Project Summary

In the rapidly changing community of Portland, Maine, native and newly immigrated youth lead the community in coming together to discuss and start taking action on issues they care about. We're involving parents and using technology to bring fresh ideas and energy to new community centers.

About me

I am a 17-year-old guy and a third-generation Mainer. I grew up in a middle-class home, and I've had many chances to succeed. I chose to go to Maine's most diverse high school because I wanted to have a broader, real-life perspective of the world. I've found in high school that many people see things differently than me, and I am one of the lucky few who feel like I can succeed wherever I go. This grant is exciting to me because if other youth and adults start to feel like they can succeed and dream and change the world, Portland will be a great city. This project is a team effort, but I'm in a perfect place to bring people together. I am a facilitator for YOUTHINK, which has members and grantees all over the city; a member of Portland Youth Advisory Council (PYAC) that advises the City Council on youth issues; and a student council representative. I'm already working to get these groups to collaborate, and they involve different parts of the city's youth. Our team will involve people like Julia (15), an Egyptian girl who can reach out to Arabic speakers, Jake (17), a progressive hippie, and Aaron (23), a native islander who knows Portland's islands very well. Ainsley works for YOUTHINK, and has relationships with local African families, non-profits, educators, and others. John and MaryJo, the V.P. of United Way and Schools' Superintendent, will help us connect with other adults and schools. Our youth-led team has the experience and broad support that will make us effective.