Volunteers Inspire Youngsters to Become Good Citizens

“Long ago, two early settlers in this town decided to flip a coin to determine if our city would be named Portland or Boston. Can you guess which one won?”

 

The small group of third graders giggled and responded that of course Portland won. “Yes,” I say. “Otherwise, we would be cheering for the Boston Timbers and Boston Blazers.” They groan at the joke, but their smiles are bright, and they are learning.

 

This is a typical moment in the free tours provided by Urban Tour Group of Portland (UTG). Since 1973, UTG has worked to inspire young minds to become good citizens by providing 2-hour walking tours of downtown Portland. Third grade teachers select one of three offered: Early City, Life in the City, and Becoming a city. Students are divided into groups of about seven, and an Urban Tour guide takes them through the city, sharing stories, history, cultural markers, and more. Returning to the school bus, the kids enthusiastically chatter about all the things they saw.

 

“We got to meet some fire fighters. It was so cool!”

“We went into a secret tunnel from the Heathman Hotel to the Performing Arts Center.”

“I can’t believe how cool City Hall is? We met the mayor!”

 

The tours apply lessons learned in the classroom to the city around us.

 

Each month, about 75 Urban Tour Group guides hear local speakers, learning about our city. Last year’s speaker presentations covered art in Timberline Lodge, the Naito legacy, the Vanport Mosaic, and Native American art.

 

Guides learn from each other, and take three social trips just for them in fall, spring, and winter. A December auction/luncheon raises funds to cover transportation costs for schools.

 

If you might enjoy being a guide, New Member Symposiums are held in October. Attendees learn about the organization, and discover that being a guide is not only fun, it’s easy.

 

Comprehensive training takes place Thursday mornings through January and February. Each new guide gets a mentor and can shadow more experienced guides before going solo.

 

To learn more or get involved, contact UTGinformation@gmail.com.