The Maine  Black Community is made up of non immigrant Black Mainers and immigrant Black Mainers or New Americans. We use the term “African Americans” to mean those whose ancestry traces back to slavery, either from Maine or other parts of North and South America and the Caribbean. They have been present and have helped to build Maine since colonial times.

• 22,425 Black Mainers born in US (2022 ACS)
• 13,224 Black Mainers born outside the US (2022 ACS)

Immigrant Black Mainers are made up of people who have come here to build a better life for themselves and their families. Some have come here for economic reasons as health care and professional workers, or seasonal farmworkers, helping to fill critical jobs and keep Maine running.

Other people are here seeking refuge or asylum — facing challenging decisions as they rebuild their lives, having left everything behind to find safety and freedom in a new place.

Refugees, admitted through a federal program following a rigorous screening process, arrive in Maine and are immediately eligible to work. They contribute to the state through employment and tax payments. Asylum seekers, who have arrived independently in pursuit of safety, face a different journey. They can only apply for work authorization after months of waiting for their asylum to be approved. Once they are able to work, they pay taxes to Maine, but some may not qualify for Mainecare or food stamps. 

Regardless of their origin, everyone has the fundamental right to safety. Unfortunately, some government policies make it harder for these New Mainers to start their lives here. Communities across the state are coming together to show compassion and support for those navigating the complexities of starting new lives in Maine. By embracing the diversity, strength, and contributions of all people, we can build a future where we all grow and thrive together.

Some Significant Contributions Of Black Mainers

African Americans have lived in Maine, from before the state was founded. They helped build settlements and lay the foundations for the future of the state in various social, economic and cultural ways.

Mariners who came to Maine from the West Indies, Africa, and the Caribbean played a key role in the establishment of Maine in the fishing, shipbuilding, and transportation realms. 

Black soldiers fought side-by-side with Passamaquoddy and white American soldiers in the first naval battle of the Revolutionary War. 

In the late 19th century, Portland and Bangor had the largest community of African Americans in Maine.  The Portland community formed the Abyssinian Congregational Church in 1827. The Abyssinian Meeting House is Maine’s oldest African-American church, and the third oldest in the nation. By the early 20th century, African Americans in Bangor established a chapter of the Grand United Order of Odd Fellows (GUOOF) and its ladies’ auxiliary, the Household of Ruth, a branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), a Mothers' Club, a Junior Mothers' Club, a lodge of Black Masons, and a Black United Service Organization (USO). 

In the later part of the 20th century, the political significance of the Black community in Maine grew, marking notable milestones in civil rights advancements. This included the enactment of Maine's Fair Housing Act before the adoption of the federal bill by Congress, demonstrating influence on national laws and policies.

Some Notable Figures In Maine's Black History

	London Atus (c. 1759 - 1843) Born into slavery in New Jersey, London came to Machias while still enslaved in 1771. He later joined the Continental Army, serving under several officers and fighting in the first naval battle of the Revolutionary War. With his service, he ultimately bought his freedom. After the war, London transitioned to the lumber industry, shipping to ports such as Portland and Boston. He married Eunice Foss, a white woman – an early example of interracial marriages in Maine – and settled in Machias with their children and several other Black and biracial families.
	James A. Healy (1830 - 1900) of the Catholic Diocese of Portland was the first African American Roman Catholic Bishop in the nation. He traveled 3,000 miles on horseback and by canoe to confirm 4,000 Maine children.
	John Nichols (1851 - 1930) worked for the Union Army, and arrived at Lewiston after the Civil War with a group of veterans who were formerly enslaved.
	Macon B. Allen (1816 - 1894) was the first Black attorney in the U.S. following his admission to the Cumberland County Bar in 1844. In 1845 Allen moved to Boston, where he passed the Massachusetts Bar Exam on May 5, 1845.  Shortly afterwards he and Robert Morris, Jr., opened the first Black law office in the United States.  In 1848 he became the Justice of the Peace for Middlesex County, Massachusetts. In addition to his license to practice law he is believed to be the first Black man to hold a judiciary position.
	Beverly Dodge Bowens (c.1935 - 2006)  Born in Portland, Beverly Dodge spent her formative years on Munjoy Hill, in a neighborhood that she loved. A graduate of Portland High School, as a high school senior, Beverly garnered attention when Senator Margaret Chase Smith and Governor Frederick Payne stepped in on her behalf, compelling a hotel in Washington, D.C. to overturn its initial refusal to accommodate Dodge on her senior class trip because she was Black.
	Gerald E. Talbot (1931 - ) A two-time president of the NAACP in Portland, Gerald Talbot was the first Black person elected to the Maine Legislature and the first Black speaker pro tem in its House of Representatives. Among his legislative accomplishments, Talbot changed maps and Maine’s social conscience in 1977 by winning passage of a law to remove the n-word from geographic places statewide.

