Positions inside organizations devoted to serving the general public good, positioned particularly throughout the state of Maine, represent a definite sector of employment. These roles span a mess of fields, together with social providers, environmental conservation, arts and tradition, and healthcare, all working beneath a not-for-profit construction. An instance is a program director at a Maine-based environmental group working to guard the state’s pure assets.
This sector affords distinctive benefits, regularly offering alternatives for people to contribute on to neighborhood well-being. Traditionally, these organizations have performed a significant function in addressing social wants and fostering civic engagement throughout Maine. Employment on this enviornment typically offers a way of function and the potential for significant influence, contributing to each particular person achievement and societal progress.
The next sections will discover the variety of roles out there, assets for locating employment, and issues for pursuing a profession path inside Maine’s not-for-profit panorama.
1. Group Affect
Employment inside Maine’s not-for-profit sector is essentially linked to neighborhood influence. These organizations exist to deal with particular wants and enhance the well-being of Maine residents, whether or not by means of environmental safety, social providers, arts enrichment, or healthcare entry. The direct correlation lies in the truth that the first perform of those jobs is to ship providers and applications that produce tangible, optimistic modifications inside Maine’s communities. For instance, a social employee employed by a Maine-based household providers company straight impacts the lives of weak households by offering counseling, assets, and help. This direct intervention interprets to improved household stability and well-being, demonstrating a transparent cause-and-effect relationship.
The significance of neighborhood influence as a element of employment in Maine’s nonprofit sector can’t be overstated. It is the driving power behind the organizations’ missions and the motivation for a lot of people who select to work inside this discipline. A program coordinator at a Maine land belief, as an illustration, contributes to the preservation of pure habitats, which in flip advantages the neighborhood by offering leisure areas, clear air and water, and wildlife safety. Understanding this connection is virtually important as a result of it informs hiring choices, program growth, and total organizational technique. Employers search candidates who’re genuinely dedicated to the group’s mission and possess the abilities needed to realize impactful outcomes.
In abstract, the neighborhood influence is the cornerstone of positions inside Maine’s nonprofit sector. Whereas challenges exist in precisely measuring influence and securing sustainable funding, the main target stays on delivering tangible advantages to Maine communities. By understanding this significant hyperlink, people in search of employment can align their abilities and aspirations with organizations whose missions resonate with their private values, contributing to a extra vibrant and equitable Maine.
2. Numerous Missions
The spectrum of functions driving organizations inside Maine’s nonprofit sector straight shapes the employment alternatives out there. This range stems from a variety of societal wants and pursuits, every requiring specialised abilities and approaches to deal with successfully.
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Environmental Conservation
Plenty of Maine-based nonprofits are devoted to preserving the state’s pure assets, from shoreline safety to forest administration. These organizations require professionals with experience in ecology, environmental science, coverage advocacy, and sustainable practices. Positions could vary from discipline researchers gathering information to communications specialists elevating public consciousness about conservation points. The main focus is on defending Maine’s pure heritage for future generations.
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Social Providers and Human Welfare
A considerable portion of Maine’s nonprofit sector focuses on addressing social inequalities and offering help to weak populations. These organizations require social staff, counselors, case managers, and outreach coordinators. They work straight with people and households going through challenges resembling poverty, homelessness, meals insecurity, and home violence. Employment on this space emphasizes empathy, disaster intervention abilities, and information of social welfare programs.
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Arts and Tradition
Nonprofits play a pivotal function in fostering inventive expression and cultural enrichment all through Maine. These organizations embrace museums, theaters, music venues, and humanities education schemes. Employment alternatives vary from curators and educators to performers and directors. The emphasis is on preserving cultural heritage, selling inventive innovation, and making the humanities accessible to various audiences.
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Healthcare and Public Well being
A number of Maine nonprofits are devoted to bettering the well being and well-being of residents, addressing points resembling entry to healthcare, illness prevention, and well being schooling. These organizations require nurses, medical assistants, well being educators, and neighborhood outreach staff. Their work focuses on offering healthcare providers to underserved populations, selling wholesome existence, and advocating for public well being insurance policies.
