How to use the

Abundance for All

Lens

The Abundance for All Lens is a tool to help you make informed, values-aligned decisions when voting. This is not about telling you who to vote for. This is about giving you a way to evaluate whether candidates and measures align with the future our communities have dreamed of.

Start with the Pillars

The pillars are a collection of dreams from community. At Women’s Foundation of Oregon, we believe Dreaming is Data. The Dreams of our community have created the data needed for Abundance for All lens.
Ground yourself in the six pillars of Abundance for All.
As you review candidates or ballot measures, ask:
Which pillar is most important for me?
Does this reflect the kind of world we are trying to build?
Review the Candidate or Measure in Four Areas

For each candidate or ballot measure, using the pillars look at:
1. Candidate / Ballot Website
2. Voting Record (if applicable)
3. Endorsements
4. Campaign Finance
Apply the Lens

For each pillar, ask:
●      Does this candidate or measure move us closer to this vision?
●      Where do I see alignment?
●      Where do I see gaps?
There is no “perfect” candidate.
This process is about alignment, not perfection.
Make Your Decision

Use what you’ve learned to make a choice that reflects:
●      Your values
●      Your community’s needs
●      Our shared dream/vision of abundance

A Final Reminder

Abundance for All is rooted in the belief that:

● Policy should reflect our collective dreams

● Communities deserve transparency and clarity

● Voting is one way we shape the future together

Your voice matters. Your vote is part of building what comes next.

How to Review a Voting Record

Pay attention
to impact.

Consider how their votes have affected communities like yours. Who benefits? Who is left out? This is where connecting back to the Abundance for All pillars is key.

This tool is not about catching perfection, it’s about understanding alignment. Voting records help reveal how candidates translate values into action. As you review, ask yourself: Do these decisions move us closer to the future we are dreaming of for our communities?

Where to Find Voting Records

State (Oregon Legislature)
Use the Oregon Legislative Information System (OLIS) to search bills, legislators, and voting history

Federal (U.S. Congress)
Here you can review voting records for members of Congress.

County and City Levels
Voting records at the local level can be more decentralized, but they are still accessible:

County Commissioners: Check your county’s official website. Look for meeting agendas, minutes, and recorded votes.
City Council: Visit your city’s website and review council meeting archives, which often include vote tallies and recordings.
Many jurisdictions also post video recordings, allowing you to see not just how someone voted, but how they discussed the issue.

Political Endorsements (Public Backing)

Endorsements are when an individual or organization publicly supports a political candidate, party, or policy. It’s essentially a way of saying: “I recommend or stand behind this person or idea.”

How to review endorsements

Review who is the endorser?
Does the endorser have credibility? Is it a trusted organization?

Values Alignment?
Does the endorser’s mission or ideology match the candidate’s platform? This is where connecting back to the Abundance for All pillars is key.

Consider potential bias or interests?
Does the endorser benefit financially or politically?Are there known affiliations that might influence their support?

Measure impact
Did the endorsement lead to increased donations, media coverage, or polling changes? AIs it being widely shared or discussed?

Where to Find Endorsements

Candidate Campaign Websites
Most candidates list endorsements on their official pages under sections like Endorsements or Supporters.‍ ‍

Ballotpedia
Ballotpedia tracks endorsements for many races, often compiling;Notable individuals, Organizations, Political figures

Vote Smart
Vote Smart, formerly known as Project Vote Smart, is an American non-profit, non-partisan research organization established to collect and distribute factual information on U.S. candidates for public office.

County and City Levels
Endorsements at the local level can be more decentralized, but they are still accessible:

County Voter Pamphlet
County Political Party Websites
Local Unions & Community Organizations‍ ‍

This tool isn’t about judging perfection,it’s about understanding alignment. Political endorsements can offer insight into how candidates translate their values into action.

As you review endorsements, consider the bigger picture: Do these individuals or organizations help move us closer to the future we envision for our communities?

Candidate Website

The purpose of a political campaign website is to serve as a central platform for candidates to communicate their message, values, and policy positions in their own words.

How to find the website

Do a quick search of candidates name and position they are running for. For example “Jane Doe, County Commissioner.” Their website will also be listed in the voter pamphlet.

The website generally contains more information about the candidate personally as well as their stance on a variety of issues. Some things to consider when reviewing a candidate’s website:

What issues are highlighted and which issues are missing - If you care about a particular issue and the candidate fails to mention it, consider if that candidate is in alignment with your values.
Taxes and tax policy. Taxes are policy in action - what issues does the candidate want to fund versus where do they want to defund with tax dollars?
Effectiveness. Do they have a track record of success, are they endorsed by folks who share your values, do you believe this candidate will make choices that will lead to Abundance for All?
Event calendar. Attending a forum or an event where the candidate will speak can be a valuable way to learn more about them and where they stand.