Issue 8
Thursday, May 29, 2025
Quote of the Week
“You are the compassionate. You are the fierce defenders of democracy, the seekers of truth, the vanguards against ignorance.
You are millions strong across our land. You might be sorry that you were picked by history for this role. But maybe that was the plan. Hard times are going to make you better and stronger. In a few minutes, when that diploma hits your hand, it’s not a piece of paper you’re holding. We’re handing you a baton. Run with it."
Scott Pelley (CBS News anchor), during his commencement speech at Wake Forest University on May 19, 2025.
We found the full speech worth watching — it starts at minute 26:03 here.
The Dark
Here are a few hard truths this week – but remember, we’re in this together!
Kiddos with developmental needs will experience longer wait times until they can access services following the closure of one of Maine’s pediatric clinics. This adds stress to a system that is already stretched thin and that will continue to suffer with reimbursement rates for Mainecare (Maine’s version of Medicaid) often being lower than what it costs organizations to provide services.
Cumberland County Sheriff Kevin Joyce is allowing ICE to book immigrants in their custody into the Cumberland County Jail in Portland, despite having no formal agreement, and facing significant backlash from residents. Note: Each of Maine’s 16 counties elects its sheriffs for 4 year terms. Sheriff Joyce was first elected in 2010.
Endangered plants and animals in Maine could lose their protected status if proposed changes to the Endangered Species Act from the Trump administration go into effect. The current act protects wildlife that is experiencing habitat loss. The proposed changes remove this protection.
The Light
Yes, good things are happening -- here’s proof!
Remember when the Wells PD partnered with ICE in force expansion efforts? And then remember how last week legislators introduced a series of bills that would prohibit agencies from partnering with federal immigration authorities? Wells guess what?! The Wells Police Chief announced that they were temporarily halting their partnership with ICE in response to the pushback they received!
Both the Maine house and senate passed legislation that would protect providers of abortion medications by allowing them to leave their names off of prescription labels. It now goes to Janet Mills for her consideration.
There are new HIV self-test kits available through The Frannie Peabody Center that are significantly smaller than previously available options. Stigma is a key reason that folks don’t test for HIV and a spokesperson for The Frannie Peabody Center says that “the smaller packaging is going to help a lot…just with privacy and discretion.” The center will be distributing the new kits at Pride events through the state.
Sharon’s Place — the new Community Concepts early learning center — opened this week in West Bethel!
Your Maine Action Kit
Support Maine’s trans community. The full Legislature will be voting on three proposed anti-trans bills. Equality Maine has put together an action kit here.
Forward this email to folks you know in Cumberland County (e.g. Portland, Windham, Freeport, Yarmouth, Falmouth, Cape Elizabeth, Gorham) and make sure they know that Portland Jail is being used by ICE. They can call sheriff Kevin Joyce’s office at 207-774-1444.
Contact Governor Janet Mills here and let her know you support the legislation that would protect providers who prescribe abortion medication.
Read this piece from the Maine Audubon. Then contact Reps. Jared Golden and Chellie Pingree, and Senators Angus King and Susan Collins to let them know that you support the protection of endangered species and their habitats, and oppose the Trump administration’s proposed changes. Find their contact info here.
Contact Susan Collins. The BBB is egregious and we are learning more about the contents of its 1100 pages by the day. Tell Susan Collins to make it stop. Short backstory: A republican congressman from Nebraska admitted at a town hall this week that “this provision [about stripping the judiciary of its power] was unknown to me when I voted for that, and when I found out that provision was in the bill, I immediately reached out to my Senate counterparts and told them of my concern.”
Check for ticks. I know. It sucks.
Have energy and anxiety to burn? Check out the Action Kit Archive here, for more ideas!
For when it all feels like too much
Go for a hike (it’s just walking, on dirt)! Even the shortest hike will reward you with fresh air, natural light, and spring ephemerals like trillium, lady slippers, trout lilies, Jack-in-the-pulpit, etc. Bonus: contribute to community science by uploading your flower pictures to iNaturalist.
Harvard University is offering FREE access to many of its courses on U.S. government. We’ve signed up for Civic Engagement in a Constitutional Democracy and Constitutional Foundations. Join us!
Read this free article about an Abenaki banquet project.
Need a bit more to get out of the pit of despair? Check out this post.
Mark your calendar
It’s a big weekend for Pride events around Maine! See the lineup (and an ever-evolving list of community events) on The Kindling’s calendar here. Or subscribe to the google calendar directly.
June 2: Make signs for the “No Kings Day” protest at The Bethel Library
June 10, 8am-8pm: Bethel Select Board Election at the American Legion on Vernon Street
June 10, 8am-8pm: MSAD #44 Budget Validation Referendum and vote for School Board members at polling places in the four school district towns:
Bethel: American Legion, Vernon Street
Greenwood: Town Office, Gore Road
Newry: Town Office, Bear River Road/ Rt. 26
Woodstock: Town Office, Monk Avenue
June 11: Bethel Budget Approval at Crescent Park School
June 14: “No Kings Day” protest in Bethel
Things that gave you hope last week
Someone wrote in that “Fare Share Co-Op in Norway has a diaper bank for those in need. I also discovered today that they stock their diaper changing station with diapers. As a parent, I so appreciate this seemingly small but incredibly thoughtful gesture.”
We made it! How are you doing? What’s giving you hope right now?
Til next week,
Michelle and The Kindling Crew
Logistical things
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