Fostering Youth Leadership
The Maine Environmental Changemakers Network connects young Mainers ages 15-30 with peers, mentors, and resources in the environmental sector.
Together, we provide training and resources needed for you to take environmental action in your own communities through five-month fellowships, two-year residencies, youth participatory data research, the annual Changemakers Gathering, and peer mentorship.
A single event — the first Changemakers Gathering in 2016 — has since grown into a statewide intergenerational network of youth and adults taking environmental action in Maine through community projects, education, civic engagement, and youth leadership trainings.
We believe that anyone can be an environmental Changemaker and everyone has a role to play in this work of building more resilient and equitable Maine communities. We invite people to join the work and encourage all participants to listen with an open heart to enter into conversations that may challenge their traditional practice.
Sign up for the Changemakers youth monthly newsletter and receive regular updates on events, resources, jobs, and more!
Contact us to get involved
2026 Fall Changemakers Gathering
Save the dates! September 11-13, 2026 — This year’s gathering will be three days and two nights! This intergenerational retreat is for youth over age 15 and adults of all ages who are passionate about the environment and social change, and want to build community and mentorship in Maine.
Now hiring the Changemakers Gathering Planning Team! Apply by June 10th to receive a $575 stipend to organize and facilitate this event while growing your leadership skills.
APPLY TO PLANNING TEAM
Now hiring summer Changemakers Fellows!
Apply by June 10, 2026 — 5-6 month fellowships for young people passionate about environmental and social change.
APPLY TO FELLOWSHIP
Now hiring Changemakers Residents!
Apply by May 27, 2026 — Two-year residency positions with both MEEA and The Nature Conservancy in Maine
APPLY TO RESIDENCY
The Listen Project
A youth-led participatory research project with the Maine youth climate movement in partnership with Maine Youth for Climate Justice and the Data Innovation Project. Learn how you can support youth in Maine to lead in climate advocacy!
ABOUT THE LISTEN PROJECT
Changemakers Storytelling Blog
Our commitments
We commit to shifting power and challenging traditional models to foster youth leadership; and increasing dialogue across generations to develop a more just, inclusive, and equitable environmental sector in Maine.
We are changemakers.
We follow youth leadership.
We bridge generations.
We challenge norms.
We prioritize building trust.
We center marginalized youth.
We tell our own stories.
We ask hard questions.
We find hope in building community.
