Dear Friends,

This time of year it can feel hard to celebrate. The days can feel long and cold. The walls that surround you may feel stifling. The air stings our skin. But what if we turn our face to the sun to feel its warmth when the clouds break? What if we catch a snowflake and marvel at its artistry? What if we listen to the sound our boots make in the snow, listen to branches crackle under ice, listen for the type of quiet that only exists after a snowstorm?

I find winter a time to celebrate, as long as I’m dressed in lots of layers and can get outside to play in the snow. I marvel at its peace and stillness. And when I’m inside, I take inspiration from the work of our members, the generosity of our donors, and the support of the MaineShare community. Earlier this month, we were able to recap successes of the last year with our member groups, including: new branding; beautiful new campaign materials; reduced fees for our members; revision of member categories that better reflects their intersectionality and work toward justice; and modifications to our member distributions with the goal of increased equity. We also shared results of a recent member survey, in which 100% of members who responded said that MaineShare has a good return on investment.  Another exciting survey result was that all respondents felt favorably about MaineShare since its 2022 acquisition by Maine Initiatives. 

I am so proud of the work of MaineShare, Maine Initiatives, and our member groups. Serving our members continues to be the most important work we do. Please read on for member updates, and also take a minute to check out this month’s member spotlight on the great work that Maine Council of Churches has been doing!

Sending warmth,

Support the MaineShare annual appeal here!

Friends of Casco Bay Water Reporters Document Historic Flooding

In the middle of Winter Storm Elliott in December, the tide gauge in Portland measured a high tide of 13.7 feet – the fourth highest tide recorded since data collection began in 1912. Water Reporters with Friends of Casco Bay helped document the powerful impacts of this historic storm. Read more here!

MECEP webinar: Yes, Legislation can Change Lives!

On Wednesday, March 1st at 12-12:45 PM, MECEP invites all to join a webinar on thier 2023 legislative priorities. These priorities include: advancing economic justice and opportunity, including racial equity; bringing fairness and accountability to the corporate tax code; ensuring Mainers have access to affordable child care and paid family leave; and building a budget that helps families who need it most.

This virtual MECEP Policy Insights Lunch & Learn will explore solutions and actions policymakers and the public can pursue during the 131st legislative session to advance economic justice in Maine.

Following the discussion participants will have a chance to ask questions of the presenters. Register here!

Environmental Bill Tracking with Natural Resources Council of Maine!

If you care about Maine’s environment, the Natural Resources Council of Maine encourages you to stay up to date on legislation that could impact Maine’s air, land, waters, and wildlife. Visit – and bookmark – the Bill Tracking page to stay in the know about discussions at the State House about sustainability, plastic pollution, climate, and more. You can easily track the latest about those bills, including the bill number and text, NRCM’s position on the bill, and actions on the bill. You can also read NRCM testimony and find out when the time is right for you to contact your legislators. Find our legislative bill tracking page at www.nrcm.org/programs/state-house/legislative-bill-tracking/.

Maine Resource Recovery Association hosts Annual Backyard Composting Sale

Maine Resource Recovery Association (MRRA) is pleased to announce its Annual Backyard Composting Supply Sale. With your participation in this sale, MRRA has placed over 15,000 composting bins in backyards throughout Maine, and helped divert tons of food scraps from our waste stream! MRRA has expanded its inventory this year, offering the standard supplies and some new composting products for residents. For more information including what is available, minimum purchase requirements, and more, please click here!

Excellent Resources for New Mainers from Maine Equal Justice!

Maine Equal Justice (MEJ) has excellent resources outlining programs and resources available for our neighbors who are new to the U.S. Depending on income and immigration status, programs may be available to help with health care, housing, food, and more. MEJ also has a great new video on the new MaineCare coverage guidelines for immigrants-- click here to watch. For all the information including guides in multiple languages, please visit this link!

Work with the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association!

The Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association (MOFGA) is looking for dynamic and creative individuals to join our team as an Operations Director, an Office Manager and an Orchard Programs Manager.

Help grow the successful programs at MOFGA, one of the country’s largest statewide organic certification, education and advocacy organizations. MOFGA offers excellent benefits, competitive salaries and a wonderful team of nearly 50 staff that are working to create a healthy and fair food system for all of us. 

Application review will begin on February 22nd for all three positions, and will continue until the positions are filled. We encourage candidates to apply today or reach out with any questions.

 Support the MaineShare annual appeal here!