Board Bio for Erik Oas
Name: Erik Oas
Neighborhood: 9th Ward (Central Lawrenceville)
What years have you lived in Lawrenceville? 2021-present
Why did you move to Lawrenceville? I had moved to Pittsburgh the year before and lived downtown. While I loved the city I wanted to find a neighborhood and get a dog. What drew me to Lawrenceville was the walkability, the trail along the river, row house, the architecture, and the people.
Current job title (if employed): Mobilization Director for PA United
Why do you want to be on the LU Board? I have loved being a resident of Lawrenceville over the last three years and I would like to work with my neighbors on improving lives for residents and welcoming in new and returning neighbors to Lawrenceville. I would like to help with the Friday food distros and, if possible, serve on the Housing and or the Community Events Committee.
Volunteer, Non-Profit, or Board Experience: I have worked on and volunteered with numerous local political and public pressure campaigns focused on building political power for poor and working people. My day job for the last 3 years have been working for a non-profit working on voter education and certain political campaigns.
What makes Lawrenceville unique? Why? Lawrenceville is home for me and the people here are what make it what it is.
One of LU’s core values is equity and the organization has recently embraced anti-oppression trainings to support our work in this area. What’s one idea you have for how LU should live out its commitment to equity? A commitment to affordable housing and long term residents – as I believe the best way we can live our principles is by making it affordable for all and making sure those who have called Lawrenceville home for decades can age in place.
How are you involved in the Lawrenceville community? I can proudly say that I have knocked on every door in lower, central, and upper Lawrenceville, and have built social groups like my bowling league to better know neighbor and fellow organizers.
What would you bring to the LU Board (e.g. experience, skills, perspective, network, etc.)? I bring a 125 average bowling score, strong baseball history knowledge, deep commitment to affordable housing, and social networks of those organizing in around our neighborhood.
What’s one fun fact that others might be surprised to know about you? I called games in Minor League Baseball on the radio for 7 years. Hanging up my microphone after the 2019 season with the Single-A Clinton LumberKings.