The Red Door Project

12/26/2025

As 2025 comes to a close, we wanted to share a personal message with you: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6FQm9iJkLac

This year brought challenges, growth, and powerful reminders of why this work matters. Because of your support, we’ve been able to bring people together in ways that spark curiosity, connection—and real transformation.

Looking ahead, we’re especially excited about 'Threshold', our upcoming film exploring what keeps us from truly seeing one another—and what becomes possible when we do. It reflects everything the Red Door Project stands for: self-reflection, meaningful dialogue, and the courage to evolve.

Bringing 'Threshold'—and our workshops, leadership trainings, and community conversations—to life takes resources. If our work has ever resonated with you, or if you believe in creating more spaces for connection and understanding, please consider making a year-end gift.

Every contribution helps us step into the new year ready to keep doing this important work.

Thank you for being part of the Red Door community. We’re grateful to walk this path forward—together.

Make a Gift: https://www.reddoorproject.org/donate/

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

12/23/2025

What does it look like to lead with authenticity, intention, and humanity—especially in law enforcement?

In our December newsletter, we’re sharing a powerful conversation with Interim Chief of Police Oddis Rollins of the West Linn Police Department. With more than 21 years of service, Chief Rollins reflects on leadership as an inside-out practice: making space for reflection, expanding perspective without losing your values, and building culture intentionally from day one.

He shares how his work with the Red Door Project shaped the kind of leader he strives to be—and why authenticity, self-awareness, and curiosity matter now more than ever.

📖 Read the full interview in our December newsletter and join us in exploring what human-centered leadership can look like in action.

https://www.reddoorproject.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Dec-2025-Newsletter-1.html

12/16/2025

At The Red Door Project, we hear it again and again: the Evolve Workshop doesn’t just shift how people show up in the room — it changes how they show up in their lives.

Our recent interview with former Portland Police Bureau Captain Jason Jones brings that impact into sharp focus. After participating in the workshop, he shared how the experience challenged his assumptions, expanded his leadership, and even helped him repair long-standing relationships.

One moment that stayed with him:
"I started to notice how often I default to control or defensiveness without meaning to. Now I try to recognize those moments and respond differently."

From pausing before tough conversations, to reaching out and taking ownership for past conflicts, Captain Jones describes the Evolve Mindset as a practical, grounding tool he now carries into his work every day.

His story is honest, courageous, and deeply reflective — and it’s just one example of the transformations sparked through this work.

📖 Read the full interview:
https://www.reddoorproject.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Sept-2025-Newsletter.html

📬 Don’t miss stories like this. Join our monthly newsletter:
https://www.reddoorproject.org/connect/

Real leadership begins with self-awareness — and when we choose to pause, listen, and lead with humility, we create the space for growth, healing, and connection.

12/12/2025

When Sarah first encountered The Red Door Project through a performance of Hands Up, what moved her most wasn’t just the stories on stage—it was the conversation afterward. In that space of reflection and connection, she saw the heart of our work: helping people listen more deeply, think more openly, and understand each other more fully.

We’re proud to continue building spaces where people can shift perspectives, strengthen relationships, and find common ground. And now, through our upcoming film project, we’re expanding that impact to reach far beyond the theater—bringing tools for self-awareness, dialogue, and healing to communities everywhere.

Your support makes this possible. Together, we can continue offering something truly useful to the world: a pathway toward connection and evolution. To learn more about ways to support, visit https://www.reddoorproject.org/donate/

12/02/2025

✨ Today is Giving Tuesday—a day to celebrate the power of generosity and connection. ✨

At The Red Door Project, we see firsthand how storytelling sparks conversation, curiosity, and change. Every performance, workshop, and conversation opens doors—doors to reflection, growth, and community.

Your support makes this possible. Every gift helps us bring these transformative experiences to more people, more communities, and more lives.

👉 Give today and be part of our story: https://www.reddoorproject.org/donate/

11/24/2025

“I had no idea our relationship would last this long and be so transformative.” La’Tevin’s journey with the Red Door Project began with the August Wilson Monologue Competition and has continued for more than 10 years through Hands Up, Cop Out, and The Evolve Experience.

As a performer he has not only shaped our work but he reflects on how the work has shaped him: “Red Door’s work helped me forge more curiosity about institutions I once thought to be totally black and white.”

From stage to film to workshops, La’Tevin has been a part of our evolution, helping us reimagine how storytelling can spark curiosity and connection across divides. We’re so grateful for his artistry, dedication, and the lens he brings to his work.

11/18/2025

When leaders commit to their own growth, whole teams and communities benefit.

Assistant Police Chief Amanda McMillan recently shared how coaching with Red Door Project Co-Founder Lesli Mones transformed her approach to leadership — from navigating tough conversations to leading with authenticity, empathy, and accountability.

Her reflections on the Evolve Mindset™ — Protect, Expand, Evolve — are powerful, honest, and deeply relevant for anyone in a leadership role.

Read Amanda’s full interview on our website:
� Full story: https://ow.ly/99Sw50XsZQM

11/03/2025

We’re honored to share some exciting news!

The Red Door Project has been selected to receive $30,000 in General Operating Support from the City of Portland’s Office of Arts & Culture for fiscal year 2025–26.

We are deeply grateful for this investment in our mission so that we can use the power of narrative art to bridge divides. Unrestricted support like this is invaluable—it helps us sustain our programs, strengthen our team, and continue bringing transformative experiences like The Evolve Experience and The Evolve Workshop to communities across Portland and beyond.

We’re proud to be among the 79 local arts organizations whose work is being recognized for its impact on Portland’s creative and civic life. As Mayor Keith Wilson shared, “Portland-based arts organizations are an asset to our community… they buoy our larger efforts to renew and invigorate the central city and beyond.”

Thank you to the City of Portland and Arts & Culture Director Chariti Montez for championing the arts as a vital force for connection, reflection, and renewal.

✨ Here’s to a thriving arts ecosystem—and a city that continues to evolve through creativity, courage, and conversation.

The Office of Arts & Culture's General Operating Support program provides essential resources to local arts organizations.

10/30/2025

Join us for a special lunchtime conversation with Red Door Project Co-Founders Kevin Jones and Lesli Mones. Get an insider’s perspective on the creation of our upcoming film, hear directly from Screenwriter Kevin Jones and Director Ime Etuk, and learn how this project is expanding the impact of The Evolve Mindset™.

It’s a chance to connect with Kevin, Lesli, and fellow community members who believe in the power of storytelling to open minds and bridge divides. RSVP to sign up!

https://www.reddoorproject.org/upcoming-events/

04/11/2024

We are throwing it back this Thursday by sharing the inspiring feedback from one of our recent engagements in California! We are so thankful for our audiences that have participated in the Evolve Experience this past year and look forward to more opportunities to engage in the future!

04/10/2024

Critical thinking is a powerful tool, and without it, as our Co-Founder Lesli Mones states, “...we are rendered incapable of solving the gnarly and critical challenges we face as a society.”