Groups Join Forces to Amplify Rural Youth Voices for Climate Action
For Immediate Release Please
Release Date: February 27, 2024
Program Contact: Isi Muñoz, isi.munoz@healthyacadia.org or (207) 667-7171
Media Contact: Tracey Carlson, tracey@healthyacadia.org or (207) 667-7171
Groups Join Forces to Amplify Rural Youth Voices for Climate Action
Hancock County, ME. JustME for JustUS (JMJU), a youth-led and rural-led nonprofit working to ensure that young people in rural Maine have a voice in climate change initiatives, has announced a strategic collaboration with Healthy Acadia, a nonprofit community health organization serving primarily Hancock and Washington counties. The partnership, rooted in shared values and a commitment to community well-being, aims to amplify the voices of rural youth in Hancock County climate action initiatives, encourage young people to advocate for their local communities, and empower action to effect positive change in the face of climate-related challenges.
Through the end of May, Healthy Acadia’s Isidora “Isi” Muñoz will work closely with JMJU youth in efforts to expand JMJU’s community engagement in Hancock County.
"At Healthy Acadia, we believe in the power of our youth to drive meaningful change within their communities," said Muñoz, who also serves as a Maine SNAP-Ed Nutrition Educator. "This wonderful partnership with JMJU signifies our shared commitment to amplifying the voices of young people and addressing the pressing challenges of climate change here in Downeast Maine."
Together, the organizations will engage in community outreach, coalition building, and climate justice organizing projects in Hancock County, fostering resilience, leadership, and advocacy among rural youth.
"We are thrilled to partner with JMJU in our efforts to address climate change and promote community health and resilience," said Katie Freedman, Community Health and Food Programs Director with Healthy Acadia. "By empowering the youth in our community to lead the charge for climate action, together we can create a more sustainable future for generations to come."
JustME for JustUS (JMJU) is a youth-led and rural-led, fiscally-sponsored 501(c)3 nonprofit dedicated to ensuring young people in rural Maine have their voices heard throughout the state about the issues impacting the places they live and their local communities. JustME for JustUS works in rural Maine, specifically in Washington, Hancock, Penobscot, Franklin, and Kennebec counties. They intentionally collaborate with rural youth (ages 15-30) across all political backgrounds to advocate for the communities where we live and work.For more information about JustME for JustUS visit https://www.justmeforjustus.org.
Healthy Acadia is a 501(C)(3) community health organization building vibrant communities and making it easier for everyone to lead healthy lives throughout Washington and Hancock counties. For more information about Healthy Acadia’s health and wellness programs and services, visit https://www.healthyacadia.org.
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