Dear Friends,


Although the season of leisure is fading into memory, opportunities to gather and celebrate are going strong. Many of our members are holding events over the next couple of months to share in success, achievement and joy. These celebrations are so well-deserved, and we encourage readers to read more about these events here, and attend as you are able.  


Our celebration of our members' work is at an exciting time, as we launch the 2022 Workplace Giving Campaign. This time of year allows us to share the incredible work of our members with workers across the state, show them how they can be engaged, and garner support for sustainable change toward better Maine communities.


I also wanted to remind you of another chance to celebrate this season at the MaineShare Greendrinks event, September 13th at 5:30 pm. We will be hosted by the Maine Audubon Gilsland Farm in Falmouth. Please visit Portland Greendrinks for more information and to be alerted when tickets for this exciting event are available!


With excitement and thanks,





Amanda Langley (she/her/hers), Director of the MaineShare Program
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Exciting Member Updates and Events!

Maine Coalition Against Sexual Assault 2022 Legislative Report

The Maine Coalition Against Sexual Assault recently published their 2022 Legislative Report, detailing the most impactful new laws for survivors of sexual violence from the 130th Legislature. A few highlights include:

•   A complete rewrite of Maine’s protection from abuse statutes, the result of countless hours of work by our friends at Pine Tree Legal Assistance and the Maine Coalition to End Domestic Violence, which will improve access to these protections for survivors.

•   A prohibition against non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) as a term of employment, which will keep employers from preventing survivors from sharing and seeking redress for sexual harassment and assault that happened in workplace settings.

•   The right for people subject to guardianship to engage advocates and legal supports, even if their guardian does not want to allow them access to these critical services.

•   A wide range of initiatives to improve the prevention of and response to sexual violence at Maine’s colleges and universities.

 

MECASA is so grateful to the legislators who worked so hard to pass these bills, the advocates and allies who showed up to demand this impactful change, and the survivors who shared their stories. Read the full report here!

Maine Center for Economic Policy shares how the Inflation Reduction Act will help Mainers

The US Senate recently passed the Inflation Reduction Act, a bill which promises to make historic investments in clean energy, long-awaited fixes to our upside-down tax system, and improvements to health care affordability, all while reducing the federal deficit. Investment in any one of these policy areas would yield significant progress; together they mark the bill as a substantial piece of legislation which will benefit Mainers in many different ways. Check out this Maine Center for Economic Policy in-depth look at how the federal legislation will help address the many rising costs that are hurting Mainers.

Updates in MaineCare from Consumers for Affordable Health Care

Consumers for Affordable Health Care (CAHC) reminds us that MaineCare now covers comprehensive dental/oral care for eligible adults.  See CAHC’s flyer for information on finding a dentist or call the HelpLine at 1-800-965-7476.

 

Also, MaineCare health coverage is now available for children and pregnant people, regardless of their immigration status.  For more information on how to apply for coverage, contact DHHS at 1-800-797-4357.  The CACH website is always a great place for information and updates about accessing health care in Maine!

New Ventures Maine Tuition-Free Workshops to Help Career, Money, and Business Goals

As the weather cools and plans for fall are made, check out New Ventures Maine’s workshops and classes that provide tools and support to help you find a good job, further your education, start a business, or manage your money. Upcoming online workshops include:

  • Building a Strong Future: Take steps toward work that aligns with your values and skills while also meeting your needs, such as desired salary and benefits. 
  • My Money Works: Gain the skills and confidence you need to stretch your money, pay your bills, reduce debt, and set personal financial goals with a plan to achieve greater financial stability. 
  • Business Success Series: This series was created to help you understand and manage the many components of starting and growing your business successfully. 

Learn more about these and many other free classes at this link or call toll-free: 800-442-2092.

Maine Animal Coalition’s opposition to Pig Scrambles featured in news

The Maine Animal Coalition’s (MAC) opposition to a popular event at county fairs, the pig scramble, was featured in a recent news article.  MAC voices concern not only about what happens during the event, but what happens to the pigs who are “won” in the event, possibly being sent home with unprepared families.  Read the entire article here.

Maine Equal Justice is hiring!

Maine Equal Justice is excited to share that they are hiring for two positions: 

  • Affordable Housing and Consumer Rights Policy Advocate: This position is focused on improving consumer rights and access to affordable housing and is responsible for conducting research and analysis of laws and regulations and their impact on low-income populations and providing information to policymakers and other organizations toward that end.  
  • Peer Workforce Navigator Policy Advocate: This position will work with community-based Peer Workforce Navigators to identify barriers and implement systemic improvements to ensure that workers are getting unemployment insurance, other public benefits, and work supports for which they are eligible.

Please visit this link for more information on both positions!

Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association Common Ground Fair Tips and Farmer Wellness Fund

The Common Ground Country Fair will be held in Unity, Maine, September 23-25. To spend more time enjoying the Fair — and less time waiting in line — you can purchase your tickets in advance.  This site also provides other useful information for planning your visit — including camping and accommodation suggestions, and how to register groups. 


In other exciting news, the Maine Farmer Wellness Fund is used to support Maine farmers and farm workers in their mental health and wellness needs. Farmer wellness is broadly defined and there is a wide range of eligible uses.  The application period is open now through September 30.

Sierra Club Maine’s Annual Celebration

The Sierra Club Maine invites all to their 2022 Annual Celebration, to be held September 16th in Portland.  This event will host a panel of local activists facilitated by Representative Chellie Pingree on the importance of activism, in order to highlight the importance of intersectional and justice centered solutions to the climate crisis. For more information and to register, please visit here!

Defend Our Health celebrates 20 Years of Victories


Defend Our Health is excited to celebrate 20 years of victories Sunday, September 11th at Broadturn Farm in Scarborough.  This event will feature live music, brunch and drinks, awards and celebration.  For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit here!

EqualityMaine 38th Annual Awards Celebration

EqualityMaine is looking forward to its awards soiree on Saturday, September 17th at Aura in Portland! This event will feature stellar entertainment, award honorees, and a spirited celebration of the LGBTQ+ community. For more information or to attend, please visit here!

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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.
MaineShare | 207-622-0105| giving@maineshare.org | www.maineshare.org
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