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My job working as a physical therapist at the hospital has given me training and experience of my <br />patients regarding disability rights, accessibility, need for health care. I have worked for years with <br />unhoused people and those with mental health and/or substance abuse issues and I strive to advocate <br />for their rights. <br />1 How has your employment and/or volunteer experience prepared you to do the work of a Human Rights <br />Commissioner? Please be specific. <br />I have been with patients during the worst and scariest times of their lives. They have shared their fears <br />and experiences with need for healthcare, food insecurity, housing insecurity, lack of access to mental <br />health and addiction services. <br />As the mom of 2 LGBTW children, I have witnessed the harassment, bullying and fear they face daily to <br />just be and exist safely in the world. <br />2 How has your personal experience prepared you to do the work of a Human Rights Commissioner? Please <br />be specific. <br />Ongoing criminalization of the unhoused and unsheltered. <br />Lack of affordable housing and living wage jobs <br />Ongoing persistent and worsening discrimination and hate crimes against people of color, people of <br />different religious affiliations, immigrants, refugees, undocumented people and LGBTQ people. <br />3 What do you see as the three most pressing human rights issues in Eugene? Select the most important and <br />explain why. <br />I know that change happens when all parties come to the table and collaborate. I know that respectful <br />but uncomfortable conversations must happens for real change to occur. I am able to listen with <br />compassion and to listen to learn. I am able to center people of color and marginaled people. <br />My biggest weakness is that I can get quiet when I am really contemplating. <br />4 Describe your specific strengths and weaknesses that would allow you to negotiate group situations in which <br />members hold strong, differing opinions. Give a specific example if possible. <br />Ericka Thessen <br />HRC - Round 1 Applications July 8, 2019, Meeting – Item 4