COA Organizes Community Response to ICE

In January 2026, following harmful and racist remarks from the presidential administration, Lewiston organizations were subjected to profiling and Maine saw a surge in ICE activity. COA moved quickly: drawing from rapid-response models used in Portland, as well as lessons shared by experienced organizers in Minneapolis, we built a coordinated community response system rooted in […]

Community Iftar Dinner, Hosted by COA/CAA

On March 16, 2026, COA/CAA  in collaboration with community partners gathered with community members for a Community Iftar Dinner on the campus of Bates College. After months of challenge and uncertainty for many of our neighbors, the evening created space to pause, reflect, and reconnect. We shared food, conversation, and a collective commitment to building […]

Civics Action Program Launches New Cohort

COA has officially launched a new cohort of our Civics Action Program (CAP), with the intent of building the next generation of community leaders. CAP is a hybrid civic engagement and youth leadership pipeline for young people under 30 who are ready to deepen their skills in public policy, community organizing, legislative advocacy, and electoral […]