November 2020 Newsletter

We’re halfway to Thanksgiving! We’ve had our post-Summit forum, and are gearing up for the giving season.

What’s Next?

GrowSmart’s 2020 Summit took on questions that are even more relevant given our collective experience with the coronavirus pandemic: where can government be most effective? most innovative?

Soon we’ll share the action steps developed in the breakout sessions and follow up forum, in which we invited participants to dig deeper into the concepts presented by keynote speakers, Colin Woodard and Anthony Flint, with an invitation to join us in the work ahead.

Maine towns and cities are working regionally, from public safety services to addressing climate change to regional economic development. How can we build these successes to ensure best outcomes in fiscally responsible ways? We’ll continue to explore these concepts in the months ahead. Stay tuned for more!

ConnectMaine wants to hear from you!

But time is running out!

From ConnectMaine: “We need the voices of broadband users, communities who could benefit from these grants, our partners in industry, businesses, partner organizations and other stakeholders to help shape this new grantmaking process.

In anticipation of administering broadband grants with the recently passed state bond, ConnectMaine will be changing our grantmaking approach and criteria for broadband projects. We are seeking input on our grantmaking process as we prepare to administer a new, larger amount of funding, including those from the recently passed state bond. Click on the link below BY FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 13TH, to be a part of planning for Maine’s broadband future:

ConnectMaine Objectives and survey”

Advocacy Update

This year’s Summit will inform our work as we prepare for a new Legislative session. Regional solutions can and should support local character while seeking and deploying timely solutions. We will coordinate with members of the Maine Alliance for Smart Growth and continue our work with the Maine Broadband Coalition while engaging with the Maine Climate Council and Maine’s Economic Recovery Committee. You can read up on our past advocacy work here.

Be social!

Did you know GrowSmart Maine is online in many ways?

• Our Website – our board and staff, our calendar, our blog, event summaries and results
• Facebook and Twitter – Where we share what is important to us, whether our events, activities, or important matters across the state
• Instagram – fun pictures from our events
• YouTube – our Summits and other events, and the GrowSmart Award video

Help us continue to help Maine

If you want to protect the things that are special about Maine, while encouraging sustainable prosperity now and in the future, please join us!

With your help, we can make these values an integral part of Maine’s legislation and state and local policy.

We know there are a lot of calls for financial assistance during this time of year, especially this year. What are some easy ways you support GrowSmart Maine and promote smart growth in Maine?

• Follow us on social media. We are on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Follow us, like, and share our posts! Join us for future events, talks, and webinars.
• Become a GrowSmart Member – Our supporters know the satisfaction of being part of a movement of Mainers who want to protect the things that are special about Maine, while growing sustainable prosperity for all parts of the state. With your help, we are working on the ground in communities around the state to build a network of engaged individuals, organizations and businesses that are shaping Maine’s future.
  Our annual memberships give you discounts to all of our events and supports our efforts in your neighborhood and beyond.
• Give Smart to GrowSmart – make a recurring monthly donation of your choice to GrowSmart Maine
• Small Business Saturday, November 28th – live out the SmartGrowth principle of creating and securing a strong sense of place, by shopping at locally owned businesses on Small Business Saturday, the Saturday following Thanksgiving, and all this holiday season.
• Cyber Monday, Monday, November 30th – eyeing out some amazing deals for your online holiday shopping? Shop at smile.amazon.com. By making your regular purchases here, any time of year, AmazonSmile will donate 0.5% of your eligible purchases to GrowSmart Maine. Elect GrowSmart Maine as your designated charity here
• Giving Tuesday, December 1st – celebrate the season of giving by participating in the international day of charitable support at the beginning of the Christmas and holiday season. Make a one time donation to GrowSmart Maine.
• Buy a reusable bag at Hannaford – With every purchase of a $2.50 reusable Community Bag and/or Fight Hunger Bag, $1 is donated to a local non-profit. When a you purchase either bag that features the Giving Tag, you have the opportunity to direct the $1 donation to a local non-profit that is important to you. Submit your giving tag and choose GrowSmart Maine to receive your donation.

Every effort counts, and we thank you for your support of our work in giving communities choices in how they respond to growth and change.

Thank you for staying to staying connected with us!