Kabam! Maine Nonprofits Rocked it on Nonprofit Day!

Thank you to all who participated in our 15th Annual Nonprofit Day!! It was a smashing success.

Nonprofits in the House

MEIRS with Rep. Bruce Bickford

We were thrilled that so many legislators – Republicans, Democrats, Independents and Unenrolled – stopped by to say hello and learn about Maine’s vital nonprofit sector. Many thanks to Senators Langley and Vitelli and Representatives Moonen and Pouliot for sponsoring our invitation and thank you to Rep. Grohman for reminding his colleagues about the event.

These organizations exhibited:

• Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland
• Coastal Enterprises, Inc. (CEI)
• Disability Rights Maine
  DRME with Rep. Catherine NadeauEastern Trail Alliance
• Embrace A Vet
• Families First Community Center
• First Amendment Museum at the Gannett House
• Maine Immigrant and Refugee Services
• Maine Immigrants’ Rights Coalition
• Maine Land Trust Network
• Pine Tree Society
• Portland Stage

Exhibitors made connections with legislators and each other. One exhibitor shared, “I had great conversations and explored opportunities to collaborate on upcoming policy proposals.” Another participant said, “I appreciated the opportunity to network with other nonprofits and learn more about their good work. For me, that part was as important as connecting with legislators.”

Find many more photos from the day in our Facebook photo album.

Outside the State House

We were also successful in our efforts to boost our message beyond the State House. Our social media “Thunderclap” campaign reached over 90,000 and that’s not counting those who posted their own messages and images outside Thunderclap. Thank you to all who participated. We made a big splash.

The press also drew attention to the sector. WABI5 interviewed our Executive Director, Jennifer Hutchins, and did an excellent job capturing our message. Go here to see the story.

Brandon Doyen interviewing Jennifer Hutchins

It’s Not Over

We need everyone to continue to spread the word about the value of Maine’s nonprofit sector. Please continue to look for opportunities to raise the profile and promote the value of the entire nonprofit sector. Here are some resources:

• Watch our Webinar: Spread the News: Nonprofits are Critical to Maine
  Key Talking Points, Tips, and Tools for Connecting with Legislators & the Media
  Tired of playing defense? In order to shift the paradigm from being viewed as liabilities to being recognized as key partners and assets, we all need to work together to spread the news about the sector. It’s now available online.
• Download our Frames that Work toolkit for tips on messaging, FAQs, and additional resources.

What’s Next?

Jenn Burns Gray with Sen. Paul Davis

MANP will continue to advocate for the nonprofit sector in Augusta and in Washington, D.C. A Nonprofit Gubernatorial Forum is in the works for the fall. Stay tuned for more information about how we’ll raise the profile of the sector during the election season.