Economic Optimism Collective (EOC)
The Volunteer & Community Outreach Arm of The Rise Moor Healing Center
Connecting People. Mobilizing Resources. Building Stronger Communities.
Who We AreThe Economic Optimism Collective is the volunteer and community outreach arm of The Rise Moor Healing Center (RMHC), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit community leadership development organization based in Portland, Oregon.
EOC brings together individuals, families, volunteers, community organizations, businesses, and institutions committed to improving the social, economic, and overall well-being of our communities.Built on Common Unity, Collective Responsibility, and Community Leadership Development, EOC turns the willingness to serve into organized action. Everyone has something valuable to contribute through time, knowledge, skills, resources, relationships, or lived experience.
Our purpose is simple: turn collective potential into community progress.Our MissionTo uplift fallen humanity and teach those things necessary to make us better citizens by mobilizing volunteers, connecting community resources, developing leadership, and creating opportunities for collective economic and social advancement. We cultivate economic optimism by helping people see that positive change is possible when communities organize their talents, resources, and efforts toward shared objectives.
What We Do
The Economic Optimism Collective bridges community needs, available resources, and meaningful opportunities to serve. Through volunteer engagement, outreach, resource coordination, and collaborative projects, we help people move from identifying challenges to participating in solutions.
• Volunteer Mobilization: Recruit, orient, train, and coordinate volunteers.
• Community Outreach: Build relationships with individuals, families, neighborhoods, and organizations.
• Resource Navigation & Support: Connect people with food, clothing, shelter, transportation, and other essential resources.
• Community Leadership Development: Create pathways to apprenticeships, project leadership, facilitation, and organizing.
• Partnership Development: Connect nonprofits, businesses, institutions, and community stakeholders.
• Community Projects & Service: Support hands-on work that strengthens neighborhoods and encourages self-reliance.
How We Serve: Our Four Pillars
EOC connects volunteers and outreach initiatives to RMHC’s broader community development mission.
1. Health & Wellness
Physical, mental, emotional, and social well-being through education, wellness outreach, resource navigation, and supportive relationships.
2. Agripreneurship
Urban agriculture, food security, gardening, farm-based learning, environmental stewardship, and local food systems.
3. Financial Intelligence
Financial education, economic opportunity, entrepreneurship, resource development, and practical knowledge for household stability.
4. Civic Engagement
Community participation, civic education, volunteer service, advocacy, responsible citizenship, and informed leadership.
From Volunteerism to Leadership
Volunteerism is an opportunity to grow. Through RMHC’s Community Leadership Development Framework, participants discover strengths, build practical skills, and take increasing responsibility through orientation, needs assessment, service, apprenticeships, leadership training, and community-led initiatives.
What Is Economic Optimism?
Economic optimism is the belief that present economic circumstances do not have to determine future possibilities. It recognizes that communities possess human, social, cultural, and economic resources that can be organized to create opportunity. Economic optimism is not simply positive thinking; it is hope supported by education, cooperation, planning, and action.
When people work together to meet essential needs, develop skills, create opportunities, and strengthen local relationships, they build the foundation for lasting economic independence and community prosperity.
Get Involved — Be Part of the Collective
You do not need a special title, professional background, or extensive experience to make a difference. Students, parents, professionals, entrepreneurs, retirees, advocates, and anyone ready to contribute can find a place within EOC.
Volunteer. Collaborate. Share Resources. Develop Leadership. Serve Humanity.
Discover Your Place. Develop Your Potential. Build Your Future.
An initiative of The Rise Moor Healing Center — Uplifting Fallen Humanity Through Community Leadership Development.