The array of missions inside Maine’s nonprofit sector ensures quite a lot of profession paths for people in search of employment in fields aligned with their values and experience. From environmental conservation to social providers, arts and tradition, and healthcare, these organizations contribute to the general well-being of Maine communities, providing alternatives to make a tangible distinction.
3. Wage Ranges
Compensation inside Maine’s nonprofit sector is a vital issue influencing recruitment and retention of certified personnel. Wage ranges for positions are usually decrease in comparison with equal roles within the for-profit sector, reflecting the monetary constraints typically confronted by these organizations. This discrepancy arises primarily because of the reliance on grants, donations, and restricted earned income streams, which dictate budgetary limitations. A direct impact of this monetary panorama is that nonprofit employers in Maine should typically stability their dedication to social influence with the sensible want to supply aggressive, but fiscally accountable, compensation packages. As an illustration, an skilled program director at a big social providers company in southern Maine may earn considerably lower than a supervisor with comparable tasks at a personal consulting agency.
The significance of understanding wage ranges stems from its sensible implications for each job seekers and organizations. Potential staff want real looking expectations relating to potential earnings and monetary planning. Maine’s value of dwelling, notably in coastal areas, necessitates cautious consideration of wage affords. Conversely, nonprofits should strategically allocate assets to draw and retain gifted people who’re obsessed with their mission. This will likely contain providing advantages packages that complement decrease salaries, resembling beneficiant trip time, skilled growth alternatives, or pupil mortgage reimbursement help. Understanding how wage ranges correspond to expertise, schooling, and job tasks is subsequently virtually important for profession development inside this sector.
In abstract, wage ranges inside Maine’s nonprofit sector mirror the monetary realities of organizations devoted to public service. Whereas compensation could also be decrease in comparison with the for-profit world, a transparent understanding of those ranges permits job seekers to make knowledgeable choices and permits nonprofits to strategically handle their assets to draw and retain certified workers. The problem stays in balancing monetary sustainability with the crucial to supply aggressive compensation that acknowledges the worth and dedication of people working to enhance Maine’s communities.
4. Location Specifics
Geographic issues are paramount when analyzing employment inside Maine’s nonprofit sector. The distribution of organizations and the character of their providers are straight influenced by the state’s various demographics, financial landscapes, and neighborhood wants. The bodily placement of those organizations considerably shapes job alternatives, compensation ranges, and the required ability units.
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City vs. Rural Distribution
Nonprofit focus varies considerably between city facilities and rural areas. Portland and Bangor, as examples, sometimes host a better density of organizations, resulting in a wider vary of accessible positions and specialised roles. Rural areas, whereas probably having fewer total job openings, typically function organizations addressing distinctive challenges associated to useful resource entry and repair supply in sparsely populated communities. This distinction influences not solely job availability but additionally the kind of work, with rural positions typically requiring a broader ability set resulting from restricted assets.
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Coastal vs. Inland Focus
Maine’s in depth shoreline generates a definite subset of nonprofit exercise centered on marine conservation, fisheries administration, and tourism-related initiatives. Positions in these coastal areas could contain fieldwork, environmental advocacy, or neighborhood outreach particular to the wants of coastal communities. Inland, organizations could give attention to forestry, agriculture, or supporting rural populations with restricted entry to healthcare and social providers. Due to this fact, job seekers ought to align their experience with the location-specific focus of the organizations.
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Financial Disparities
Financial disparities throughout Maine affect the demand for nonprofit providers. Areas with increased poverty charges and restricted financial alternatives typically require extra strong social security nets and neighborhood help applications. This interprets to a larger want for professionals in fields resembling social work, job coaching, and reasonably priced housing. Job alternatives in these areas could also be pushed by particular demographic wants and funding priorities focused in the direction of addressing localized socioeconomic challenges.
