The Maine Dems unequivocally believe that Black Lives Matter. We recognize that substantial action is necessary to address systemic racism and violence, both here in Maine and across the nation. This page is intended as a guide to resources for community members and allies. If any information on this page is inaccurate, needs updating, or you have any other concerns you want to voice, please email us at info@mainedems.org or fill out this anonymous feedback form.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee

The Maine Democratic Party respects and values diverse life experiences and heritages and must do more to ensure that all voices are valued, heard, and represented within our party. Fostering real organizational change on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) is not only directly aligned with our mission of electing more Democrats, but it is also our responsibility to live the values we promote as transformative and beneficial for all. We are in the process of creating a permanent DEI Committee within MDP. We are committing to this work in perpetuity which will make the party more reflective of the communities we serve, make our local committees (and HQ) more accessible, and increase our ability to source high-quality talent from a larger talent pool.

ACT

Take Action Safely.

If you are participating in protests, remember to wear a mask at all times and do your best to maintain a safe social distancing radius of 6’ around yourself. COVID-19 is disproportionately impacting Black, Indigenous, and People Of Color in Maine and it’s all of our responsibility to help keep all Maine residents safe and healthy.

Protest and Take Action.

This list is actively curated and is being consistently updated. Check back frequently!

Racial Justice and Youth Leadership

Maine Initiatives

Tuesday Apr 13, 2021 5:30 PM

Youth Leadership (4/13 5:30-7pm*)

Grantee panelists: Eastern Woodlands Rematriation, Portland Empowered, Resources for Organizing and Social Change

Are you looking to learn more about the racial justice work happening in Maine?

Join Maine Initiatives for a virtual series we’re calling “Racial Justice and…”!

Every day, grassroots leaders in Maine are challenging the ways that racism shows up in our community's policies, practices, and culture. Through this multi-part series we will engage in a dialogue with inspiring leaders addressing these intersections of racial justice and other social, economic, and environmental issues.

Before you go, learn your rights as a protestor from the ACLU, follow civil disobedience best practices developed by ACT UP NY, and review the DNC’s Organizing Resources.

If you find yourself needing legal assistance, please see this tweet by Tina Neadeau (aka Tina Heat), the Executive Director of the Maine Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. They have dozens of criminal defense attorneys who want to help.

Vote.

Read Stacey Abrams: I Know Voting Feels Inadequate Right Now. To learn about your voting rights, visit VoteInMaine.com.

SUPPORT

Buy.

Before your next purchase take a look at this directory of Black-owned businesses, maintained by Black Owned Maine. You can also find Black Owned Maine on Facebook.

You can also check out blackownedeverything.co and register any missing Black-owned businesses there!

Engage.

These are some organizations led by and/or serving BIPOC Maine people. These organizations are not necessarily affiliated with the Maine Democratic Party.

ACLU Maine: Website | Facebook

Black Girl in Maine: Website | Facebook

Capital Area New Mainers Project: Website | Facebook

Empower the Immigrant Woman: Facebook

For Us, By Us Fund: Website | Facebook

Gateway Community Services Maine: Website | Facebook

Immigrant Legal Advocacy Project (ILAP): Website | Facebook

Immigrant Welcome Center: Website | Facebook

King Fellows: Facebook

Maine Equal Justice Partners: Website | Facebook

Maine Immigrant and Refugee Services: Website | Facebook

Maine Immigrants’ Rights Coalition: Website | Facebook | Helpful guide to organizations within MIRC ecosystem.