Helping people get into it

In many ways, creative activism is an art. HAP’s medium is water mixed with joy.  When we began our work in 2010, we started by throwing a party — The Big Float. The idea was to create a fun event and spark a movement that would draw people to the river. Our clarion call was (and still is) Join the Riverlution!  

From the start, we’ve continued to find creative ways to help people “get into their river.” For generations, Portlanders have been leery at best about swimming in the Willamette River. Supported by thousands of volunteers, HAP’s awareness-building, attention-getting campaigns and events have made a huge impact in public attitudes toward the Willamette River.  The culture has changed.

Now, more folks than ever recreate and swim in the Willamette River. HAP programs have mobilized more than 35,000 people to participate in events like our HAP Duckworth Dock Summer Swims, our 1,000-person River Hugger community swim team, the Cathedral Park beach cleanup and grand opening, and other river endeavors.

Besides changing river culture, this work has inspired dreams and aspirations for the future and fostered environmental stewardship. People protect what they love.