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Regional Funding Sources
The supply of funding varies throughout completely different areas of Maine, affecting the monetary stability of nonprofits and their capability to supply aggressive salaries and advantages. Organizations in areas with robust philanthropic networks or entry to state and federal funding could also be higher positioned to draw and retain certified workers. Understanding the regional funding panorama is essential for assessing the long-term viability of employment alternatives throughout the sector.
In abstract, location specifics are a crucial think about evaluating positions inside Maine’s nonprofit sector. The distribution of organizations, the character of their missions, and the provision of assets are all formed by the state’s geographic range and financial realities. A cautious evaluation of those elements can assist job seekers determine alternatives that align with their abilities and aspirations, whereas additionally enabling nonprofits to successfully deal with the distinctive challenges going through Maine’s communities.
5. Abilities Wanted
The success of organizations offering nonprofit providers in Maine hinges on a particular ability set amongst their staff. These abilities straight affect the efficacy of program supply and the general attainment of organizational objectives. As an illustration, a grant author’s proficiency in crafting compelling proposals determines the circulation of funding important for program continuation. Conversely, a scarcity of efficient communication abilities inside a neighborhood outreach function can restrict engagement and hinder the group’s skill to attach with its goal inhabitants. The necessity for distinct competencies is straight proportional to the success of a Maine-based nonprofit.
The significance of possessing the appropriate abilities can’t be understated. Organizations in Maine require people adept at fundraising, program administration, volunteer coordination, and neighborhood engagement. Moreover, understanding related state laws and reporting necessities is essential. A program coordinator missing organizational abilities may wrestle to handle program logistics successfully, leading to inefficiencies and compromised service high quality. Likewise, a scarcity of economic literacy amongst management can result in mismanagement of funds and jeopardize the group’s sustainability. Take into account a newly shaped environmental group in Maine; its success in securing land conservation easements relies upon closely on the authorized and negotiation abilities of its workers.
In abstract, possessing the mandatory abilities is prime for securing and performing positions inside Maine’s nonprofit sector. Figuring out and growing these abilities is virtually important for people in search of employment and for the organizations aiming to maximise their influence. Whereas ardour for a trigger is effective, demonstrable competence in related areas is crucial for attaining tangible outcomes and guaranteeing the long-term viability of Maine’s important nonprofit neighborhood.
6. Volunteer Pathways
Volunteer engagement represents a major entry level into Maine’s nonprofit sector. For people in search of paid positions, volunteering offers invaluable expertise, networking alternatives, and a deeper understanding of organizational operations and missions.
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Ability Growth and Acquisition
Volunteering affords a structured setting for buying and refining abilities straight relevant to nonprofit roles. For instance, aiding with fundraising occasions can domesticate abilities in donor relations and occasion planning, whereas volunteering as a program assistant can hone organizational and administrative skills. These experiences present tangible proof of competence to potential employers.
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Networking and Relationship Constructing
Volunteer work facilitates connections with workers, board members, and different volunteers throughout the group and its broader community. These relationships can result in mentorship alternatives, suggestions, and insights into out there job openings not publicly marketed. A constant and dependable volunteer presence builds belief and demonstrates dedication, growing the chance of consideration for paid positions.
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Mission Alignment and Organizational Match
Volunteering permits people to evaluate their alignment with a corporation’s mission and tradition earlier than in search of employment. This firsthand expertise offers insights into the day-to-day realities of working throughout the nonprofit and confirms whether or not the person’s values and work model are suitable with the group’s ethos. Demonstrated ardour for the mission throughout volunteer service is a robust indicator of future dedication as an worker.
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Resume Enhancement and Expertise Gaps
Volunteer expertise strengthens a resume, notably for people with restricted prior employment or profession gaps. It demonstrates initiative, dedication, and a willingness to contribute to the neighborhood. Documenting volunteer roles with particular accomplishments and quantifiable outcomes can successfully showcase transferable abilities and improve a candidate’s competitiveness for nonprofit jobs.
