July 14, 2015
We Won!
We Did It! After a year long campaign, Portland will raise the minimum wage to $10.10 in January! Throughout this past year, the Southern Maine Workers’ Center has been at the center of an organizing effort for a universal, enforceable, living wage in Portland. SMWC members worked in partnership with low-wage workers, faith leaders and…
Read MoreJune 15, 2015
Joining Our Voices For Justice: One Member’s Story
On Sunday, May 31st Health Care is a Human Right organizers were invited by a new member-organizer and congregate of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Sanford to participate in a special service and discussion focused on health care justice. Reverend Sue Gabrielson focused her powerful sermon on a 1992 resolution by the UU General Assembly…
Read MoreMay 1, 2015
A Belief In Caring For One Another: Building the HCHR Movement with Faith Communities
Health Care is a Human Right (HCHR) organizers from Portland were blessed to spend last weekend (April 25-26) learning and building community with members of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Ellsworth. On Sunday, Cait Vaughan and Barrett Littlefield were joined by more than 15 participants for a practical training in using the SMWC health care…
Read MoreMarch 23, 2015
Statement of Solidarity Regarding the Biennial Budget
Released March 3rd, 2015 The Committees on Appropriations and Financial Affairs and Health and Human Services will hear testimony this week on Governor Paul LePage’s biennial budget, with Tuesday centering on proposed cuts to public programs, including: General Assistance (GA), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Food Supplement (SNAP), and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). These…
Read MoreJanuary 7, 2015
Solidarity with the Vermont Workers Center on their January 8th day of action for all health care for all people
Health Care is a Human Right: Solidarity with the Vermont Workers Center on their January 8th day of action for all health care for all people The Southern Maine Workers’ Center acts in solidarity with the Vermont Workers’ Center and the people of Vermont. Established by low-income workers in 1998, the Vermont Workers’ Center has since acted as a powerful example…
Read MoreJanuary 7, 2015
Together We Will Find the Way: Our Anti-Racist Organizing Commitments
Together We Will Find the Way: Our Anti-Racist Organizing Commitments Southern Maine Workers’ Center December 1, 2014 Events of the last several months have made us all too aware that outward expressions of systemic racism are worsening, both in Maine and nationally, as deeply held attitudes about race are brought to the surface. The rhetoric of…
Read MoreJanuary 31st, 2015
Annual Meeting 2015
Every year, the Southern Maine Workers’ Center hosts an annual member meeting. We come together to celebrate, to learn about the work happening in all the different areas of the organization, and to map our way forward for the year ahead. Come share a meal with us, and join the SMWC community! The event is…
Read MoreAugust 28, 2014
NAACP Portland and Southern Maine Workers’ Center Release Statement in Solidarity with North Carolina Forward Together Moral Movement.
NAACP Portland and the Southern Maine Workers’ Center have released a statement of solidarity with a nationwide week of action for human rights, part of the Forward Together Moral Movement lead by the North Carolina NAACP. While our organizing is focused on making change on the local and state level, we believe that it is…
Read MoreJuly 19th, 2014
SMWC’s Health Care is a Human Right Committee Launches Strangers into Neighbors Summer Outreach Challenge!
SMWC’s Health Care is a Human Right Committee is excited to launch our Strangers into Neighbors summer outreach challenge! We hope to build our base, strengthen community & reach new people with the message of health care justice for all Mainers. Join us for our kickoff event on July 19th at our office starting at 10am….
Read MoreJuly 17th, 2014
Southern Maine Workers’ Center launches Summer Workshop Series
The Southern Maine Workers’ Center is pleased to announce our Summer Workshop Series. Once a month from June through October, we will host workshops to build our skills, grow our movement for justice, and develop our understanding of the world. These events are free and open to the public! Childcare and snacks will be provided….
Read MoreMay 23, 2014
Work With Dignity Committee members participate in national day of action with Target janitors
On May 20, 2014, three Work With Dignity Committee members participated in national actions in solidarity with members of CTUL who clean Target stores in Minneapolis/ St. Paul. These workers will be organizing all summer, and we’ll continue to support them from afar. Learn more about the campaign here: http://ctul.net/overview-of-march-for-justice-in-retail-cleaning/.Â
Read MoreApril 22, 2014
Health Care is a Human Right Committee Member Sarah Lazare’s letter to the editor
Health Care is a Human Right Committee Member Sarah Lazare’s letter to the editor was published by the Bangor Daily News on April 18, 2014. Â Dignity and rights Health care is a human right, and every person in the state of Maine deserves full coverage that is humane, equitable and meets all of their needs….
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