As we celebrate Black History Month, it is crucial to reflect not only on the achievements and resilience of the Black community but also on the historical injustices that have shaped the United States and Maine. In recent years, there has been a growing awareness of the need for land acknowledgments, recognizing the Indigenous peoples on whose land we stand. It is equally important to extend these acknowledgments to encompass the labor that built this nation, often extracted from enslaved African people. On the first day of Black History Month, 2024, we are exploring the significance of including labor acknowledgments alongside land acknowledgments and sharing some best practices to ensure a respectful and inclusive approach.

Understanding Our History

The United States has a complex history, built on land taken from Indigenous people, using the forced labor of people taken from their homelands in Africa.  Recognizing this history is not about dwelling on guilt but acknowledging the systemic injustices that have shaped our nation. By understanding the interconnectedness of land and labor exploitation, we take the first step towards creating a more inclusive and equitable society.

The Role of Acknowledgments

Land acknowledgments have become a common practice at events, acknowledging the traditional territories of Indigenous peoples. It is equally important to extend this acknowledgment to the labor that played a pivotal role in building this nation. Enslaved Africans provided much of the labor that fueled the economic prosperity of the early United States. By recognizing both land and labor, we honor a more complete scope of historical contributions and acknowledge the ongoing impacts of systemic oppression.

Best Practices

• Selecting Acknowledgment Readers: It is essential to choose acknowledgment readers thoughtfully. The acknowledgment should not be read by an African American whose ancestry is rooted in slavery, as it is not their responsibility to remind us of the trauma and injustices their ancestors endured, a legacy of harm that they continue to endure today. While a Black immigrant may read the acknowledgment, it is important to recognize the distinction between African immigrants and Black people whose ancestors' stolen labor built much of the wealth of this nation.

• Include Location-specific Information: It is important to be intentional about incorporating any specific history of the place where the event is being held. This practice increases awareness of the relevance of the acknowledgement, especially in places that are not often seen as having benefited from slavery.

• Follow Acknowledgments with Action Plans: Mere words without actions can resurface trauma. After acknowledging historical injustices, it is crucial to outline positive action plans. Encourage education, dialogue, and community involvement to address systemic issues and build a more equitable society.

• Community Education: Foster a culture of learning and understanding by providing resources and educational opportunities. Encourage individuals to educate themselves about the history of where they call home, promoting a deeper appreciation for the diverse contributions that have shaped our communities.

• Promote Allyship: Encourage individuals to be allies in the fight against systemic racism. This involves actively listening to marginalized voices, amplifying their stories, supporting honest history being taught in our classrooms, and working together to create positive change.

In recognizing both land and labor acknowledgments, we honor a more complete spectrum of the contributions that have shaped our nation. Black History Month is not just a time to celebrate achievements but also an opportunity to reflect on historic injustices that persist today. By incorporating inclusive acknowledgments into our events and following them with meaningful action plans, we take a step towards healing intergenerational trauma and building a better, more equitable place for everyone. You can find the Permanent Commission’s Land and Labor Acknowledgement here.

What is the Youth Empowerment Mini-Award? 

The Permanent Commission on the Status of Racial, Indigenous, and Tribal Populations (Permanent Commission) has a statutory goal to promote, implement, and coordinate programs that create and improve opportunities for historically disadvantaged racial, Indigenous, and tribal populations in the state.

To advance this goal, we are launching a mini-award program supporting nonprofit organizations through one-time funding to implement projects designed to support youth ages 25 and under. This opportunity is geared towards nonprofits who have not worked with the Permanent Commission in calendar year 2023. 

