Day 2 of the Dorchester Conference 2025 wasn’t about political speeches or party platforms — it was about people. Real Oregonians. From mothers who became advocates after confronting school boards, to rising young leaders organizing Gen Z conservatives, the stories shared in this special Oregon D.O.G.E. episode illustrate a new kind of movement: one driven by courage, conviction, and community.
From Protested to Empowered: The Rise of Mama Bears
One of the most powerful segments of the episode features two moms — Josie Alexander and Mackenzie Pulliam — who turned frustration into action. Josie’s story of being protested by over 200 people at a school board meeting for questioning controversial books in her daughter’s kindergarten class is a snapshot of the resistance many parents face. But instead of backing down, she formed a community, got involved in campaigns, and now leads others to do the same.
Mackenzie, co-founder of Oregon Moms Union, recounts organizing moms across the state to push for open schools, fight harmful mandates, and train parents to run for school boards. Together, these women show that when the system fails, moms lead.
Why Dorchester Still Matters
Throughout the episode, guests reflect on what Dorchester has meant to them personally and politically. For many — including Mayor Stan Pulliam and his wife Mackenzie — Dorchester wasn’t just a conference; it was the launchpad for careers in public service and a lifelong commitment to activism.
Sen. Daniel Bonham and Sen. Mike McLane emphasize how this retreat-style event builds authentic relationships, mentors new voices, and inspires action in a way no other gathering in Oregon does.
New Leaders, Same Mission
We hear from rising voices like:
- Nick Stark (Oregon Freedom Coalition): Building long-term conservative infrastructure and reaching Oregon’s non-affiliated voters.
- Riley Ashby Anderton (Turning Point USA): Advocating for free speech on college campuses and exposing institutional bias.
- Tanner Elliott (Young Republicans of Oregon): Growing youth involvement and energizing the next generation of conservative voters.
What’s at Stake?
From school policy and child protection to censorship and political infrastructure, this episode makes it clear: Oregon’s future isn’t just shaped in Salem. It’s shaped in school board meetings, campaign teams, small-town coffee shops, and conference halls like Dorchester.