Circle In Family Meeting Toolkit
2026 Democratic Youth Led Gubernatorial Forum
“The Maine Youth Collaboration Forum, understands that for Maine to prosper, our state needs a governor that recognizes the power of young people and is dedicated to building a future where young people can live, work, and thrive. This forum brings young people in conversation with 2026 gubernatorial candidates, mobilizing youth from across the state to engage in the 2026 election and in civic work in their communities. We at MYC have organized this inaugural gubernatorial forum in response to the dearth of opportunities available to Maine youth to communicate directly with the candidates running to lead our state for the next four years. Young people need a safe, accessible space to voice concerns, share ideas, and ask questions of the people whose laws will shape our lives and opportunities for years to come. MYC recognizes that the youth across the state of Maine come from different backgrounds and identities, and this forum aims to give youth from all across Maine with varying experiences an opportunity to be in conversation with candidates about the issues that affect them day to day. We at Maine Youth Collaborative are convening this forum to demonstrate the dynamism and power of youth organizing in Maine. By fostering connections and strengthening relationships, this forum aims to have a lasting impact on the Maine youth organizing landscape and forge lasting connections between youth organizers and Maine’s political leaders.
Future Leaders’ Voices: Student Perspectives on Pluralism and Democracy in America
USM Forum on American Democracy concludes with an evening centered on the voices of students — our next generation of civic leaders. In this culminating event, our Forum Scholars will share their reflections on pluralism and democracy in today’s America. Forum Scholars are students nominated by USM’s three college deans for their interest in leadership and civic life. Over the course of the year, they participated in a seminar with President Edmondson, engaging deeply with the ideas presented throughout the Forum on American Democracy series. This event will showcase their perspectives, insights, and visions for a more inclusive and democratic future.
A Perspective on Pluralism in Southern Maine: A Discussion Led by USM Faculty
As our USM Forum on American Democracy continues, we turn our focus homeward. This evening brings together USM faculty from across disciplines to explore how the principles of pluralism — as discussed in previous events with Eboo Patel and Raj Vinnakota — apply right here in Southern Maine. Join Dr. Ron Schmidt (Political Science), Dr. David Kasdan (Sustainable Public Policy), Dr. Michelle Vázquez Jacobus (Social and Behavioral Sciences), and Dr. Adam Schmitt (History/Education) as they bring diverse academic perspectives to the ongoing conversation. Together, they will explore what pluralism means in this moment and in this place, grounding national themes in our regional experience. This discussion will reflect on how diversity, inclusion, and civic cooperation shape life in Southern Maine — from public institutions and education systems to our broader civic culture. The panel will highlight the distinctive dynamics of our community while examining how pluralism can foster meaningful engagement, responsive policy, and a deeper sense of belonging.