Benefits of this program include both receiving up to $4,500 per organization to implement your project and being part of a small cohort of participating organizations, which will help to build new connections across Maine.

If you work at a nonprofit and have an idea for a project that can create and improve opportunities for youth aged 25 and under, please submit a brief proposal to us HERE for our consideration! 

How much funding is available? 

The Permanent Commission is offering one-time awards of up to $4,500 (per organization) to up to five qualified organizations. The Permanent Commission has the discretion to award fewer awards than planned, based on the quality and completeness of the applications.

When will successful applicants receive the funds?

Selected partners will enter into a Low Cost Service Contract (LCSC) to begin project implementation. The Permanent Commission hopes to execute contracts in early March, 2024. Contracts will provide for partners to submit two invoices during the course of the contract for work that has been completed and expenses incurred. Payment can not be made in advance.

What types of expenses are allowable/ unallowable? 

Examples of allowable expenses include (list is not exhaustive): 

• Physical space rental, 
• Food, non-alcoholic beverages, and other accommodation costs associated with the proposed project,
• Staff time and material costs for any activities directly related to the project, including promotional materials, community outreach, educational activities, and data collection, 
• Staff time associated with attending project meetings with the Permanent Commission and developing/delivering a final report to the Permanent Commission describing the project activities, fund uses, and any other agreed upon reporting content, and
• Up to 10% maximum of indirect costs.

Examples of unallowable expenses include (list is not exhaustive):

• Lobbying, 
• Goods and services for personal use,
• Goods, services, or staff time for work outside of the approved project, or 
• Fines, penalties, damages and other settlements.

Project budgets must be submitted as part of the application process and any amendments agreed in advance with the Permanent Commission.  Applicants are encouraged to apply for the full $4,500 with a supporting budget.

Who can apply? 

In order to qualify, organizations must: 

• Be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization  
• Be headquartered in Maine or have a minimum of 50% of employees based in Maine, and 
• Have not contracted with the Permanent Commission during the 2023 calendar year.

Organizations with multiple affiliated locations across the State should submit a single application. 

If you have any questions regarding your eligibility, please reach out to the Permanent Commission at the contact below. 

What will a strong application include? 

A strong application will include: 

• All requested organizational and individual contact information,
• Creative approaches to creating and improving opportunities for youth in Maine who are part of historically disadvantaged racial, Indigenous, and tribal populations,
• Clear, well-defined goals,
• Specific plans for getting feedback from participants on how well the goals were met,
• A detailed timeline that lists the steps of the project, inclusive of planning, implementation, feedback, and reporting.
• A realistic and well-thought out budget that details how the funds will be used. 

What does a strong application look like? 

Please see below an example of a completed application, which you may use as a reference when completing your own unique application. 

Mini-Award Application Example 

This application example is designed to provide information on the level of detail the Permanent Commission expects from applicants. Please do not consider this example as a template to be copied or any indication of departmental preference for certain types of project proposals. We encourage you to share project ideas that best suit the needs of your organization and community. 

What is the application deadline? 

The Permanent Commission is accepting applications through 11:59PM on Sunday, February 25th. 

If selected, what requirements are there?

Selected partners will be required to:

1. Have or obtain a State of Maine vendor number. Permanent Commission staff will provide necessary support to obtain this.
2. Enter into a low-cost service contract with the Permanent Commission.
3. Submit two invoices for work undertaken in accordance with the approved budget and work plan.
4. Attendee three 60-90 minute virtual meetings with Permanent Commission staff and other awardees during the course of the contract. The first will be a kickoff meeting, the second will be a mid-way progress update, and the third will be a project wrap up.
5. Submit a written final report by Friday, May 31, 2024 that describes the project activities, how the funds were used, and includes any other reporting content agreed with the Permanent Commission based on the specific project.
6. Complete an evaluation form at the end of the project to provide feedback to help improve future initiatives.
7. Include the Permanent Commission’s logo on any promotional materials as a project sponsor and make space for Permanent Commission tabling at an event (if relevant and appropriate for the type of event).

Who can I reach out to with more questions? 

Should you have further questions regarding this opportunity, please reach out to Hunter Cropsey, Acting Operations Director, at hunter.cropsey@maine.gov. 

