Maine Environmental Education Association

Support the next generation of Wabanaki leaders! We’ve partnered with Maine Environmental Education Association to create the Wabanaki Policy Youth Initiative (WPYI). Youth empowerment, Wabanaki sovereignty, and an integrated Wabanaki Studies education are some of the highest priorities for both MEEA and the Wabanaki Alliance. This project is all about engaging young people who are interested in advocacy, policy, and Wabanaki sovereignty. Involved youth will be guided through the lawmaking process in what is now called Maine, learning the ins and outs of becoming an advocate in the state legislature. They will then use these new skills to teach others in their communities and beyond through online resources, in-person workshops, and more.

The Wabanaki Policy Youth Initiative saw many successes during its “pilot” season. As a result, we see a strong need to keep our momentum going and create year-long programming to ensure Wabanaki youth stay civically engaged and supported as we prepare for the upcoming policy work that lies ahead of us this fall, winter and beyond. A donation of any amount will go directly to support this critical Wabanaki youth-led initiative.

This project is self-determination in action for Wabanaki and non-Wabanaki youth, and support from our allies is critical. This is the time to uplift the next generation of leaders. Donate at the link below!

https://givebutter.com/wabanaki-policy-youth-initiative-66csfy

Are you an educator or administrator in Maine? Comment CENSUS and we'll send you a link to the Census of Community-Based Environmental Learning when it launches this month!

Mark your calendars because the CBEL+ Census is coming soon! This statewide survey is focused on environmental and outdoor learning across Maine.

If you teach in a classroom, lead a school or organization, work with young children, or create learning experiences outside of school, your perspective belongs in the statewide picture. Responses will help guide future funding, professional learning, partnerships, and statewide priorities.

Visit https://teachmeoutside.org/explore-maine-data/ to check out the 2022 CBEL+ Census report and stay tuned for the 2026 launch!

The CBEL+ Census is a project of Teach Me Outside, Maine Mathematics and Science Alliance - MMSA, and Maine Environmental Education Association

50,000 children have access to the outdoors and nature-based education thanks to all of the organizations engaged in One Million Kids Outdoors! Read more about this milestone aned check out the interactive map of where outdoor ed is happening across the U.S. at https://www.sierraclub.org/press-releases/2026/07/one-million-kids-outdoors-initiative-reaches-50000-kids

Just a few of our national partners on this project:
North American Association for Environmental Education - NAAEE
American Heart Association
American Hiking Society
Appalachian Mountain Club
Children & Nature Network
Colorado Alliance for Environmental Education
Maine Huts and Trails
Sierra Club
and more!

One Million Kids Outdoors Initiative Reaches 50,000 Kids WASHINGTON, D.C. — Just over one month after its launch, the One Million Kids Outdoors initiative has already helped connect 50,000 children with nature. More than 150 organizations have now joined the nationwide effort, building early momentum toward its goal of getting one million kids outdoors ...

Give great career advice? Want to teach your peers how to improv? Or do a wilderness first aid demo? Eager to share your art practice with cool people? Then sign up for the resource share fair at the 2026 Changemakers Gathering on August 28-30! Fill out the form in our bio to share about your offering and someone from MEEA will be in touch with you to confirm.

There's still time to join us at the 2026 Maine DOE Annual Summit on July 29 at Thomas College!

One session you won't want to miss is "Belonging Matters: Cultivating Community to Advance a Diverse Educator Workforce," where participants will explore practical strategies for fostering connection, strengthening educator well-being, and creating school communities where everyone can thrive.

Learn how the Maine BIPOC Educator Network is entering an exciting new chapter and discover how this work can support your school community.

Read more: https://mainedoenews.net/2026/07/17/cultivating-belonging-2026-maine-doe-annual-summit-to-highlight-a-new-chapter-for-maines-bipoc-educator-network/

Register today and be part of this inspiring day of learning, collaboration, and connection: https://www.maine.gov/doe/annualsummit

TOMORROW at Portland Public Library 12-2pm! Learn about Wabanaki sovereignty and the modern history of treaties with the Wabanaki Alliance and the Wabanaki Policy Youth Initiative. MEEA's Director of Policy & Wabanaki Studies and Pananwahpskek citizen Kaya Lolar will be moderating the youth panel.

https://portlandme.librarycalendar.com/event/treaties-today-11482 for more info!

Treaties to Today | Portland Public Library Portland Public Library is proud to host the Wabanaki Alliance on July 18th for a panel discussion entitled ‘From Treaties to Today’. The panel will discuss the modern history of treaties, agreements, and legislation betwe