Common Ground Country Fair has ended

Create Your Own Event

Common Ground Country Fair

10:00am EDT

A Restorative Approach to Everyday Living

Beginning with a brief overview of the history and philosophy of restorative justice and restorative practices (as well as a differentiation of the two), a sharing-based lively workshop will ensue. Conversation will be liberally sprinkled with pointers on how the application of a restorative approach to everyday life can help transform conundrums rooted in conflict or harmful behavior into a useful means of understanding oneself and others more fully.

Speakers

The Restorative Justice Project of The Midcoast

Restorative Justice Project of the Midcoast

Sarah MattoxThe Restorative Justice Project of The MidcoastPO Box 141Belfast, ME 04915207-338-2742organization that recruits and trains volunteer mentors to help implement its mission to promote changes in the justice system and to school's responses to crime and wrongdoing

Friday September 20, 2013 10:00am - 11:00am EDT
Social & Political Action Speakers Tent

Community Policy and Politics

11:00am EDT

Anti-Globalization Storytelling

Speakers

Beehive Design Collective

Beehive Design Collective

Matthew SmithBeehive Design Collective101 Court StMachias, ME 04654207-669-4117

Friday September 20, 2013 11:00am - 12:00pm EDT
Folk Arts Tent 2

Community, Storytelling | Policy and Politics, Storytelling

11:00am EDT

Investing in Maine to Make Maine a Better Place

Speakers

Cate Cronin

MaineShare

Friday September 20, 2013 11:00am - 12:00pm EDT
Social & Political Action Speakers Tent

Community Policy and Politics

12:00pm EDT

Cooperatives 101

A quick overview of co-ops, their history and how to get started. We aim to make it fun, informative and inspiring!

Speakers

Deborah Hawkins

Cooperative Maine

Building a democratic economy rooted in community

Friday September 20, 2013 12:00pm - 1:00pm EDT
Social & Political Action Speakers Tent

Community Policy and Politics

1:00pm EDT

Anti-Globalization Storytelling

Speakers

Beehive Design Collective

Beehive Design Collective

Matthew SmithBeehive Design Collective101 Court StMachias, ME 04654207-669-4117

Friday September 20, 2013 1:00pm - 2:00pm EDT
Folk Arts Tent 2

Community, Storytelling | Policy and Politics, Storytelling

1:00pm EDT

Growing Medical Cannabis in Maine

This presentation will cover the details Maine's medical marijuana law, including how to become a caregiver. Presenters will discuss the history of cannabis in Maine, as well as challenges and best practices for growing medical cannabis both indoors and outdoors.

Speakers

Business Alliance For Commerce In Hemp

Medical Marijuana Caregivers of Maine

Robert StuartBusiness Alliance For Commerce In HempPO Box 446Lincoln, ME 04457alliance of individuals to end hemp prohibition

Friday September 20, 2013 1:00pm - 2:00pm EDT
Social & Political Action Speakers Tent

Community Policy and Politics

1:00pm EDT

What's the impact of the proposed E/W Corridor?

A Forum/Summit on the proposed E/W Corridor

Friday September 20, 2013 1:00pm - 2:30pm EDT
Railcar Speakers Tent

Community, East-West Corridor | Policy and Politics, East-West Corridor

2:00pm EDT

Maine Feminist Herstory

Speakers

Phyllis vonHerrlich

Radio Free Maine

Friday September 20, 2013 2:00pm - 3:00pm EDT
Social & Political Action Speakers Tent

Community Policy and Politics

3:00pm EDT

Anti-Globalization Storytelling

Speakers

Beehive Design Collective

Beehive Design Collective

Matthew SmithBeehive Design Collective101 Court StMachias, ME 04654207-669-4117

Friday September 20, 2013 3:00pm - 4:00pm EDT
Folk Arts Tent 2

Community, Storytelling | Policy and Politics, Storytelling

3:00pm EDT

Israel & Palestine: Getting to Peace

The latest on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, what the issues are, and the prospects for peace. Particular attention to the challenges facing Palestinian farmers working under Israeli occupation. The role and work of Churches for Middle East Peace would be described and discussed, as would other organizations working on the issue. Ample time would be left for questions and discussion.