Position Description: 

The Communications Coordinator at the Permanent Commission on the Status of Racial, Indigenous, and Tribal Populations (Permanent Commission) will lead the communications work related to the Permanent Commission’s statutory mandate  to advise and consult with the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of government about the status of historically disadvantaged racial, Indigenous, and tribal populations and strategies to improve that status. 

The Communications Coordinator will develop and implement the Permanent Commission’s broad-reaching communication strategy to support the agency’s goal of  reducing racial disparities in all sixteen counties. It requires a high degree of collaboration with all relevant Permanent Commission staff and Commissioners, state agencies, and external organizations.

The position reports to the Executive Director.

Responsibilities

Develop overall communications strategy

• Develop and implement the Permanent Commission’s comprehensive communications strategy  to advance the objectives of improving opportunities and eliminating disparities for historically disadvantaged racial, Indigenous, and tribal populations in the State of Maine, including:
  • Development of targeted messaging for a wide range of audiences, inclusive of government officials, legislators, community partners, press, and Maine residents.
  • Identification of strategies and best practices on effective communication about challenging topics related to race, racism, and disproportionate impacts of policies and programs.
  • Facilitation of media and communication training for Commissioners and staff.
• Develop and implement the Permanent Commission’s communications work plan for each fiscal year and ensure it is accomplished in a timely and efficient manner, delegating tasks where appropriate.

Lead communications strategy implementation

• Implement the communications strategy and work plan to build awareness and knowledge of the Permanent Commission and its work, to include:
  • An annual program of intentional and scheduled messaging to the Permanent Commission’s stakeholders and interested parties
  • Creation, management, and training on Permanent Commission talking points, both related to general Permanent Commission business and specific issues, as needed.
  • Preparing the Permanent Commission’s annual report to the Governor and the Legislature
  • Promoting activities, programs, and initiatives designed to meet the problems faced by historically disadvantaged racial, indigenous, and tribal populations
  • Regular review and updates to the Permanent Commission website, based on community need.
  • Creation and management of an email newsletter and other associated communications.
  • Manage and grow the Permanent Commission’s social media presence, including monitoring and responding to analytics.
  • Creation, maintenance, and training on a house-style for all Permanent Commission communications, to incorporate best practices for accessibility.
  • Drafting articles and  opinion pieces to be submitted to the press, on behalf of Commissioners and staff.

Manage Permanent Commission communication needs

• Provide cross-cutting guidance to the Permanent Commission and its Committees to ensure consistency in communication content and style, including:
  • Policy: Reviewing and editing Legislative testimony, Permanent Commission reports to the Legislature, and other written materials to ensure consistency of messaging and alignment with overall communications strategy.
  • Research: Providing input into dissemination strategies of Permanent Commission research, including ensuring the content is tailored to the intended audiences.
  • Community engagement: Designing all branding and promotional materials to support events.
• Managing all communication with the press on behalf of the Permanent Commission, including developing and maintaining relationships, preparing and submitting statements, drafting and distributing press releases, and facilitating interviews.
• Monitor national, state, and local media reporting relevant to the Permanent Commission and its work.

Miscellaneous

• Manage, mentor, and support Permanent Commission Fellows and Interns undertaking communications work.
• Advise and provide technical support to the Executive Director, Permanent Commission staff, and the full Permanent Commission and its Committees on communication strategies and talking points relevant to projects or initiatives.

Minimum Qualifications:

To qualify, your background must include a 7 year combination of education and experience in marketing, communications, or a related field. 

Additional Attributes of Strong Candidates: 

• An understanding of issues related to racial, Indigenous, and/or tribal populations, through lived and/or professional experience. 
• Experience or understanding of the Maine State Legislature.
• Strong ties to a marginalized community 
• Strong relationship building skills, especially with BIPOC communities, press, state government actors, community partners, and others. 
• Ability to remain non-partisan.
• Excellent project management skills.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, ideally developed in a public policy context.
• Ability to multitask, work independently, take initiative, be flexible, and problem solve. 
• Demonstrated experience of working collaboratively with a range of internal and external partners.
• Exhibits the Permanent Commission’s cultural values of teamwork, responsibility, accountability, excellence, openness, and balance. 

