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Dear Friends,
Welcome to 2023! For me, the new year brings with it renewed energy to look forward, strategize, and gaze ahead at possibilities for MaineShare. In early February, we will gather virtually with members to reflect on the last year and talk about the future together. We are also planning for other ways to bring member groups together in 2023 and to strengthen relationships among us, as well as with community. This is a great time to engage new stakeholders with the incredible work of our member groups, and how they can support this work through various MaineShare giving options. Please read on to learn more about the current efforts of our member groups! And to see our latest member spotlight, taking a deeper look at the work of the Maine Women’s Lobby Education Fund, click here.
MaineShare is also pleased to share its latest round of funding to our member groups. This month, allocations checks went out to our members, totaling $137,333.68 in distributions. Our workplace and individual donors make it possible for us to continue providing unrestricted funding to our groups– over $6,637,000 since our inception— and we are so grateful! Don’t forget to read on to learn more.
With gratitude and possibility,
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Amanda Langley (she/her/hers), Director of the MaineShare Program
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Exciting Member Updates and Events! | |
Upcoming events with Viles Arboretum | |
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MECEP Analysis: MaineCare Expansion at 4: Greater Care, Healthier
Hospitals, Stronger Economy
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On January 3, 2019, Governor Janet Mills signed her first executive order, implementing the expansion of MaineCare, Maine’s Medicaid program, which had been approved by voters in 2017. Over the past four years, Medicaid expansion has been transformational for Maine people, hospitals, and the economy. Since the program was implemented in January 2019, more than 130,000 Mainers received access to affordable health care. The program has brought more than $1.4 billion in federal funding to the state, and it has significantly improved hospitals’ balance sheets. In the era of the COVID-19 pandemic, MaineCare proved to be a vital safety net for tens of thousands of Mainers. And as the pandemic pushed enrollment in the program above prior projections, additional federal funding made MaineCare an even better value for the state than anticipated. Click here to read the full article by MECEP economic policy analyst James Myall.
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Take Action with Natural Resources Council of Maine! | |
Want to stay up to date on legislation that could affect Maine’s land, air, waters, and wildlife? The Natural Resources Council of Maine is tracking dozens of high-priority bills that could impact our environment. We invite you to stay informed! You’ll even have the opportunity to make your voice heard. YOU choose which issues to stay in-the-know about. Sign up today at https://www.nrcm.org/get-involved/take-action/nrcm-action-network/. | |
Join the Maine Council of Churches Faith-Based Advocacy Series this month | |
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This month, Maine Council Of Churches will hold three online legislative workshops, each focused on a specific bill before the Maine State Legislature that MCC has identified as a priority. Leaders will include a secular policy analyst who is an expert in the field, and a theologian who will assist participants in framing their advocacy with the language of faith, scripture and values. Registration for all can be completed here.
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Thursday, February 2nd, 6:30-8:00 pm Tribal Sovereignty with Ambassador Osihkiyol “Zeke” Crofton-Macdonald, Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians and Tribal Co-Commissioner of the Maine Indian Tribal State Commission and Shirley Hager, Friends Committee on Maine Public Policy and co-author of “The Gatherings”
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Tuesday, February 7th 6:30-8:00 pm Banning Solitary Confinement in Maine’s Prisons with Jan Collins from Maine Prisoner Advocacy Coalition and Rev. Jill Saxby, MCC Liaison to National Religious Campaign against Torture
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Thursday, February 9th 6:30-8:00 pm Housing and Homelessness with Terence Miller and Devon Stockmayer, Preble Street and Rev. Peter Swarr, co-founder of Neighbors Need ME and Rector of Trinity Episcopal Church in Portland
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Bring Your Business Idea to Life with New Ventures Maine! | |
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New Ventures Maine has an open call for Venturing Forth: Business Planning for Entrepreneurs, a tuition-free 60-hour course in business planning, which will be offered in person in Brunswick starting March 20, 2023.
