Invitation for open meeting regarding Collective Impact in Lewiston/Auburn
Recently, Community Concepts co-sponsored a one day conference called “Putting Collective Impact into Practice in Maine
Communities” in Lewiston, co-sponsored by the Lewiston Public Library, United Way of Androscoggin County, College for
ME/Androscoggin, Bates College, the Maine Health Access Foundation and The Bingham Program. About 120 members from our
local region and across the state participated in an energizing day exploring key concepts.
What did we learn?
We learned that complex problems require comprehensive solutions, and that is what collective impact is all about. Collective
Impact is various stakeholders, from funders and service providers to advocates, working collectively. It is about agreeing on a
common goal to a complex social problem, developing common indicators of progress towards that goal, and agreeing to work
towards these goals in a shared learning environment, over time.
We know that the condition of poverty is affecting children’s ability to meet their educational potential, limiting working people’s
ability to maximize their earning potential, and limiting people’s ability to thrive in our community. We know that none of us can
change conditions alone, that we all need to be working alongside each other. Are you interested?
Next Steps:
As a first step, we need your help in identifying what the complex problem is that Lewiston/Auburn stakeholders think is the barrier
to a truly thriving community.
Join us for a discussion of identifying the problem, and looking forward, collectively. Join us for the meeting time that is of the most
convenient for your schedule.
Both meetings will be held at our 240 Bates Street location:
Monday, December 10, 1-3 PM or
Monday, December 10, 5-7 PM (a light dinner will be served)
Please confirm the time that is best for you in an email to: Joan Churchill [email protected].
Also, if you know of others who may be interested, please feel free to forward this invitation. Thank you for all interest in bettering
our community!
Mike Burke, CEO
Joan Churchill, Resource Development Director
[email protected]
[email protected]
(207) 795-4065 general number
(207) 890-4486 Joan’s cell