Youth organizing for equity and justice in Maine

We are building power in Maine with civic education, grassroots organizing, and leadership development. We elevate voices that are systemically excluded to ensure they are represented, resourced and have a permanent seat at the table.

INVEST IN COMMUNITY

Too many Black and immigrant families in Maine face systemic barriers to economic opportunity, housing stability, political representation, and environmental safety. Decision-making spaces often exclude those most impacted. COA addresses the lack of power, access, and representation by building leadership and collective organizing capacity within the communities most affected.

WHO WE ARE

We empower Black and immigrant youth in Maine to lead, advocate and shape decisions.

Through civic education, grassroots organizing and leadership development, we elevate voices that have been historically excluded and support them to take up space in systems that have left them out. Our work matters because lasting change happens when those most impacted are building power and leading the way.

Being a part of COA has allowed me to engage deeply in my community, giving me opportunities to participate in meaningful projects and campaigns that aim to create positive change.

- Samira A.

WHAT WE DO

COA YOUTH PROGRAMS

We are youth-led, community-rooted, and focused on long-term power building. We do not just educate, we organize and mobilize young people to take action, build relationships, and lead campaigns that create real change. Our work bridges leadership development, workforce opportunity, and civic engagement, ensuring young people are not only prepared to participate, but are positioned to lead.

LEO (Listening, Education & Organizing)

Start here. Learn how systems work and how to challenge them. Build the confidence to speak up and organize.

CAP (Civics Action Program)

Step into action. Run voter outreach, push policy, and meet directly with decision-makers.

YCA (Youth in Climate Advocacy)

Fight for climate justice with a racial and economic lens. Build campaigns that demand accountability.

Career Discovery

Get access to real opportunities. Build skills, connect with employers, and move toward long-term stability.

OUR IMPACT

The future of Maine depends on who shows up and who is heard.

In a time when so many are seeking hope and direction, COA’s work is proof that lasting change starts with empowered communities.

Ways we cultivate change and community:

community members engaged

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youth educated in civic participation

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Volunteers recruited

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Community Events + Forums

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Connecting with others is a bit harder as a teenager, because a lot of the older generation feel that they don't want to listen to the younger; but COA has helped me to bridge that gap because it gives us the space to talk about it amongst ourselves and to find solutions for those problems that we have and that we experience on a daily basis.

Houda A. Volunteer

[The Career Discovery Program] was the program that opened my eyes and the gates of employment for me. I have been struggling with job applications and resume building and it was getting mentally draining ... I am now a Benefits Coordinator, and very blessed and thankful for the Career Discovery program for this amazing opportunity!

Mazin A. Participant

Being a part of COA has allowed me to engage deeply in my community, giving me opportunities to participate in meaningful projects and campaigns that aim to create positive change. . . I've been able to develop leadership skills, connect with diverse groups of people, and contribute to causes that matter to me and those around me.

Samira A. Intern

OUR ADVOCACY WORK

We organize around real policy.

We work alongside local partners, mobilize young people, and show up where decisions are being made. We’re building pressure, shaping policy, and making sure our communities are represented in the outcomes.

We’re looking for volunteer help with events, fundraising, canvassing, phone banking, tabling, and more.