June 8, 2021
Celebrating World Oceans Day: Life and Livelihoods
What does the ocean mean to those whose lives are connected to the sea?
At the Island Institute, we’re proud to collaborate with leaders across the coast to build resiliency and create opportunities that help to ensure our marine economies remain vibrant. “The Ocean: Life and Livelihoods” is the theme for World Oceans Day 2021, so we and our partners at Luke’s Lobster asked members of our community whose livelihoods depend on the ocean to share a little bit about their work, their connection to the sea, and the ways they’re working to create a more sustainable coast.
June 3, 2021
Legislative Update: Spring 2021
We work collaboratively with communities to tackle challenges and build resiliency. While this often means spending time in the places where we live and work, it also means focusing on what’s happening further inland at the State House. This has been a busy legislative session so far with multiple bills and issues affecting our coast. In our latest policy update, we highlight some of the key issues we’re watching, what they mean for our communities, and the work that’s been done so far.
June 2, 2021
Technology, older adults, and the story of resilience
When the pandemic hit, it was hard to ignore the depth of the digital divide in Maine. We worried about school children and adults unable to work from home, because broadband access was not available or affordable. At the National Digital Equity Center, we worried about the many older adults who were already isolated and lonely being left behind without a way to safely connect with the world. Did our older adults have the resilience to brave this new-to-them world?
May 26, 2021
Broadband and cyclical poverty in Maine
Why eliminating food insecurity and expanding broadband access should be our top priorities
Here in Maine, an estimated 85,000 households do not have access to broadband internet of any kind because it is not available where they live. Not all of these 85,000 households are in poverty, but most of them are. Without computers, the skills to use them, and access to reliable broadband internet, these households face more significant challenges to break their cycle of poverty.
May 18, 2021
Like a boat without oars: Championing equitable internet access in Maine
Access to reliable high-speed internet in Maine has been an issue from the first day that the first Mainer was provided an internet connection and their neighbor was not. So, how does it affect our ability to sustain ourselves and to thrive—now and post-pandemic—if we are unable to afford the subscription cost or equipment required to connect?
April 22, 2021
Celebrating Earth Day with Luke's Lobster
Our collaborative climate action work is rooted in the resiliency and sustainability of the Maine coast
This Earth Day, we’re celebrating the important strides we’ve taken in a partnership rooted in the resiliency and sustainability of the coast of Maine. Hear from Ben Conniff, co-founder and chief innovation officer at Luke’s Lobster, on the work that is being done to address climate change and support coastal communities.
April 19, 2021
Celebrate the planet, eat kelp
Powerhouse sea vegetable has the ability to provide nature-based solutions to climate change
With Earth Day around the corner, I would like to highlight a nascent industry on the Maine coast that is not only a boon for Maine’s marine economy, but is also good for the Earth. Kelp farming has emerged as a solid way for those making a living from the sea to earn supplemental income during the winter kelp growing season.
April 16, 2021
Building a lifelong connection to service and Maine
Maine Service Fellows program will help address unmet needs for rural communities and provide opportunities for next generation of Mainers
At the Island Institute, we have seen firsthand the tremendous impact Island Fellows have when partnered with an island or coastal community. The Maine Fellows Service is an exciting opportunity to connect the next generation of Mainers who are eager to serve to the places they’re needed most.
April 8, 2021
A story of resilience
In my 25+ years working in nonprofits and philanthropy, I have been a part of creating more than my fair share of annual reports. You might even say that I’m…
March 25, 2021
Archipelago Artist Profile: Alison Thibault
Vinalhaven maker creates vibrant glass jewelry and connection to the island
Part of our ongoing series of Archipelago artist profiles, this profile looks at Archipelago artist Alison Thibault of WindHorse Arts on Vinalhaven. The Island Institute’s Lisa Millette first traveled to the…
