The Maine Democratic Party believes in justice and equity, but too often, our actions have not aligned with our beliefs, causing distrust, harm, and very real pain for Black, Indigenous, brown, Asian American and Pacific Islander communities, LGBTQIA+ communities, and people with disabilities.
We are committed to building anti-racism and inclusion into the Party’s DNA and to making our party more reflective of the state, from candidates to committee members to party staff and beyond.
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) Committee
We have launched a Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Committee made up of individuals with deep expertise in DEIB and will guide the MDP’s internal and external DEIB operations. The existence of a permanent DEIB Committee will ensure that no matter who the staff or leadership of the party may be, anti-racism is core to our operations.
DEIB Committee Members
- Ellie Sato, Chair
- Ina Demers, Vice Chair
- Joe Zamboni, Recording Secretary
- Lisa Clark, Corresponding Secretary
- Denise Spear, Treasurer
The DEIB committee meets at 5:30pm on the last Thursday of the month. You can register to attend using the button below.
Countering Voter Suppression in Maine
To quote Stacey Abrams, “Voter suppression is the lazy man’s way to win an election.” And it’s a primary GOP tactic around the country and right here in Maine.
These voter suppression efforts are designed to make it harder, in particular, for Black, brown, and young folks, among others, to exercise their legal right to vote.
Maine Dems have and will continue to promote voter protection. During even-numbered election cycles, we have a Voter Protection Hotline and a several hundred-strong poll observer program around the state.
No voter should be denied access to the ballot. Here’s all you need to know about voting in Maine.
(And if you’re wondering about whether voting matters, Stacey Abrams has some powerful thoughts.)
Our Anti-Racism & Inclusion Media List
A Small Needful Fact by Ross Gay
Mercy by Rudy Francisco
Dawnland: A documentary about Indigenous child removal in the US through the nation’s first-ever government-endorsed truth and reconciliation commission, which investigated the devastating impact of Maine’s child welfare practices on the Wabanaki people.
Stop AAPI Hate: 2020-2021 National Report
Your Statement of Support Is Not Enough by Rep. Rachel Talbott Ross
Senator Craig Hickman’s remarks at a June 2020 Black Lives Matter rally
Resources We Find Helpful
ACLU: Learn Your Rights as a Protestor
ACT UP NY: Civil Disobedience Best Practices
Black Owned Maine: Shop at Maine’s Black-owned businesses.
Blackownedeverything.co: Shop at Black-owned businesses around the country.
If you find yourself needing legal assistance, this tweet by Tina Neadeau (aka Tina Heat), the Executive Director of the Maine Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, is a good resource.