Connecting with Community—Listening to Aroostook County Voices

I believe in the fundamental right to a thriving and beautiful environment. For everyone. Everywhere.

We are so fortunate in Maine to be greeted each morning with birdsong and beautiful vistas. For more than 60 years, NRCM has been powered by people across the state who take action to protect our healthy lands, waters, and air. And there’s more work for us to do!

The power of NRCM lies in our connection to community voices.

Every year, NRCM directly connects with more than 25,000 people, representing all of Maine’s legislative districts, who take action with us for Maine’s environment We saw this power in action at our State House Action Day in May. Nearly 100 people joined us to connect to their elected officials in the halls of the State House, advocating for the future that they envision for Maine’s
communities and natural resources.

That day was a reminder that sometimes it’s important for NRCM to step back and let others lead the conversation. As experts on the bills we are working hard to pass, that can be difficult for us to keep in mind. Listening takes time and trust, and legislative sessions move quickly.

To truly represent all Mainers, NRCM must broaden our relationships across our state’s diverse geography so that we can reflect their needs and interests in our work in the State House and beyond. So as another glorious Maine summer begins, I’ve packed my bags and will be traveling around the state to listen and learn from you.

In early June, my first trip took me to Aroostook County. Over the course of several days, I met with the dedicated volunteers that power important community resources like the Four Seasons Trail Association in Madawaska and the Aroostook National Wildlife Refuge in Limestone. I was grateful to be welcomed to Mi’kmaq Farms, where the harvest not only supports the Mi’kmaq Nation but also provides fresh produce to food pantries throughout the County.

At each place I visited, people expressed a deep love of place and fierce commitment to the economic and environmental future of Aroostook County.

I look forward to seeing many of you during these summer travels. Your voices are important to shaping our collective future. We’re ready to listen.

—Rebeccah Sanders, CEO

 

Connecting with Community is written by NRCM CEO Rebeccah Sanders. Rebeccah began at NRCM in January 2023 and comes to NRCM with deep conservation, policy, and management experience gained by actively listening to and learning from others. Connecting with Community is a place that Rebeccah will share stories from her visits with Maine people from every corner of the state.

Originally published in Spring/Summer 2023 Maine Environment newsletter