In celebration of “Independents Week“, Portland Buy Local circulated several copies of the Declaration of Independents– an opportunity for you to declare your support for the independent businesses that make Portland “a singular city and great place to live”.

Here’s a shot of Peter signing the Declaration over at North Star Café.

Full text of the Declaration, drafted by Stacy Mitchell and Chris Busby, board members of the Portland Buy Local Campaign:

When in the Course of human events it becomes necessary for the people of a community to dissolve the bands of corporate dominance, and reclaim and reinvigorate their local economy, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them.

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that Portland’s independently owned businesses and non-profit organizations help define and preserve our City’s unique character. That local ownership ensures vital decisions affecting this City and its Citizens are made not by distant Sovereigns, but by people who live here. That our locally owned, independent businesses strengthen Portland’s economy by employing our friends and neighbors and spending a greater portion of their revenues on local goods and services than chain and franchise businesses based out of state. And that the presence of independent businesses fosters the entrepreneurial spirit in our community and inspires young people in Portland to follow their passions and realize their dreams.

We, therefore, the Citizens of Portland, do solemnly publish and declare, That this is a community of Independents. And for the support of this Declaration, we mutually pledge to nurture and support local enterprise, and to celebrate that which makes Portland a singular City and a great place to live.