To learn more, contact NVME Small Business Advisor Jenn Dobransky at jenn.dobransky@maine.edu or visit the NVME website!
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Intern with Sierra Club Maine! | |
Working to convene a coalition that centers BIPOC-led organizations and frontline communities, the goal of the 30x30 Campaign is to protect 30% of U.S. lands and water by protecting priority lands critical to climate solutions-– as well as providing connected wildlands and waters where wildlife, plants, and people thrive. Sierra Club Maine is hiring a 30x30 Campaign Planning Intern who will be responsible for supporting the Chapter’s 30x30 campaign work, including planning and coalition building. This position will work with our national organizers, chapter staff, and chapter volunteers to ensure effective grassroots organizing strategy that is aligned with our campaign goals and values. We practice the Jemez Principles and center organizational Equity Values within our organizing work. Learn more and apply here by February 5th! | |
Maine Coalition to End Domestic Violence Annual Report | |
In 2022, the Maine Coalition to End Domestic Violence commemorated 45 years of statewide advocacy with and on behalf of its membership. In this year’s Annual Report, the coalition looks back over the years and celebrates milestones in this transformative work, extending appreciation to its member programs, community partners, and allies who have contributed hours – and years – to supporting survivors to build a more just and joyful society. All are encouraged to read! | |
Holocaust and Human Rights Center of Maine: 2023 Distinguished Lecture Series | |
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TW: Sexual assault
Given the success of last year’s presentations, the HHRC will sponsor another Distinguished Lecture Series in early 2023. The first of three distinguished lecturers, Wiola Rebecka, will present on Monday, February 6th 6:00-7:30 pm about the research and writing of her book Rape: A History of Shame, Diary of the Survivors. After learning of her grandmother’s horrific experiences during the Holocaust, Wiola says, “My book is dedicated to the voices of war rape survivors being heard and embraced, as well as the people working in the field to support war rape survivors.” As a practicing psychoanalyst, Wiola combines cultural anthropology and psychology to study people in the context of their respective cultures. Register for this event here.
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Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association unveils 2023 Common Ground Country Fair artwork! | |
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MOFGA unveiled the 2023 Common Ground Country Fair artwork in January at the Agricultural Trades Show in Augusta. This year’s artwork by Rebekah Lowell is titled “Monarchs and Milkweed.” With the monarch butterfly population declining due to habitat loss, the message of “Monarchs and Milkweed” is both timely and a fitting selection for MOFGA’s annual celebration of rural living.
The “Monarchs and Milkweed” posters are available for sale in MOFGA’s online store and at The Maine Organic Marketplace, located at 55 Main Street in Freeport. Planning is underway for the 2023 Common Ground Country Fair taking place September 22, 23 and 24 in Unity, Maine, with vendor applications now being accepted for many areas of the fair. Vendors and exhibitors interested in learning more about how they can participate in the event this year can learn more at: mofga.org/the-fair.
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Let it Snow with Maine Audubon! | |
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Maine Audubon is celebrating winter weather and wildlife with two family-friendly festivals in February. Winter Fun Day will be held Saturday, February 11th, 10am – 2pm at Fields Pond Audubon Center in Holden, ME (six miles from Bangor). This event is FREE for all! No registration necessary.
There will also be a Winter Carnival on Saturday, February 18th from 10am – 2pm at Gilsland Farm Sanctuary in Falmouth. This event is FREE to Maine Audubon members, and $9.00 for non-members: $9. All children under 2 are free.
Visitors of all ages can learn, create, and play at a variety of indoor and outdoor activity stations including a winter wildlife touch table, tracking activities, snow science and art, snowshoeing with the LL Bean Outdoor Discover School, and more!
For more information, visit maineaudubon.org/events!
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This is just a small sampling of the critical work MaineShare members do to build a better Maine. Please join us in supporting and learning from the great work of ALL our member groups.
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