Our Campaigns
Many of the Maine Youth Power’s initiatives arise from priorities identified by MYP participants, including youth advocates, organizations in coalition, adult allies, supporters, grassroots donors, and many more people who make this movement come to life!
Other initiatives are collaborative projects that allow us to work in solidarity for human dignity, access and a livable future by building power across rural and suburban Maine.
If you would like to learn more or get involved with Maine Youth Power, click here.
Gender Neutral Bathrooms
Everyone deserves to feel comfortable and safe enough to use the bathroom at school. Maine law protects people from gender-based discrimination in school regarding bathroom use, and yet in practice, many schools do not offer viable options to trans and non-binary students. In coalition with YOQC (Youth Oriented Queer Collective of Maine), Maine Youth Power is pushing for the implementation of accessible gender-neutral bathrooms at High Schools across Maine.
Youth Ask the Questions Forum
In 2022 and 2024 we hosted forums, inviting a selection of politiciants from Maine to join us and answer questions youth need to know. During the forums, young people from Maine Youth Power and various organizations shared their personal experiences about being a young person. It also acted as an opportunity for Maine Youth Power to further develop relationships with candidates and politicians across the state. Through developing this connection, Maine Politicians will continue to learn that youth participation is key and having us on their side is a powerful and necessary force.
To view the recording of the 2024 Forum, click here
Voter Education and Access
Voting is a basic right that every voting aged person should be able to exercise. Young people face extreme challenges to voting, and yet most high school students do not have access to resources that would help us make change, such as voting material. The role of a school for young people is to prepare them for their future, and make them better citizens. Voting fits right in, Students deserve to understand and have access to Maine’s voting system.
For more information on voting in Maine, including voter registration, requirements & rights, a guide to absentee Voting, and voter information lookup service, check out the State of Maine Voter Information page.
Past Campaigns
LD1497 - Youth Impact Commission Bill
Maine is the oldest on average state in the country. Maine Youth Power aims to create a space for young Mainers to have a voice in the government to give young people a permanent voice in policymaking in our state. LD1497 was written to establish the Maine Youth Impact Commission, which passed in the legislature in 2021. The Legislature did not ultimately decide fund the commission. The commission of youth members ages 15-30, would have been charged with promoting, coordinating and implementing programs designed to improve opportunities for young people in the state.
WE TURN LOCAL WINS INTO STATEWIDE VICTORIES
Our Campaign is your Campaign. Maine Youth Power builds across the state through local campaigns that matter in the places we call home. We are excited to hear about what makes you passionate and excited to throw down.
