It’s quite simple really. We feel energized and gratified by the type of work we get to do. We’re not just communicators—it’s so much deeper than that. Employing each of our unique talents, we are storytellers and movement builders. We are change agents, reframers and advocates. And continually proud of the impact we make. Learn more about what drives us in our staff-written blogs.
August 29th, 2017
If you’ve ever participated in a team relay, you know what a labor of love it can be. There are 12 runners to a team, 6 in each van and you are coordinating from van to van to pass the “baton” off to the next runner at each exchange point. Each van has to account…
August 2nd, 2017
There’s no doubt about it – the Coates Kokes office is beautiful. We moved into the Commonwealth Building in downtown Portland in 2011 (before my time here), onto the “unlucky” 13th floor. Superstitions aside, we have whiteboard walls, a fridge stocked with sparking water, a stunning, in my opinion, a 360-degree view of Portland –…
June 22nd, 2017
In the aftermath of the Pulse Nightclub shooting, Justin Torres for The Washington Post wrote “In praise of Latin Night at the Queer Club,” a tribute I shared among friends, many who identify with a letter in the LGBTQAlphabet, and many who don’t. The outpouring of support and the unity that followed that brutal attack…
May 23rd, 2017
Every two seconds, someone in the United States needs blood. Really, every two seconds. Most of us probably take for granted that the blood will be there, waiting for transfusion, if and when we or a loved one need it. But there’s no guarantee of that… unless we all do our part to contribute to…
March 23rd, 2017
This time of year makes me happy. The days are getting longer, rain and snow will be behind us soon (OK, maybe not rain), and NCAA college basketball playoffs are underway. Coates Kokes is not alone in sponsoring a Bracket Challenge competition: 70 million people filled out March Madness brackets in 2016. USA Today says…
December 23rd, 2016
What does it mean to “Live Better?” For some people, it may mean cutting back on calories (goodbye, Christmas cookies!) and getting a little more physical activity. To others it could mean working a little less and spending a little more time with loved ones. Or possibly cutting back on a bad habit that prevents…