March 24, 2021
Giving fishermen and scientists a seat at the table
For 15 years, the Fishermen's Climate Roundtables have brought key groups together to discuss challenges facing Maine's fisheries
My favorite work event of the year just happened. It was the Fishermen’s Climate Roundtables. Fishermen’s Climate Roundtables is an annual opportunity for fishermen and scientists to come together and share notes about the past fishing year, as well as the longer-term environmental changes they are noticing on the water. For me, a marine scientist, there is nothing more intellectually interesting than conversing with a group of fishermen. Fishermen often see changes on the water before scientists. For them, sharing their real-time, on-the-water perspective can inform the direction of applied…
March 18, 2021
The impact of Maine's creative economy
How art and creativity influence our lives, our businesses, and our communities
In more ways than one, it has been A YEAR. It has been a year since we cancelled the 2020 Artists & Makers Conference, and a year since life changed…
March 11, 2021
Building federal support for island communities
With intentionally designed policies and programs, islands can make practical progress on energy challenges and inspire communities everywhere
Energy can be expensive and unreliable for island communities everywhere. Through our work over the last decade and our collaborations with communities in Maine, New England, and across the globe,…
March 8, 2021
A Few of Our Favorite Things: Celebrating International Women's Day
Along with our friends at Luke’s Lobster, we wanted to celebrate International Women's Day by highlighting a few of the courageous, talented, and smart women who are making huge contributions to our oceans and our planet every day.
February 26, 2021
Working together to solve Maine’s broadband challenges
The importance of State leadership in closing our digital divide
As we know all too well, high-speed internet is extremely important to daily life—from remote work and education to assuring that government can continue to function. The State of Maine, through the ConnectMaine Authority, plays an important role in helping to close the digital divide.
February 11, 2021
Now is the time to 'Reimagine Education'—but how?
Community Learning for ME offers resources and forums for educators
During these unprecedented times, Island Institute Community Development Officer & Education Specialist Yvonne Thomas and other members of the Community Learning for ME (CL4ME) team are working to reimagine education in Maine.
January 28, 2021
Archipelago Artist Profile: Basil Cake
In early March, before Governor Mills issued a statewide lockdown, the Island Institute’s Lisa Millette traveled to the home of Maine artist Basil Cake and his wife Mia, to learn more about his work, life, and inspiration.
January 25, 2021
Legislative Update: Winter 2021
2021 started with our country, and our government, facing some significant challenges and issues of importance: the spread and increase in cases of COVID-19, rioting at the Capitol, and unprecedented…
January 21, 2021
Young leaders can make a difference
Young Leaders Series seeks to empower local youth and provide them with the tools to create positive change
As we began to talk about hosting a leadership training for young people, I kept thinking about something former Mount Desert Island High School student Thomas Korsanje said to me…
January 15, 2021
Conscious capitalism
The Benefits of B Corps and Embracing the "Stakeholder Theory."
We’ve come a long way since 1970, when economist Milton Friedman told the world that companies have no responsibility to society or to the planet, only to increase profits for…
