Two locations. Four days. One shared commitment to truth-telling, healing, and community power.

Curry County (Gold Beach): April 10–11, 2026

Coos County (Coos Bay): April 15–16, 2026

Southwestern Oregon — The South Coast Health Equity Coalition (SCHEC) is proud to announce the 2026 Courageous Conversations Conference, a two-part regional gathering centering racial justice, truth-telling, healing, and collective action across Oregon’s South Coast.

The conference will take place in Gold Beach (Curry County) on April 10–11 at the Curry Public Library, and in Coos Bay (Coos County) on April 15–16 at Ko’kwel Casino & RV Park / The Mill Casino. This year’s conference brings together community members, educators, advocates, service providers, youth leaders, and partners committed to building a South Coast where everyone can live with dignity, safety, and belonging.

Registration Links:

Gold Beach (Curry County) — April 10 & 11

Curry Public Library

Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-courageous-conversations-conference-tickets1981832413097?aff=oddtdtcreator

Coos Bay (Coos County) — April 15 & 16

Ko’kwel Casino & RV Park / The Mill Casino

Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-courageous-conversations-conference-tickets1981833873465?aff=oddtdtcreator

The Courageous Conversations Conference is rooted in SCHEC’s mission to increase capacity for sustained well-being, leadership, and self-advocacy among institutionally underserved populations in Southwestern Oregon. Through workshops, panels, community storytelling, and skill-building spaces,

participants will explore how health equity is shaped by history, policy, and the social conditions that impact our daily lives.

“We know that courageous conversations are not just about learning—they are about truth, accountability, healing, and building power together,” said Jayden Ruff, Executive Director of the South Coast Health Equity Coalition. “In a time when communities are being targeted and histories are being erased, we are creating space for people on the South Coast to come together, build relationships, and strengthen the conditions for collective well-being.”

SCHEC is deeply grateful to the sponsors and partners who have made this conference possible, including: Oregon Remembrance Project, Oregon Office of Rural Health, Oregon Department of Human Services, Kairos, Southern Oregon Coast Pride, Rural Organizing Project, Northwest American Indian Coalition, Seeding Justice, HIV Alliance, Oregon Food Bank, Curry Public Library, South Coast Reproductive Justice Project, and the Oregon Health Authority

About SCHEC

The South Coast Health Equity Coalition (SCHEC) is a community-rooted organization serving Coos and Curry Counties in Southwestern Oregon. SCHEC’s vision is healthy communities throughout Southwestern Oregon, and its mission is to increase capacity for sustained well-being, leadership, and self-advocacy among institutionally underserved populations. Guided by values of respect, listening, accessibility, integrity, humility, cost-effectiveness, and partnership, SCHEC works alongside community members and local partners to strengthen connection, reduce barriers to participation, and support coordinated, community-led solutions that advance health and belonging across the region.