READ IT ONLINE WITH LIVE LINKS AND MORE PICTURES
| Maine ICE Watch Hotline Goes Live |
| On October 23 we joined members and partner organizations in launching a statewide hotline to assist our community in monitoring federal law enforcement activity that targets people based on the way they look, how they talk, and their countries of origin. You can watch the whole press conference on Ch 8 WMTW news. The Hotline — (207) 544-9989 — is accompanied by a new Resource Hub webpage that can be accessed at bit.ly/MaineICEWatch. We extend our utmost gratitude for the amazing team of volunteers that have stepped up as operators and verifiers. The Ch 13 news coverage of our Hotline launch event including a poll asking about community support for the new program: Please take a moment to weigh on that here. _______________________________________ Celebrate Community in the Capital Area Our friends in the Kennebec Valley of Central Maine are inviting you out to Mill Park in Augusta on Sunday, October 26, from 1-4 PM for an exciting rally filled with music, inspiration, and community spirit! Enjoy live performances by the Boogie Mob and Hall-Dale High School Taiko Drummers, get inspired by community speakers, dance with the Spiral Dance Collective, and enjoy delicious food provided by the Capital Area New Mainers. A few instructions from the hosts: Make/bring a sign; wear green; bring a water bottle and a chair; carpool if possible (Parking will be tight!). More details here. _______________________________________ CA$H: Creating Assets, Savings and Hope CA$H Greater Portland is looking for volunteers to help families achieve long-term financial stability by understanding tax credits which can put thousands of dollars back into the pockets of those who are eligible. “IRS-Certified Volunteer Tax Preparers are supported by Opportunity Guide volunteers who share financial education tools and community resources that can help clients make the most of their money.” Learn how you can volunteer. _______________________________________ Don’t Miss the Diwali Festival! Diwali is a Hindu festival of lights, held in the period of October to November, particularly associated with Lakshmi, the goddess of prosperity. Tickets are selling fast. You can grab yours today at Masala Mahal market in South Portland or online iamaine.org The India Association of Maine is also looking for sponsors of this years Diwali celebration. Learn more here. _______________________________________ |
| Keep the Home Warmer and Bills Lower Our friends at the WindowDressers nonprofit are a little different than ordering through Amazon. If you want to keep the house warmer for winter, place your order and a trained volunteer will make a house-call to measure your windows. Then you’ll need to participate in a local WindowDressers Community Build where your inserts are made alongside other people looking for help with warmth. Finally you pick up your inserts at the end of the workshop. Start by filling out the form. _______________________________________ MIRC’s Advocacy Updates Twice a month MIRC’s Advocacy Manager, Ruben Torres, compiles a comprehensive list of local, state, and federal updates on immigration-related news and policy for our website and listserve. The most recent edition covers: People and issues on the ballot for local elections next month, grant opportunities in Falmouth, white supremacist graffiti in Bangor, impacts to SNAP benefits and other news on federal policy, a great new report explaining how Maine’s future prosperity is inseparable from justice for the Wabanaki Nations, and much more. You can read it online here. Want to see Ruben’s policy hot takes, served with a dash of humor, straight to your inbox? Sign-up to our list HERE. _______________________________________ |
| Member spotlight:YWCA Central Maine |
| This MIRC member has been a place of support, empowerment, and advocacy for nearly 150 years! Each year, they invite the community to recognize women whose courage, vision, and service make a lasting impact in Lewiston-Auburn and beyond. Do you know a woman who deserves to be recognized for her leadership and impact? Share her story! The Nomination period for their Women of Achievement Awards is open now through October 31, 2025. Awards are presented on Sunday, March 8, 2026 – International Women’s Day. |
| maineimmigrantrights.org | 207-956-7030Enhancing Immigrant Lives for a Stronger Maine! Photo credit: Hotline launch photo courtesy Maine Beacon/Maine People’s Alliance. |