The development from volunteer to paid workers is a typical trajectory inside Maine’s nonprofit sector. Lively volunteer engagement not solely offers important abilities and connections but additionally demonstrates a real dedication to the group’s mission. This pathway affords a strategic method for people in search of to enter or advance inside this sector, offering a stable basis for a satisfying profession contributing to Maine’s communities.
7. Fundraising Roles
The monetary viability of Maine’s nonprofit sector is straight contingent upon the effectiveness of its fundraising efforts. Consequently, positions devoted to fundraising represent a crucial subset of employment alternatives inside these organizations. Fundraising roles, encompassing actions resembling grant writing, donor cultivation, and occasion planning, straight influence the capability of Maine nonprofits to meet their missions. A profitable fundraising marketing campaign, for instance, can allow a rural well being clinic to develop its providers or enable an environmental group to accumulate worthwhile conservation land.
The significance of fundraising roles as a element of nonprofit jobs in Maine is virtually important. Organizations acknowledge the necessity for expert professionals who can generate income and safe monetary assets. A growth director at a Maine historic society, as an illustration, should successfully talk the group’s worth to potential donors to make sure continued preservation and academic programming. Understanding this connection informs hiring choices, skilled growth initiatives, and total organizational technique. Moreover, these positions typically require specialised information of philanthropy, donor relations, and authorized compliance, highlighting the necessity for expert people to fill these roles.
In abstract, fundraising roles are integral to the sustainability of Maine’s nonprofit sector. The success of those positions straight interprets to the capability of organizations to serve their communities. Whereas challenges exist in cultivating constant funding streams, notably for smaller nonprofits, recognizing the crucial function of fundraising is crucial for guaranteeing the long-term viability of Maine’s important nonprofit neighborhood.
8. Advocacy Positions
Positions centered on advocacy symbolize a major facet of employment inside Maine’s nonprofit sector. These roles are integral to advancing the missions of quite a few organizations by influencing public coverage, elevating consciousness of crucial points, and mobilizing neighborhood help.
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Legislative Advocacy
Legislative advocacy includes direct engagement with state lawmakers to advertise insurance policies aligned with a corporation’s mission. This will likely embrace lobbying, offering knowledgeable testimony at committee hearings, and educating policymakers on the influence of proposed laws. For instance, an advocacy coordinator at a Maine-based environmental nonprofit may work to advance laws defending endangered species or mitigating local weather change. The effectiveness of this advocacy straight impacts the coverage panorama inside Maine.
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Group Organizing
Group organizing focuses on mobilizing grassroots help for particular points. This includes constructing relationships with neighborhood members, organizing rallies and protests, and empowering people to advocate for their very own wants. A neighborhood organizer working for a Maine social justice group may mobilize residents to advocate for reasonably priced housing or entry to healthcare. This bottom-up method seeks to create systemic change by means of collective motion.
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Public Consciousness Campaigns
Public consciousness campaigns intention to teach the general public about crucial points and affect public opinion. This will likely contain growing academic supplies, conducting media outreach, and organizing public boards. A communications specialist at a Maine-based nonprofit centered on dependancy restoration may launch a marketing campaign to cut back the stigma related to substance use dysfunction. Elevating public consciousness is significant for making a extra knowledgeable and supportive neighborhood.
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Authorized Advocacy
Authorized advocacy includes using authorized methods to advance a corporation’s mission. This will likely embrace submitting lawsuits, offering authorized illustration to weak populations, and advocating for coverage modifications throughout the authorized system. An legal professional working for a Maine authorized support group may symbolize shoppers going through eviction or discrimination. Authorized advocacy ensures that the rights of people and communities are protected.
The prevalence and influence of advocacy positions inside Maine’s nonprofit sector underscore the significance of those roles in shaping public coverage and advancing social change. By partaking in legislative advocacy, neighborhood organizing, public consciousness campaigns, and authorized advocacy, these organizations contribute considerably to the well-being of Maine’s communities and the safety of its pure assets. The abilities and experience of people in these positions are important for guaranteeing that the voices of the underserved are heard and that Maine stays a state dedicated to justice and fairness.
