October Digest
Last Thursday we gathered at Steel House for a lightning session of “Pathways to Public Participation” where 6 local leaders shared ways to get involved - public comments, writing, meeting your neighbors, volunteering, mentoring and more.
Slides + organizations you can join or support are in:
Local Climate Action: Pathways to Public Participation
You are welcome to share/use these for a group or event.
We heard from:
Alison McKellar - Camden Select Board - Alison encouraged public comments @ Select Board or Planning Board meetings, including on non-agenda items. She also talked about “citizen science” efforts including taking pictures of extreme weather events. amckellar@camdenmaine.gov
Jenny Carter - Rockland Sustainability Coordinator - Jenny gave an overview of city/town committees that anyone can apply to join (and often have openings). Jenny is organizing an Electrification Expo in Rockland this Saturday 10am-3pm. jcarter@rocklandmaine.gov
Jess Scott - Rockport resident + State Climate Policy - Jess talked about local, state and national nonprofits looking for volunteers and contributors. jess.p.scott@gmail.com
Michael Mullins - Adaptive re-use developer and columnist - Michael explained what you can submit to local papers - in addition to Op-Eds, press releases are an option (not just for events; share a story) - and submit a picture! Mullins01@gmail.com
Danny Salomon - CHRHS Hatchery Coordinator - There are lots of organizations looking for teachers, trainers and mentors for the next generation and Adult Ed. Danny shared a few including Five County CSD Adult Ed and Midcoast School of Technology. daniel.salomon@fivetowns.net
Molly Mulhern - Camden CAN - Molly talked about hands-on volunteering options, from building (e.g., Midcoast Habitat for Humanity), transfer stations, food services (Knox County Gleaners, AIO Food Pantry), land trusts and more. She is leading Camden CAN (Climate Action Now) and I HIGHLY recommend their newsletter and events - Subscribe here
Amanda Dwelley - Energy and Climate Researcher - Amanda talked about submitting public comments in local/county planning (e.g., Knox Hazard Mitigation Plan), and state regulatory proceedings (PUC, DEP, DOT) - Either directly or through nonprofits that organize comments. amanda@beechhillresearch.com
Vicki Doudera - State Representative - Vicki serves on the Environment and Natural Resources committee and Marine Resources. She gave us four ways to contact state reps: (1) Speak face-to-face - coffee or Zoom! (2) Write to your legislator (3) testify at public hearings - in Augusta or remote (4) submit a letter-to-the editor (250 words or less) naming your legislator (including good things!) Get in touch through victoria.doudera@legislature.maine.gov
Sarah Austin - Rockland City Council and community organizer - Sarah encouraged us to meet our neighbors, learn what they need & reach out in storms/emergencies. Sarah organized an Emergency/Warming shelter in Rockland for the last big storm, and pulled together a Volunteer Expo a few months ago. If you want to organize a Volunteer Fair, emergency shelter or something else, get in touch! saustin@rocklandmaine.gov
Nate Davis - Rockland City Council and Steel House - Nate hosted our group for the second time (thank you!) and in between campaigning shared a little about “Report It, Fix It” a website & app he developed for Rockland, Rockport and other towns. You can report road/stormwater damage, street light, repair needs or other things you observe. nate@rocklandsteelhouse.com
Next Happy Hour
November date and location TBD - likely back to “regular” format (community announcements without presentation; meet & greet before/after)
Send us ideas or feedback!
Upcoming Events
Subscribe to the Camden CAN Newsletter for a complete list - Camden CAN Newsletter
Rockland Electrification Expo - October 14
Check out all things electric at the City of Rockland’s Electrification Expo, to be hosted at Harbor Park on Saturday, Oct. 14 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Rockland Electrification Expo is free to the public, and will include e-tool and e-bike demos, a panel discussion on EV ownership, e-boat and EV displays, and activities for the whole family. Learn more at: https://rocklandmaine.gov/municipal/departments/economic-and-community-development/sustainability/rockland-electrification-expo/
Window Dressers Community Build - Oct 28 – Nov 11, 2023
Come join us in building insulating window inserts for our community at the Watershed School in Camden. Each simple job is taught and all tools and materials are provided. No experience is necessary.
Sign up for a morning or afternoon volunteer shift: https://signup.com/client/invitation2/secure/98867416062/false#/invitation
Contact Connie Evans with questions or if you want to cook (for 5-10 people): cevans@gwi.net
About Midcoast Climate, Energy and Green Building Happy Hour
We are an informal, unaffiliated, unsponsored and open group who meets every few months. At each gathering there’s time to meet new people and share announcements including events, jobs, public comment opportunities, volunteering and more.
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Please share feedback and ideas to make meet-ups more interesting, useful or accessible.
And a Facebook group (if that’s your thing) for discussion or to share your events: https://www.facebook.com/groups/709325940516636
Thank you!
Amanda Dwelley
Jess Scott
(co-organizers)