ADVOCACY

Our advocacy work provides objective information to key decision-makers and the community about the health and human service needs of citizens in the Greater Portland area. a voice for health and human service agencies in the Greater Portland area. Strengthening the quality of services in this area is paramount to our mission. There are overarching local, state and federal policies that impact the day to day operations of the agencies that provide vital services to our citizens. We advocate for policies that will benefit and improve the lives of all Maine citizens. We can’t do this work alone. Whether you are talking to a neighbor or sending a letter to your Senator, voicing your opinion on an issue is advocating for a cause and is an essential part of advancing the common good.

Local

We work closely with our partner agencies and other human service agencies on emerging issues in which we can provide assistance.  For example, United Way of Greater Portland recently facilitated a task force on food insecurity in Cumberland County.  With the information gathered during this work, United Way of Greater Portland is increasing awareness and working with agencies to increase food security in the area.  Please click here to read the Final Report.

State

The United Way of Greater Portland considers itself a partner with the State of Maine in delivering quality health and human services. This partnership serves thousands of Maine citizens.  During the legislative session, we testify and send letters to members of the legislature on issues that will improve the lives of Maine citizens.  Whenever we can, United Way of Greater Portland works with other United Ways around the state to increase the strength of our message.  To read the testimony or letters from the 2011 Legislative Session, click on the issues below:

Letters:

• EBT Availability at Farmers’ Markets
• Fund for a Healthy Maine
• Budget Change Package

Testimony regarding Biennium Budget:

• TANF and GA Changes
• Child Care Subsidy Rate Changes
• Benefits for Legal Immigrants
• Earned Income Tax Credit
• Circuit Breaker Tax
• Child Care Tax Rate
• TANF 5 Year Time Limit

Federal

On federal policy issues, United Way of Greater Portland follows the lead and recommendations of United Way Worldwide.  When a federal issue impacts the Greater Portland area, we ensure our federal delegation is aware of the issue and work with them to find an appropriate method of advocacy.  We also engage our representatives locally with initiatives in the community whenever possible.

The Public Policy Committee

The Public Policy Committee educates and influences key decision-makers and the community by providing objective information about the human service needs of all our citizens.  The members of the Committee represent a diverse background in local and state policy and helps bring United Way of Greater Portland advocacy work into the community.  Members of the Public Policy Committee are:

Jane Amero, Community Volunteer
David Brenerman, Unum
Jim Elkins, Career Planning Services
Gloria Melnick, Community Volunteer
John Portela, Local S6 Shipbuilders Union, BIW
Judy Reidt-Parker, Maine Children’s Alliance
David Varney, Hannaford Bros. Co.
Bill Vickerson, Levenson Vickerson
Nicole Witherbee, PolicyEdge