OUT Maine is building a Youth Policy Board for Midcoast youth ages 14-22 to address health and social justice issues. OUT is looking for community-oriented, social justice-minded youth from Knox, Waldo, Lincoln and Sagadahoc counties who want to develop leadership skills and to have a positive impact on schools and communities. 

The newly forming Youth Policy Board is an opportunity for youth to create and recommend reforms to policies that affect their lives and those of their peers. The goals are twofold: Support the positive youth development of Board members and create space for youth perspectives to shape public policy discussions. Youth participants will receive a small stipend. 

“We are looking for youth who are passionate about the issues that affect the community. These youth will reflect the diversity of the four counties with regard to race, ethnicity, and/or national origin; gender expression and/or identity; sexual orientation; socioeconomic status; age and disability,” said OUT Maine Program Director Sue Campbell, in a news release. “We invite youth who are willing to speak up about current youth services and help us identify what’s working and what can be improved to better serve the needs of today’s youth. ” 

The Youth Policy Board will meet monthly, February through April, at OUT Maine headquarters in Rockland and participate in a weekend retreat at Camp Kieve in May. The program is youth-led and rooted in the authentic experiences of Youth Policy Board members facilitated by adult advisors. Young people will be be the driving decision makers for research, policy development, and implementation. 

If you or someone you know is interested, apply online at www.OUTMaine.org or email sue@outmaine.org to have an application mailed. Completed applications are due January 23. 

ABOUT OUT Maine 

OUT Maine supports, educates and empowers rural LGBTQ youth by providing community safe spaces, changing school climate through education and the building of Gay/Straight/Trans Alliances (school clubs), building a strong provider safety net by training health and mental health providers, school staff, clergy and other youth service organizations, and supporting parents and families of these at-risk youth to reduce homelessness.

To support rural LGBTQ youth, go to outmaine.org to make a donation or mail a check to PO Box 1723, Rockland, ME  04841. OUT Maine also encourages donors to consider providing a monthly sustaining donation to help the work continue.