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MAIN
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A Joint Project of the Maine
Association of Interdependent Neighborhoods |
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Volume 8 No. 2 |
June 2004 |
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MAIN
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A Joint Project of the Maine
Association of Interdependent Neighborhoods |
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Volume 8 No. 2 |
June 2004 |
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News from Midcoast MAIN
Neighborhood Outreach in the Works!Midcoast MAIN held its inaugural meeting on April 3, 2004 at the Knox-Lincoln County Extension Office in Waldoboro. Approximately 20 people joined in for a lively discussion and a scrumptious potluck luncheon.
This meeting was held as a result of a decision made by the Waldoboro Group in the late summer of 2003 to become a chapter of MAIN, upon completion of a building project.
A traditional MAIN-Dotmocracy session produced a list of prioritized issues. Our collective interests appear to be centered on how best to effect systemic change that helps promote self-sufficiency and quality of life for low-income people.
A second meeting of Midcoast MAIN on April 24th focused on building membership as the number one priority. Without members the tasks of organizing and advocacy can't get done. Consequently, the group decided to "go to the people" and do outreach to Gross Neck - the same economically depressed neighborhood where the group had set roots last year. We decided to go door-to-door to introduce ourselves and make folks aware of the special Waldoboro open dump days. During these days, residents are allowed at no charge to bring yard debris, unwanted metal, tires, and furniture to the transfer station.
Surprisingly, a woman on Gross Neck had recently had an issue with a neighbor about a vacant property abutting her premises that was tolling rats. Instead of reacting and causing a legal battle, she was proactive and had begun to organize in the neighborhood at the same time as Midcoast MAIN. Our forces joined and by collective effort we got the word out to neighbors about this opportunity and offered to help with volunteers and other resources. We also talked with the Waldoboro selectmen and town manager about providing extra help with this clean-up effort.
This project is small in scope, yet it is already showing signs of hope. Our first step is to build trust by working with local people on the needs they want to address. We hope to be invited by the residents to continue this work. We're also planning on doing voter registration in our communities this summer and fall.Come work with us. Bring your energy and ideas. Together, we can make a difference!
Russ Anderson 832-4754
advocate@midcoast.com