Contact: 

Questions about the position should be directed to Hunter Cropsey at hunter.cropsey@maine.gov. 

Application Instructions: 

Apply online at: https://mainebhr.hire.trakstar.com/jobs/fk0v3en/

Whatever our color, background, or zip code, we want to live in communities that reflect honesty about who we are and integrity in how we treat others.That’s why the Permanent Commission on the Status of Racial, Indigenous, and Tribal Populations firmly supports the proposed state constitutional amendment to publish all original sections of the Maine constitution, including the state's obligations to the Wabanaki tribal nations. 

This crucial step towards government transparency and accountability aligns with our commitment to honesty about our history and the fundamental right of the public to know the truth of our past. By making these historical documents accessible to all, we empower our citizens to engage in informed civic discourse and hold our government accountable for its actions, past and present. Acknowledging our obligations to the Wabanaki tribal nations demonstrates a commitment to fulfill those obligations and fosters a deeper understanding of our shared history. 

We stand together with the Wabanaki tribal nations, the Secretary of State, the Attorney General and the entire Legislature, which unanimously passed LD 78, in support of this amendment. Now that it has passed the Legislature, Maine voters will decide what happens next. Question 6 on the November 7 ballot asks voters:

Do you favor amending the Constitution of Maine to require that all of the provisions of the Constitution be included in the official printed copies of the Constitution prepared by the Secretary of State?

The Permanent Commission is seeking input from community members in setting policy priorities to improve the status of racial, Indigenous, and tribal populations in Maine. We value your voices and perspectives in our collective pursuit of a more equitable and inclusive future. 

Your insights can play a pivotal role in shaping the policies that will move us toward a better, more just Maine for all of us. Please take a moment to use this form to share your thoughts and ideas about policies that you believe will foster equality, justice, and unity in Maine.   

A list of bills that will be considered in the next legislative session can be found here.

AUGUSTA - Today the Permanent Commission on the Status of Racial, Indigenous, and Tribal Populations issued a statement of strong support for Governor Janet Mills’ executive order directing the Governor’s Office of Policy Innovation and the Future to develop an Office of New Americans.

“Maine deserves common sense solutions that make our state stronger by respecting people’s rights and honoring our values,” said Ariel Ricci, the Executive Director of the Permanent Commission. “We know that integrating new immigrants into our communities where they can both provide for their families and provide necessary services just makes sense.”

“No matter what we look like, or how much money we have, when people cross borders our human rights come with us, and so do our skills and life experiences. By building a bridge between those skills and the workforce our state needs, we can help our communities grow and thrive together.” said Commissioner Dina Yacoubagha, who serves in a seat representing immigrant communities and is the Program Manager for the Maine Multicultural Center. “I’m excited to support the work of the Office of New Americans as we join together to work toward a system that recognizes everything we have to offer each other.”

The Permanent Commission on the Status of Racial, Indigenous, and Tribal Populations was established in 2019, with the enactment of LD 777 and began its work in late 2021, after receiving its first funding with the enactment of LD 1034.  The Permanent Commission has a mission to examine racial disparities across all systems with a goal of improving the status and outcomes for the historically disadvantaged racial, Indigenous, and tribal populations in the state. The Permanent Commission is empowered to advise all three branches of Maine government and to introduce legislation. More information about the Permanent Commission’s work can be found on its website: https://www.pcritp.me

LEWISTON - The Permanent Commission on the Status of Racial, Indigenous, and Tribal Populations hosted a community listening session at the Agora Grand Event Center in Lewiston on Sunday, July 23. The community listening session provided an opportunity for the Permanent Commission to hear directly from racial, Indigenous, and tribal populations about their lived experiences related to disparities caused by systemic racism in Maine. 

The event was part of a series that will contribute to the Permanent Commission’s goal to build the capacity of overburdened communities to identify issues that affect their communities and participate in, influence, and take on leadership roles in related decision-making processes. One previous event was held in Bangor in December 2022 and future events will be held in other towns and cities across the state.

The listening session was attended by a diverse group of about 30 people, who shared their experiences and views of the challenges faced by everyone in Maine, but are exacerbated by racial and tribal status. Some of the topics discussed by attendees were housing, reproductive justice, tribal sovereignty, and access to child care. 

