Being raised in the south by parents from Appalachia has given Chris Kahle an understanding of how poverty is an oppressive force in so many peoples’ lives.

As a geographer, Chris has done research to reveal the inequities in park and greenspace location and investment and how poor communities and communities of color have less access to park space and park development dollars. He has supported grassroots efforts to change how parks planning is done in Los Angeles and Paris, and has served as an "urban ranger," leading people on guided hikes of forgotten alleys in Los Angeles.

Chris learned of MRG Foundation by chance, when he was still a new arrival in Portland, and he quickly decided to donate and get involved. We asked him how he figured out that MRG was a good fit for him.

“The word that leaps to mind is trust," he explained. "I trust the values of the grantees, and I also have trust in the process.”

Chris not only donates to MRG, but he also volunteers on phone banks and has joined the planning committee for MRG’s annual Justice within Reach event. “Even at the planning meeting for this upcoming event, the process at MRG is unique and distinctive.”

We’re glad to have Chris on board as we plan for our 2010 Justice Within Reach event, and glad that he's bringing his commitment to social change to his work with us.

Look for Chris at Justice Within Reach in April, 2010!