2025 Changemakers Gathering

SEPTEMBER 26-27, 2025
TANGLEWOOD 4-H CAMP AND LEARNING CENTER
IN LINCOLNVILLE, MAINE

The Changemakers Gathering is a youth-led, intergenerational two-day retreat to build a sense of community amongst people age 15 and older who are passionate about the environment in Wabanaki territory now called Maine. Youth ages 15-30 attend for free. Adult mentors encouraged to attend.

APPLY HERE

Application open until Friday August 21 at 11:59pm

$10,000 for 10 years of Changemakers
$100 sponsors one youth’s attendance to this event.

Your support makes it possible for us to offer this free and accessible nature-based gathering to Maine youth.

DONATE

About the
Changemakers Gathering

September 26 - 27, 2025
4-H Camp & Learning Centers at Tanglewood in Lincolnville, Maine

The Changemakers Gathering is a youth-planned and facilitated, intergenerational two-day retreat to build a sense of community amongst people who are passionate about the environment. Collectively, we are committed to building more just and sustainable Maine schools and communities. The gathering includes lodging, food, youth-led workshops and panels, discussions, mentorship opportunities with Maine organizers, games, and unstructured space for relaxation and connection in a beautiful outdoor retreat environment.

The gathering is free for people ages 15-30 and includes lodging and meals. Adults over age 30 are encouraged to attend as well. We ask people over age 30 to pay a registration fee that helps cover the costs to plan the event.

If you are accepted to the Gathering you will be part of the Changemakers Network and will be invited to different events throughout the year. Participation in follow-up events is not required, but offer a great way to deepen your relationships with other Changemakers across the state and build your skills.

Apply Here

FOSTERING YOUTH LEADERSHIP

Every year, the Changemakers Gathering is facilitated by the youth planning team.

2023 Planning Team

2024 Planning Team

Here’s what people are saying about the Changemakers Gathering

Thank you, Changemakers, for providing such a safe, playful, and powerful space for change to take place in.

— 2019 Gathering Participant

I have infinitely more hope than I had before. Seeing all the young people passionate about the environment and social justice gives me hope that our country is heading in the right direction.

— 2021 Gathering Participant

I really enjoyed the experience of hearing from so many impactful leaders in the community.

— 2022 Gathering Participant

“I felt a sense of community in the outdoors that I had not experienced in a while. I connected with folks who had the same desire to create care, love, and resilience as we work together towards achieving our goals for the environment. I was also able to share my story which inspired many. Because of the gathering, I now carry pieces of the folks I met. . .The MEEA gathering reminded me of what inspires me to do my work . . .that being in community makes you want to do better for the community.” - Sulwan Ahmed, 2024 Gathering Participant and Planning Team

“I never would have thought that my life would be forever transformed from my participation in my first Changemakers Gathering nine years ago. I have served as a Changemaker fellow, interned at North American Association for Environmental Education, presented at a national conference, traveled to national parks, read grants for the New England Grassroots Fund, and so much more. Above all, the Changemakers Network has enriched my life with priceless opportunities and most importantly, a group of mentors and friends. Thank you to MEEA for giving me another space to call home.” - 2016 Gathering Participant

“[For] the past four years, the Changemakers Gathering ignited my passion for the environment, transforming concern into action, and teaching me that even small steps in environmental education can lead to lasting change.”
- 2020-2024 Gathering Participant

“Changemakers kickstarted my journey towards taking real action for climate justice. I grew up often feeling isolated in my own identity as an Indigenous person, but Changemakers empowered me to not only feel comfortable in my uniqueness but also to be a leader and mentor for new youth entering this space every day.” -2024 Gathering Participant

As a first-generation college graduate from a low-income background, I have always struggled with imposter syndrome. What I have learned most during this past year in Changemakers is that I am way more capable than I tend to think. As a neurodivergent individual, it has been challenging for me to believe that the way I see the world is valuable. However, the appreciation my supervisors show for my perspective has led to me to becoming more confident and has taught me that I have a unique perspective that is so often overlooked.” -2024 Gathering Participant