“Community engagement lies at the heart of the Permanent Commission’s mission and shapes the way we carry out our work. In statute, the Permanent Commission is tasked with the duty to hold public hearings to center and amplify the voices of historically disadvantaged populations,” said Ariel Ricci, Executive Director of the Permanent Commission. “More than informants or consultants, members of these communities are essential partners helping to define the Permanent Commission’s direction and approach. Our priority is hearing from these community members and creating a space where they feel comfortable enough to share their experiences.”

“As the newest Commissioner appointed to the Permanent Commission, I was honored to be a part of this community listening session that created space for people most impacted by racial disparities as they gave voice to their own lived experiences,” said Commissioner Reggie Parson, who serves on the Permanent Commission in a seat representing youth. “Hearing directly from communities is vital to the effort to dismantle structural racism so nothing stands in the way of a good life – the way it should be – for all those who call Maine home.”

“For too long,  Maine and the United States have allowed the institutions and policies that drive structural racism to continue,” said Commissioner Bruce King, who serves on the Permanent Commission in a seat representing a historically disadvantaged population. “These structures hurt all of us, including rural Mainers, Black and African American people, Indigenous people, other people of color, and all Maine people struggling to thrive under these systems. Empowering communities to speak up about the barriers we face is a crucial step toward a more just and better way of life for all of us.”

“I am so proud of this community for showing up to share real lived experiences of racial disparities that exist in Maine,” said Commissioner Keith Bisson, who serves on the Permanent Commission in a seat representing a community development financial institution. “The Permanent Commission’s charge is to examine racial disparities in Maine–disparities that ultimately hurt each one of us. Hearing directly from people who have experienced these disparities first-hand is essential to that work.”

The Permanent Commission on the Status of Racial, Indigenous, and Tribal Populations was established in 2019, with the enactment of LD 777 and began its work in late 2021, after receiving its first funding with the enactment of LD 1034.  The Permanent Commission has a mission to examine racial disparities across all systems with a goal of improving the status and outcomes for historically disadvantaged racial, Indigenous, and tribal populations in the state. The Permanent Commission is empowered to advise all three branches of Maine government and to introduce legislation.

Lewiston - The Permanent Commission on the Status of Racial, Indigenous, and Tribal Populations (“Permanent Commission”) will host a community listening session at Agora Grand Event Center in Lewiston on Sunday, July 23 at noon. Lunch will be served and childcare will be provided on site.

The community listening session is an opportunity for the Permanent Commission to hear directly from racial, Indigenous, and tribal populations about their lived experiences related to disparities caused by structural racism in Maine. The event is part of a series that will contribute to the Permanent Commission’s goal to build the capacity of overburdened communities to identify issues that affect their communities and participate in, influence, and take on leadership roles in related decision-making processes. 

“Community listening sessions are a way to hold space for the people most impacted by racial disparities and to give voice to their own lived experiences,” said Angela Okafor, Community Engagement Director for the Permanent Commission. “Hearing directly from communities is vital to the effort to dismantle structural racism so nothing stands in the way of a good life – the way it should be – for all those who call Maine home.” 

WHAT: Community Listening Session
WHEN: Sunday, July 23, 2023, from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. 
WHERE: Agora Grand Event Center, 220 Bates St, Lewiston, ME 04240. Parking is available at Community Concepts.
 

Register to attend here.

The Policy Coordinator at the Permanent Commission on the Status of Racial, Indigenous, and Tribal Populations (Permanent Commission) will lead work related to the Permanent Commission’s statutory mandate, to advise and consult with the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of government about the status of historically disadvantaged racial, Indigenous, and tribal populations and strategies to improve that status. 

The Policy Coordinator will develop and implement the Permanent Commission’s broad-reaching public policy platform to reduce racial disparities in public determinants of health in all sixteen counties. It requires a high degree of collaboration with all relevant Permanent Commission staff and Commissioners, external organizations, legislators and legislative committees, and a wide range of state agencies and entities.

The position reports to the Executive Director.

Primary responsibilities include:  

Develop overall policy strategy

• Develop and implement the Permanent Commission’s comprehensive, data-informed public policy platform to consult with and advise the legislative, executive, and judicial branches to improve opportunities and eliminate disparities for historically disadvantaged racial, Indigenous, and tribal populations in the State of Maine.
• Develop and implement the public policy work plan for each fiscal year and ensure it is accomplished in a timely and efficient manner, delegating tasks where appropriate.

