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Dear Friend,
During this time of giving and gratitude, I would be remiss to not thank YOU- our MaineShare community. Our MaineShare community has raised unrestricted funds to make our member organizations more sustainable and adaptable in meeting the needs of their communities. You have increased awareness of the incredible work done by our groups to make Maine more just, vibrant, and equitable. You have allowed groups the opportunity to build relationships, empowering each other and sharing knowledge and resources. But of course, the work is not over, and MaineShare is planning to launch an increased giving campaign with expanded donor options in 2024. And we need your support to make this happen.
If you are looking to be a part of MaineShare's ongoing growth, I encourage you to give to our annual appeal today. Thank you for your support and consideration, and thank you for being part of the MaineShare community!
Gratefully,
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Amanda Langley (she/her/hers), Director of the MaineShare Program
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Exciting Member Updates and Events! | |
Gender Justice Day at the State House | |
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Join Maine Women's Lobby at the State House on January 9, 2024 from 9am to noon to show a strong feminist presence at the State House while building skills and knowledge about how to take action for gender justice. All are welcome - from those who are seasoned and passionate advocates to those who have never visited the State House before. Register here!
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Armistice Day with Maine Veterans for Peace | |
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Maine Veterans for Peace long ago returned to the recognition of November 11 as Armistice Day. Veterans for Peace member Richard Clement was interviewed by the Portland Press Herald and had these words to say:
"It’s important that people see another side to Veterans Day, not just people in uniforms. We’re all veterans here. Our mission statement is to try to abolish war and live in a more peaceful world.” The Veterans pictured here on Saturday in Portland stand each year to share this message. (Photo by Brian Leonard)
Clement went on to say, "The United States needs an armed military but it’s overextended around the world. There are alternatives to war. Maine Veterans for Peace is committed to speaking up about the injustice of war and the economic and financial toll it is taking around the world not to mention the human casualties."
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Amplifying Survivor Voices and Experiences | |
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In October, the Maine Coalition to End Domestic Violence (MCEDV) released a new short film intended to amplify survivors’ voices and experiences, and to increase awareness of domestic abuse and violence and resources that are available to survivors in Maine. It can be viewed here. (Trigger warning: domestic violence.)
The film, produced by Emmy-nominated GoodFight Media, also serves as a call to action, inviting fellow Mainers to support survivors and join the movement to end domestic violence in Maine. It highlights a reality that is deeply misunderstood: domestic violence is deeply rooted in manipulation and control, and economic abuse is a key component, happening in 99% of all instances of intimate partner violence. Against this backdrop, integrating financial assistance with advocacy services is critical. Advocates at Maine’s Domestic Violence Resource Centers have long known that often, what people need is financial help to get past current obstacles and stabilize for the future. However, the ability to give that help hasn’t always been there. A resource like the Liberation Fund, which pairs direct financial assistance with safety planning, housing help, legal aid, and more, is changing that for survivors in Maine. Learn more about the Liberation Fund, which has helped over 1,300 survivors in Maine since 2020, by visiting MCEDV’s website.
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Maine Audubon invites you to celebrate winter through the eyes of your child! | |
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The Night Tree: Annual “Welcome Winter” Celebration at Fields Pond:
Join us for a family-oriented celebration of nature in winter as we recreate Eve Bunting’s classic story The Night Tree. Starting with a read aloud of this enchanting story, we’ll then create wildlife friendly ornaments to decorate our own night tree to share with Maine’s winter wildlife. Weather permitting, we’ll go outside to hang the ornaments on the tree! This event will be held December 16, 2023 3pm at Fields Pond Audubon Center, Holden. Register here!
Pajama Storytime at Gilsland Farm
Wear your pajamas and your hiking boots to our special evening storytime series. We’ll meet indoors for free play, then head outside for a moon-lit storytime, and related activities. These events will be held December 21, 2023 and January 25, 2024 at Gilsland Farm Audubon Center in Falmouth, and are open for all ages.
To register and FMI, click here!
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Dip, Dash, or Donate to support NRCM! | |
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Dip, Dash, or Donate! It’s the Natural Resources Council of Maine’s 16th Annual Polar Bear Dip & Dash on Sunday, December 31! “Dash” in our 5K run/walk and/or “Dip” into the ocean at Willard Beach in South Portland. Or “Donate”!
We are excited to be back for our second year at the South Portland campus of Southern Maine Community College. All funds raised support NRCM’s climate work in Maine. The cost to register is $65. If you’re an owner/manager of a business, join us as a sponsor! FMI and to register visit https://nrcm.salsalabs.org/dipdash.
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Opportunities for Forest Bathing at Viles Arboretum | |
Join Constance Woodworth, Founder of WorthIt Nature and Forest Therapy Connections, for Forest Bathing at Viles Arboretum. The next session is December 26, 2023, 4-6pm. This will be a calm, centering connection with the land, noticing twilight and the moon. This practice can be restorative and calming. Click here for more info! | |
Bilingual Childcare and Migrant Education Updates | |
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Mano en Mano’s bilingual childcare center, Rayitos de Sol (“Little Sunbeams” in English) is growing! After two years of serving more than 30 families - with many more on our waiting list - it is time to expand! We have begun construction on a new childcare building located in Milbridge, ME to serve more families and kids!
In other news, this fall, program coordinators of the Migrant Education Program worked throughout Maine to welcome migrant students and families back to school! The team supports students transition into the school year and performs outreach to enroll families traveling for the apple and wreath season. They also provides educational support, advocacy services and enrichment activities to help families connect with the community and have some fun! To learn more and to support these programs, visit https://www.manomaine.org/news
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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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