Community

Maine communities are faced with complex issues and economic challenges. Local groups are engaged in change: resisting change, adapting to change or creating change. University of Maine Cooperative Extension helps Maine people develop and enhance their leadership skills so they can work collaboratively to create the communities they want.

We…

  • Collaborate with informal groups, organizations, agencies and foundations to build leadership and volunteer capacity.
  • Assist people in developing skills for establishing and strengthening effective partnerships and collaborations.
  • Design, implement, and assess educational programs with leadership and volunteer development components in order to address community issues and public needs.
  • Integrate leadership and volunteer development content with that of other UMaine Extension programs.
  • Provide educational opportunities for people to develop skills and competencies in communication, decision making, group process, collaboration, facilitation, and conflict management.
  • Facilitate diverse partnerships, collaboration, and networks for effective action within and across communities.
Close-up photo of stacked firewood
National Firewood Bank SummitThe National Wood Bank Project will host a national summit to bring together firewood banks from across the country. Like food banks, but for fuel wood, wood banks provide crucial emergency heating assistance in the form of firewood.
A photo of two Narcan (naloxone) dispensing devices.
Community First Responder ProgramThe Community First Responder Program aims to provide education and resources to rural Mainers to be able to recognize and respond to an opioid overdose.
Strengthening Your Facilitation SkillsFacilitation skills are not routinely learned and practiced. If you have ever been in a role that you wished you had more skills or practice, then this training is for you.