Peace Action Maine recognizes that effective resistance to war, occupation, and violence necessitates building community with our members and neighbors. It is also essential that we move towards sustainable living practices and economic models that are independent from and counter the military industrial complex.
The United States largest export is weapons. Maine’s largest employers are the military and military industries, specifically through General Dynamics. To end the continuing cycles of violence, we must convert Maine’s economy of destruction and culture of isolation to come together and learn, practice and realize a sustainable economy and nonviolent community.
A) Peace Action Maine partnered with energy, environment, policy and anti war organization to present the Achieving Global Energy Security Conference at the University of Maine, Portland on April 13, 2007. In the coming months, we will be taking the information presented and turning towards action with conference particpants and sponsoring organizations. Please contact us for more information.
Powerpoint presentations from the AGES Conference
B) PAM Trainings, Teach ins, and Community Events Please visit our Event Calendar for upcoming events in your area.
C) Community Building Collaborative
The mission of the Community Building Collaborative is to celebrate and support our community through creating transformative possibilities for intergenerational learning, empowerment, sharing resources, networking and developing a space for peace, cooperation, art and sustainability.
Our Vision
* Collaborative Community Building: Through creating a collaborative community building we are combining our power and resources as organizations and individuals to affect transformation in our community and world by offering a place for our community to share, connect, grow, express and organize.
Cooperative Housing: Through developing cooperative housing, we are working together to provide a long term base for democratically controlled affordable housing in Portland that builds community stability, vitality and supports neighborhood empowerment.
Cooperative Living: Through cooperative housing, cooperative vehicles, cooperative food programs and cooperative economics, the Community Building Collaborative promotes and sustains cooperative living for a just, equitable and democratic world.
Ecological Sustainability: Through using green building techniques, alternative energy, supporting local agriculture and reducing waste, the Community Building Collaborative models and promotes ecological sustainability.
Empowerment: Through providing and promoting opportunities for community participation, dialogue, feedback and learning, the Community Building Collaborative works to empower ourselves and our community.
Economic Opportunity: Through providing a home for cooperative businesses and non-profits, we are creating economic opportunities for local residents.
Interconnected: The Community Building Collaborative connects people and organizations through our buildings and projects and shares this connection with the broader community.
Intergenerational: Through the Community Building Collaborative we bring together people of all ages to share knowledge, stories, experiences, passions and their lives.
Life Long Learning: The Community Building Collaborative supports the process of life-long learning by offering educational programs, a community classroom and opportunities for people of all ages to expand our horizons and knowledge.
Through these programs, Peace Action Maine is:
- Advocating and exploring investment in and use of sustainable energy and green manufacturing through the conversion of existing military production in Maine
- Educating towards the diminish investment in and use of fossil fuels
- Preventing environmentally destructive and ineffective defense industry practices and production.
- Encouraging the use of renewable energy and conservation locally, and sustainable aid practices and economic agreements internationally.