Speakers

Churches for Middle East Peace Maine

Churches for Middle East Peace (Maine)

Ed McCarthy,Churches for Middle East Peace (Maine), PO Box 105 Vienna, ME 04360,has more than a decade's experience advocating for and promoting a just and lasting peace between Israelis and Palestinians based on the principle that both peoples have legitimate claims to a presence... Read More →

Friday September 20, 2013 3:00pm - 4:00pm EDT
Social & Political Action Speakers Tent

Community Policy and Politics

4:00pm EDT

Time Banking State Initiative

You help another for an hour, you earn a credit. You can now ask anyone in the network to help you for an hour. All services are valued equally and are non-taxable. In a nutshell, that's time banking. Although time banking has existed since the 1980's, the current economic conditions have given a new life to the idea of a zero-growth, stable, sustainable currency system. The Mid Maine TimeBank has recently expanded to a statewide network, linking communities in a common purpose: Community!

Speakers

Time Initiative of Maine T.I.ME

Mid Maine TimeBank

Stacey JacobsonTime Initiative of Maine T.I.MEPO Box 75Augusta, ME 04332Honoring good work by rewarding time spent helping communities to thrive in the heart of Maine. We build trusted networks of support by linking community needs with untapped assets

Friday September 20, 2013 4:00pm - 5:00pm EDT
Social & Political Action Speakers Tent

Community Policy and Politics

5:00pm EDT

Thinking for Collaboration

This session will provide concrete steps to shifting our thinking from blame and judgement to collaboration and connection. Basic strategies that are practical and immediately applicable to strengthen families, organizations, intentional communities and businesses for long term sustainability.

Speakers

Maine Non-Violent Communication (NVC) Network

Maine NVC Network

Peggy SmithMaine Non-Violent Communication (NVC) Network2807 Atlantic HwyLincolnville, ME 04849207-789-5299providing educational support in nonviolent thinking and communicating in Maine

Friday September 20, 2013 5:00pm - 6:00pm EDT
Social & Political Action Speakers Tent

Community Policy and Politics

9:00am EDT

Thinking for Collaboration

This session will provide concrete steps to shifting our thinking from blame and judgement to collaboration and connection. Basic strategies that are practical and immediately applicable to strengthen families, organizations, intentional communities and businesses for long term sustainability.

Speakers

Maine Non-Violent Communication (NVC) Network

Maine NVC Network

Peggy SmithMaine Non-Violent Communication (NVC) Network2807 Atlantic HwyLincolnville, ME 04849207-789-5299providing educational support in nonviolent thinking and communicating in Maine

Saturday September 21, 2013 9:00am - 10:00am EDT
Social & Political Action Speakers Tent

Community Policy and Politics

10:00am EDT

Permablitz: communities creating edible gardens

The Belfast Area Transition Initiative will share their experiences organizing ""Permablitzes"" in the local community and engage participants in a discussion.

Speakers

Susan Cutting, Bindy Pendleton, Judy Holland, Jenn Brown

Spokespeople, Belfast Area Transition Initiative

The Belfast Area Transition Initiative (BATI) is an informal non-profit organization that supports and organizes community efforts to build local resilience and reduce dependence on fossil fuels. Since 2010, BATI has run and been involved in a variety of projects, among them seven... Read More →

Saturday September 21, 2013 10:00am - 11:00am EDT
Social & Political Action Speakers Tent

Community, Edible Landscape | Policy and Politics, Edible Landscape

11:00am EDT

Anti-Globalization Storytelling

Speakers

Beehive Design Collective

Beehive Design Collective

Matthew SmithBeehive Design Collective101 Court StMachias, ME 04654207-669-4117

Saturday September 21, 2013 11:00am - 12:00pm EDT
Folk Arts Tent 2

Community, Storytelling | Policy and Politics, Storytelling

11:00am EDT

Toxic-Free Tips and Taking Action

We are exposed to toxic chemicals everywhere in our homes - from phthalates in our shower curtains to PFCs in frying pans. Join us to hear some simple tips you can use to reduce your exposure. We'll also talk about what consumers can't do to protect themselves - due to cost or lack of information, and why we need to take action to fix our badly broken chemical safety law which is failing to protect the health of citizens.

Saturday September 21, 2013 11:00am - 12:00pm EDT
Social & Political Action Speakers Tent

Community Policy and Politics

11:00am EDT

What's the East-West Corridor really all about?

A confidential report prepared for Cianbro corporation calls the proposed East-West Highway Corridor ""arguably be the largest private development ever undertaken in the State of Maine."" Yet, the project is largely veiled in secrecy. Find out what the project is, where it would go, who is pushing it, why citizens should be concerned, and whether it is the road to prosperity or a dead end for Maine.