Lead legislative engagement strategy

• Develop and implement an engagement strategy for each legislative session, including:
  • Identify and track bills under consideration by the Legislature that may have a direct or indirect impact on racial, Indigenous, and tribal populations and/or that mention or may impact the work of the Permanent Commission.
  • Develop proposals for consideration by the Policy Committee and Executive Director on priority bills on which the Permanent Commission should provide public testimony.
  • Prepare and present testimony to the Legislature with accurate information and research from reliable sources related to actual and/or potential impacts of proposed legislation on racial, Indigenous, and tribal populations.
  • On request by Joint Standing Committees, prepare for and participate in Legislative Work Sessions.
  • Support the Executive Director in preparation of testimony to the Legislature on proposals that impact the resources, capacity, staffing, or funding of the Permanent Commission.
• Develop proposals for legislation to improve opportunities and eliminate disparities for historically disadvantaged racial, Indigenous, and tribal populations, including:
  • Draft proposed legislation.
  • Engage with Legislators to secure appropriate co-sponsors and wider support.
  • Work with non-partisan Legislative staff (Office of the Revisor, Office of Policy and Legal Analysis, Office of Fiscal and Policy Analysis) to provide accurate information to facilitate their work.
  • Prepare and deliver testimony in support of Permanent Commission-introduced bills.
  • On request by Joint Standing Committees, prepare for and participate in Legislative Work Sessions.
• Manage the public policy components of projects and initiatives arising out of enacted legislation that requires the Permanent Commission to act and report on progress to the Legislature.

Manage executive and judicial branch engagement strategies

• With the Executive Director, engage with and consult the judicial branch and executive branch agencies to develop appropriate strategies to advise and consult on ways to improve opportunities for and status of historically disadvantaged racial, Indigenous, and tribal populations.
• Lead the public policy components of racial impact assessments of current executive branch programs and policies, including identifying areas of disproportionate racial impact and recommendations to reduce disparities in program design and implementation.
• Lead the public policy components of other research projects, including analyzing and interpreting data from primary and secondary research to inform the Permanent Commission’s public policy positions and recommendations.

Manage Policy Committee

• Manage the monthly meetings of the Permanent Commission’s Policy Committee, including 
• Pro-actively working with the Committee Chair to create agendas and decision points for the Committee 
• Writes and presents briefing papers on public policy issues that identify strategic options and recommendations about how to best advance the Permanent Commission’s public policy platform
• Arranging Committee meetings, minutes, and other Committee administration. 
• Being the first point of contact for Committee members or other Commissioners on policy-related issues.

Miscellaneous

• Manage, mentor, and support Permanent Commission Fellows and Interns undertaking public policy work.
• Advise and provide technical support to the Executive Director, Permanent Commission staff, Policy Committee, and full Permanent Commission on any public policy implications and issues that may arise in any projects or initiatives.

Skills or knowledge required:

• Excellent written and oral communication skills, ideally developed in a public policy context.
• Ability to remain non-partisan and build relationships with individuals from all parties.
• Demonstrated experience of working collaboratively with a range of internal and external partners.
• Ability to multitask, work independently, take initiative, and problem-solve. 
• Exhibits the Permanent Commission’s cultural values of teamwork, responsibility, accountability, excellence, openness, and balance. 
• Excellent project management skills.
• Ability to be flexible and innovative.

Minimum qualifications:

• At least five years of experience with public policy advocacy, state or federal government, and/or law.
• Strong understanding of issues related to racial, Indigenous, and/or tribal populations, through lived and/or professional experience. 
• Strong relationships and relationship-building skills, especially with BIPOC communities, state government actors, community partners, and others. 

Additional Attributes of Strong Candidates: 

• Experience or understanding of the Maine State Legislature.
• Experience in advising local or state government.
• Strong ties to a marginalized community. 

Contact information:

Questions about this position should be directed to Hunter Cropsey at hunter.cropsey@maine.gov

Application Instructions:

Apply online at: https://mainebhr.hire.trakstar.com/jobs/fk0xago