JMJU’s mission is to shift power and mobilize Maine youth in rural and under-resourced communities to be critical players in building a just and sustainable Maine. We are pioneering a model that centers the realities of rural Maine youth while building strong political power for climate action.
Maine is the most rural state in the country. We need organizing models that truly embrace the nuances needed to advance civic engagement and climate justice outside of urban centers. Our vision is to:
● Prioritize youth in northern towns and rural Maine communities:
● Prioritize youth in northern towns and rural Maine communities:
- Most youth climate organizing in Maine is concentrated in populated southern Maine. Maine is one of the most rural states in the country, and we need an organizing model that can reach all young folks. This includes access to transportation, regional organizing, and virtual resources.
- We want to support young Mainers and their unique vision for their unique communities. We are playing a supportive role to follow local lead through listening sessions and community collaboration.
- JMJU believes that young folks and students deserve to be paid for their organizing work. Much of the focus of our fundraising is to ensure that any young Mainer that needs or wants to be paid for their work can receive funding.
- So often, issues campaigns and civic engagement occur separately. Campaigns lack long-term policy reform, and civic engagement lacks the identity of issue campaigns. JMJU will focus on developing community-based, youth-led climate-focused projects, and then pivot the resources and capacity to elevate youth projects and leadership.
- Student campaigns struggle to sustain momentum because organizers continually graduate. JMJU is housed in an external organization (Changemakers) that is still youth-led but can ensure a long-term sustainable structure.
- While institutional climate work in Maine often lacks a social justice lens, JMJU aims to transform the landscape of environmental leaders in Maine from the current power structure -- dominated by adult-led and white-led organizations -- to one where those who are most directly impacted by climate change -- marginalized communities and youth -- lead Maine’s response to climate change.
- One of JMJU’s greatest strengths is being connected to a vast network of young activists across Maine and the country who are organizing in new exciting ways. We will bring these connections to communities that are just beginning their journey to share the possibility and potential of their work
Pennywise is excited to support this innovative model for youth activism and social and environmental justice.
For more information please visit: www.justmeforjustus.org
For more information please visit: www.justmeforjustus.org