The Bus Project is a volunteer-driven, non-profit organization that engages young people in progressive politics and catalyzes action around progressive issues within the U.S. state of Oregon. The Oregon Bus Project’s mission is to drive Oregon to be a progressive model for the nation. Founded in 2001, the Bus Project has mobilized thousands of volunteers and activists around the state of Oregon.
The Bus Project was founded in 2001 by Harvard Law School graduate Jefferson Smith. In the 2004 election, Bus volunteers canvassed numerous voters around the state, which may have contributed to the Oregon State Senate switching from Republican to Democratic control. In the 2006 Oregon elections the Oregon House of Representatives flipped to Democratic control following extensive canvassing by the Bus Project.
The Bus Project strives to advocate a public interest agenda, one that includes volunteerism and service to community.
The Bus defines progressive issues to include "the 6 E's":
Building Votes is the non-profit, non-partisan voter registration arm of the Bus Project. It aims to assist citizens under 30 years old to register and vote, and to educate themselves about issues and politics. In the 2006 election cycle, Building Votes registered 20,000 new voters in Oregon, increasing the size of the overall under-30 electorate in Oregon by 6%.
Trick or Vote, the Halloween canvass, turned out over 800 people to volunteer for half a day in 2004, and over 500 for the mid-term election in 2006. A mass costume canvass to get out the vote is followed by an evening of entertainment and music, the Trick-or-Vote canvass has been replicated by other organizations from Montana to Florida.