome the substance use disorder epidemic is to be active in the community through increased civic engagement opportunities. We envision a future where systems, communities, and individuals work together to ensure all people receive the support needed to find and sustain recovery from substances.

What is civic engagement?
Civic engagement makes a difference to our communities by improving knowledge, skills, and values. This in turn improves the quality of life in our community.
4D’s civic engagement focuses on reducing stigma, increasing recovery-centered funding, and improving the availability of services for people seeking recovery. We achieve this by:
- Advocating for laws, policies, and resources that increase recovery within our communities, including partnering with Governor Kate Brown and local advocacy organization Oregon Recovers to help improve the lives of people with substance use disorder. Our advocacy has been featured in the following media:
- KATU 2: Recovery Rally Shines a Light on Addiction Crisis in Oregon
- KATU 2: Bill to fund peer-led recovery centers moving through Oregon Legislature
- KOIN 6: Experts: Oregon needs new drug rehab options
- Executive Order of Governor Kate Brown: Building Oregon’s Commitment to Addiction Prevention, Treatment, and Recovery Priorities
- Street Roots News: Unlikely lobbyists push for reforms to Oregon’s addiction services
- KTVZ: Gov. Brown declares opioid public health crisis
- Organizing the community in an effort to increase recovery in our communities
- Educating our community on what recovery looks like and how to achieve it, recovery support services, and how to reduce stigma
Get involved with 4D’s civic engagement
Our executive director provides leadership development opportunities for young people in recovery through 4D’s civic engagement work.