9. Grant Writing
Grant writing represents a crucial perform inside Maine’s nonprofit sector, straight influencing the flexibility of those organizations to safe funding and implement their missions. The capability to successfully articulate organizational wants and program goals to potential funders is paramount for monetary sustainability.
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Fund Acquisition
The first function of grant writing is to accumulate monetary assets from foundations, authorities companies, and different grant-making entities. Profitable grant functions translate straight into funding that helps programmatic actions, operational prices, and organizational progress. As an illustration, a Maine-based arts group may safe a grant to supply free artwork courses to underserved youth. This demonstrates the tangible influence of grant writing on service supply.
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Program Growth and Alignment
The grant writing course of typically requires nonprofits to refine their program designs and align them with funder priorities. This alignment ensures that applications are evidence-based, measurable, and conscious of neighborhood wants. The act of growing a grant proposal compels organizations to critically study their objectives, methods, and analysis strategies, resulting in more practical and impactful applications.
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Organizational Capability Constructing
Grant writing strengthens organizational capability by requiring nonprofits to exhibit their experience, monetary stability, and governance construction. Funders typically assess a corporation’s monitor file, administration workforce, and inner controls earlier than awarding grants. A profitable grant software signifies that a corporation has the mandatory infrastructure and experience to successfully handle and implement grant-funded initiatives.
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Competitors and Ability Demand
The aggressive nature of grant funding creates a excessive demand for expert grant writers inside Maine’s nonprofit sector. People with experience in analysis, writing, budgeting, and mission administration are extremely wanted. Organizations search professionals who can successfully talk their mission and exhibit the potential influence of their applications to face out in a crowded funding panorama.
These aspects spotlight the important function grant writing performs in sustaining Maine’s nonprofit organizations. The flexibility to safe grant funding straight influences the capability of those organizations to deal with neighborhood wants, implement impactful applications, and contribute to the general well-being of Maine’s residents. Expert grant writers are subsequently important belongings for nonprofits in search of to maximise their influence and obtain long-term sustainability.
Often Requested Questions About Nonprofit Jobs in Maine
The next addresses widespread inquiries relating to employment throughout the nonprofit sector in Maine, providing readability on pertinent elements of this profession path.
Query 1: What’s the normal wage expectation for an entry-level place inside a Maine-based nonprofit?
Compensation for entry-level positions in Maine’s nonprofit sector varies relying on elements resembling organizational measurement, location, and the particular function. Nonetheless, a normal expectation sometimes ranges from $28,000 to $35,000 yearly. This determine is usually decrease than comparable positions throughout the for-profit sector resulting from funding constraints.
Query 2: Are volunteer alternatives a viable pathway to securing paid employment in Maine nonprofits?
Sure, volunteer expertise is usually thought of a worthwhile asset and a possible stepping stone to paid employment. Volunteering permits people to realize related abilities, community with professionals within the discipline, and exhibit their dedication to a corporation’s mission. Many nonprofits prioritize hiring candidates who’ve a confirmed monitor file of volunteer service.
Query 3: What are essentially the most in-demand abilities for nonprofit jobs in Maine?
In-demand abilities inside Maine’s nonprofit sector embrace grant writing, fundraising, program administration, neighborhood outreach, communication, and monetary administration. Proficiency in these areas enhances an applicant’s competitiveness and contributes to organizational success.
Query 4: How does the geographic location influence job alternatives inside Maine’s nonprofit sector?
The distribution of nonprofit organizations varies throughout Maine, with a better focus in city areas resembling Portland and Bangor. Rural areas could provide fewer alternatives total however current distinctive challenges and require people with adaptable ability units. Location additionally impacts wage ranges and the sorts of providers offered by native organizations.
Query 5: What are the everyday advantages supplied by Maine-based nonprofits?
Profit packages fluctuate amongst nonprofits in Maine. Whereas salaries could also be decrease in comparison with the for-profit sector, organizations typically provide advantages resembling medical insurance, paid break day, retirement plans, {and professional} growth alternatives. Some nonprofits may present pupil mortgage reimbursement help or versatile work preparations.
