'Brighter days in 2021': New Year's resolutions from 12 Maine nonprofit leaders
Courtesy / Prescott Memorial School
Julie Mulkern, executive director of WinterKids, said her organization's New Year's resolution is to keep up enthusiasm for outdoor recreation. Shown here are students from Prescott Memorial School, in the Knox County town of Washington, participating at the 2020 WinterKids Winter Games.
Amid a challenging time for Maine nonprofits, many have ambitious plans in 2021 — from boosting board diversity to promoting access to mental health services for all. Here's what a dozen nonprofit leaders across the state told Mainebiz they resolve to do this year.
Keep outdoor enthusiasm momentum
“We are happy to say goodbye to 2020, but there have been silver linings. The pandemic has encouraged teachers and parents to think ‘outside of the building’ to take advantage of outdoor spaces for play and learning. WinterKids’ resolution in the new year is the keep this momentum and help make this a permanent positive change for schools and families long after the pandemic is gone."
- Julie Mulkern, WinterKids executive director
Valued resource for entrepreneurs
"I intend for us to continue to serve as a convener and educator — even if that means virtually for the most part until we can be together in person again. And I just really hope that Startup Maine can continue to be a valued resource in our ecosystem by lifting up the stories of local entrepreneurs and providing meaningful connections and learnings for those who interact with us. Last but not least, I intend to continue to work on myself as a leader and strive to be better."
- Katie Shorey, Startup Maine president and 2020 Mainebiz Next list honoree
Access to mental health services
"My resolution is to do everything possible to keep my family and friends and the staff and clients of Sweetser healthy — by wearing a mask, socially distancing, and receiving the COVID-19 vaccination when it becomes available to me. I also resolve to promote access to mental health services and to focus on initiatives that will lead to diversity, equity and inclusion within our workforce and the greater community.”
- Debra Taylor, president and CEO of Sweetser and a 2016 Mainebiz Woman to Watch
Raise awareness of nonprofits
"MANP’s resolution is to reinforce and raise awareness of the vital work and worth of Maine’s charitable nonprofits at the heart of the health, healing and prosperity of Maine communities as we look to brighter days in 2021."
- Jennifer Hutchins, Maine Association of Nonprofits executive director
Greater board diversity
”COVID response is a given. We’ll also be stepping up our outreach and opportunities to underserved members of the community and looking to create more diversity among our board."
- Paul Drinan, Friends of Fort Gorges executive director
Horse-assisted therapy pluses
"Riding To the Top resolves to increase the community's (clients, families, volunteers and donors) understanding of the benefits of equine-assisted services."
- Sarah Bronson, Riding to the Top executive director
Fight societal inequities
"As we expand our Reducing Sexism and Violence Program across Maine in 2021, we will continue to learn about the many ways that gender injustice intersects with other forms of oppression, and in particular, our society’s inequities related to race, ethnicity and socioeconomic status. We hold deep gratitude for our many community partners who are on this journey with us, helping us make our programs accessible and inviting to everybody in Maine.”
- Matt Theodores, Maine Boys to Men executive director
From two United Way leaders
"We’ve been through a lot, and we still face significant uncertainty in the coming months and years. But this moment is also an opportunity to help our community recover and build a better tomorrow and thriving future. United Way of Greater Portland resolves to help rebuild a more equitable, resilient Greater Portland, prioritizing our most vulnerable neighbors who face health, education, and financial challenges.
- Liz Cotter Schlax, president and CEO, United Way of Greater Portland, and a 2019 Mainebiz Woman to Watch
"Building a better future for Aroostook County will be our focus day in and day out, 365 days a year, pandemic or not, is our resolution this year. The months ahead will be important for rebuilding lives and addressing persistent problems, and United Way of Aroostook is committed to playing a critical role."
- Sara Ennis, executive director, United Way of Aroostook
Help immigrants navigate system
“We will strive to advance equity and justice in the immigration system, and within our organization, while helping more clients navigate the complex immigration laws that we have.”
- Susan Roche, Immigrant Legal Advocacy Project executive director
Hub for artists
"Creative Portland will work harder in 2021 to be a consistent hub, sharing cultural event happenings and a centralized arts community website, with self-uploading features to access artist relief funds, open call opportunities, professional development workshops and an inclusive space to join community discussions to cultivate healing and hope."
- Dinah Minot, Creative Portland executive director
From the Bicycle Coalition of Maine
"Get outside, breathe fresh air, take in the views on bike or on foot and appreciate how lucky we are to live in a state with abundant outdoor opportunities. Together, we can make 2021 the year where every Mainer in every corner of the state has access to safe streets, paths and trails."
- Jean Sideris, executive director
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