Hi John,
Like me, you’re probably finding the events and changes of the last few months extraordinary. We’ll surely look back on 2020 as a momentous and challenging time in America’s history. The pandemic’s long-term effects on our health, our economy and so many aspects of life are still unknown. And the national outcry against racism and brutality toward Black people and communities will be, I hope, a point of deep and lasting change. I just wanted to let you know that I'm thinking about you and hoping you and your family are safe and healthy.
I'd also like to share a quick update on our work in recent weeks. Feel free to take a minute to catch up, and if you have any questions or would like to get involved, please don't hesitate to reach out. We're always here to listen and help.
Black Lives Matter
George Floyd's murder and the ensuing protests have sparked a call for long-overdue change and reform of a law enforcement system that allows for the dehumanization and devaluation of Black life. MCV joined with our partners in Maine’s environmental community to stand in solidarity with frontline leaders and protesters who are putting their health and safety on the line during a pandemic to call for justice and accountability.
You can read our joint statement here.
Increasing Absentee Voting in Maine
We're entering one of the most important election seasons in our lifetime in the middle of a global pandemic that could severely affect voter turnout. That's why MCA has launched a campaign for the July 14 primary to increase absentee voting in communities across Maine and to ensure in-person voting locations remain safe and accessible for those who need it. Our volunteers are urging people to commit to vote by absentee ballot this election — and we'd love your help.
If you have a couple hours a week and would like to help increase voter turnout this election, please contact Will Sedlack at [email protected].
Want to Join our Staff?
We are seeking applicants for a full-time Development Manager to join our great team of environmentalists who love our beautiful state. We're looking for a creative thinker with strong communication and organizational skills who has experience cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding donors through a variety of channels.
If you or someone you know is interested, please check out the job description and apply today. We look forward to hearing from you.
Upcoming Lunch & Learn Programs
A big THANK YOU to the nearly one thousand people who have joined our weekly Lunch & Learns over the past few months. It's because of you — and our amazing guest speakers and experts — that this series has been such a success. We have two upcoming Friday programs that we hope you will join.
On June 19, Michael-Corey (Corey) F. Hinton, a citizen of the Passamaquoddy Tribe enrolled at Pleasant Point and an attorney with Drummond Woodsum Law Firm, and John Banks, Director of the Department of Natural Resources for the Penobscot Indian Nation, will join us to talk about LD 2094, An Act To Implement the Recommendations of the Task Force on Changes to the Maine Indian Claims Settlement Implementing Act. They will focus on regaining tribal sovereignty and the fish, game, and environmental components of LD 2094.
On June 26, we'll be hosting a conversation on how Maine can achieve its state-wide transportation climate goals in an equitable, community-based manner that works for both Maine’s urban and rural populations.
To learn more and register for these online events, please visit our Lunch & Learn website.
Again, I hope you are doing well, and please feel free to get in touch.
All my best,
Maureen