Query 6: How can one successfully analysis and determine related job openings inside Maine’s nonprofit sector?
Efficient job search methods embrace using on-line job boards particular to the nonprofit sector, networking with professionals within the discipline, attending business occasions, and straight contacting organizations of curiosity. Reviewing organizational web sites and social media platforms may also present worthwhile insights into out there positions and organizational tradition.
In abstract, understanding the nuances of wage expectations, volunteer alternatives, ability calls for, geographic issues, and profit packages is essential for navigating Maine’s nonprofit job market. Thorough analysis and strategic networking improve a person’s prospects for securing significant employment on this sector.
The subsequent part will delve into assets for locating positions in Maine’s nonprofit space.
Navigating Alternatives
The next ideas provide strategic steering for these in search of employment throughout the nonprofit sector in Maine, specializing in proactive steps to boost competitiveness and maximize alternatives.
Tip 1: Deal with Abilities Growth
Reveal experience related to Maine nonprofits by buying abilities resembling grant writing, fundraising, program administration, and volunteer coordination. Pursue skilled growth alternatives, workshops, and certifications to boost {qualifications} and enhance marketability. Emphasize the flexibility to contribute tangibly to a corporation’s mission and operational effectiveness.
Tip 2: Strategic Networking
Construct connections inside Maine’s nonprofit neighborhood by attending business occasions, becoming a member of skilled associations, and volunteering at related organizations. Networking offers entry to unadvertised job openings, mentorship alternatives, and worthwhile insights into organizational cultures and hiring practices. Domesticate relationships with people who can function references or advocates.
Tip 3: Analysis Organizations Completely
Conduct complete analysis on potential employers to grasp their missions, applications, monetary stability, and organizational values. Assessment their web sites, annual reviews, and social media platforms to evaluate their influence and neighborhood engagement. Tailor software supplies to align with every group’s particular wants and priorities, demonstrating a real curiosity of their work.
Tip 4: Volunteer Strategically
Volunteer at organizations aligned with profession objectives to realize sensible expertise, develop related abilities, and exhibit dedication to the nonprofit sector. Select volunteer roles that provide alternatives to accumulate abilities in high-demand areas resembling fundraising, program analysis, or neighborhood outreach. Monitor volunteer hours and doc accomplishments to showcase contributions to potential employers.
Tip 5: Tailor Software Supplies
Craft compelling resumes and canopy letters that spotlight related abilities, experiences, and achievements. Quantify accomplishments each time doable to exhibit the tangible influence of previous contributions. Tailor every software to the particular necessities of the job description, emphasizing how {qualifications} align with the group’s mission and objectives. Search suggestions from profession counselors or skilled professionals to refine software supplies.
Tip 6: Spotlight Maine-Particular Data
Reveal familiarity with Maine’s distinctive social, financial, and environmental challenges. Analysis native points related to the group’s mission and exhibit an understanding of the state’s nonprofit panorama. Spotlight any expertise working with Maine communities or information of state-specific laws and funding alternatives.
Efficient implementation of those methods enhances a person’s prospects for securing nonprofit employment inside Maine, contributing to a satisfying profession that advantages each the person and the state’s communities.
The next part will discover out there assets that may assist obtain a place in a nonprofit group.
Conclusion
The previous evaluation has illuminated the multifaceted nature of alternatives inside Maine’s nonprofit employment panorama. Key elements embrace neighborhood influence, various missions, wage issues, location-specific variables, ability necessities, volunteer pathways, fundraising requirements, advocacy roles, and the significance of grant writing. A radical understanding of those components is crucial for people in search of to enter or advance inside this sector.
The state’s nonprofit organizations are important contributors to Maine’s social cloth, addressing crucial wants and fostering neighborhood well-being. Continued help for these organizations and the professionals who dedicate themselves to their missions is crucial to make sure a thriving future for Maine.