Speakers

Jym St. Pierre

RESTORE: The North Woods

Saturday September 21, 2013 11:00am - 12:00pm EDT
Railcar Speakers Tent

Community, East-West Corridor | Policy and Politics, East-West Corridor

12:00pm EDT

The Cuban Five are political prisoners

Five Cuban men came to Florida in the 1990's to protect their country against U.S. based terror attacks. They were arrested in 1998, subjected to a biased trial in Miami and received long, cruel jail sentences. The injustice that has been their lot epitomizes immoral, illegal attacks against a people struggling for independence and freedom to go their own way. A worldwide movement has mobilized on their behalf. Maine people call for freedom for the five and U.S. hands off Cuba.

Speakers

Tom Whitney

Maine Committee to Free the Cuban Five

Saturday September 21, 2013 12:00pm - 1:00pm EDT
Social & Political Action Speakers Tent

Community Policy and Politics

1:00pm EDT

Anti-Globalization Storytelling

Speakers

Beehive Design Collective

Beehive Design Collective

Matthew SmithBeehive Design Collective101 Court StMachias, ME 04654207-669-4117

Saturday September 21, 2013 1:00pm - 2:00pm EDT
Folk Arts Tent 2

Community, Storytelling | Policy and Politics, Storytelling

1:00pm EDT

Rural Economic Development through Renewables

Rural communities within Maine have shouldered the burden of outsourced manufacturing jobs and the shift toward corporate agriculture. The key to revitalizing these communities is energy - food, heat, and electricity. Just as CSAs and farmers markets keep our household food expenditures within the community, there is significant opportunity to grow local jobs, increase energy security, and address the rising climate crisis by reinvesting our energy dollars locally.

Speakers

Vaughan Woodruff

Owner, Insource Renewables

Vaughan Woodruff Insource Renewables 113 N Lancey St Pittsfield, ME 04967 207-659-1054 High-quality, cost effective solar energy systems and mini-split heat pumps for residential, commercial, agricultural, and municipal clients

Saturday September 21, 2013 1:00pm - 2:00pm EDT
Railcar Speakers Tent

Community Policy and Politics

2:00pm EDT

A Slow Money Conversation

Slow Money Maine leaders will host an informal conversation about creative opportunities for investing in local sustainable food systems.

Speakers

Slow Money Maine

Slow Money Maine

Saturday September 21, 2013 2:00pm - 3:00pm EDT
Railcar Speakers Tent

Community Policy and Politics

2:00pm EDT

Building a Diverse Movement for Change

How do we build a diverse movement for social change that has the power to impact our communities and solve our problems--violence, injustice, environmental catastrophe, lack of rights and democracy? This presentation will discuss ways to do that in Maine and beyond.

Speakers

Resources For Organizing & Social Change/New England War Resisters League

Resources for Organizing & Social Change

Larry DansingerResources For Organizing & Social Change/New England War Resisters League161 Stovepipe AlleyMonroe, ME 04951207-525-7776building and supporting a movement for nonviolent social change

Saturday September 21, 2013 2:00pm - 3:00pm EDT
Social & Political Action Speakers Tent

Community Policy and Politics

2:00pm EDT

Public Policy Teach-In: MaineÕs GMO Labeling Campaign Ð Where We Go From Here

MOFGA is keeping MaineÕs GMO Labeling initiative moving forward, and we want everyone to know what they can do to ensure victory this coming January (when Governor LePage has promised to sign our bill into law). Please come to our Public Policy Teach-in on Saturday, September 21st, from 2:00 to 3:30 at the Spotlight Stage. A panel of speakers will include: Representative Lance Harvell (R-Farmington) and Senator Chris Johnson (D Ð Lincoln County) who served as lead sponsors of our bill; Jim Gerritsen, proprietor of Wood Prairie Farm in Bridgewater, President of Organic Seed Growers and Trade Association, lead spokesperson in the class action suit against Monsanto, and invaluable, visionary activist in MaineÕs GMO labeling campaign; Dr. Michael Hansen, Senior Staff Scientist at Consumers Union, and international policy expert on food safety and environmental health issues including mad cow disease, genetic engineering, and pesticide use. Logan Perkins, MOFGAÕs GMO Labeling Campaign Director, will be the moderator.

Speakers

Lance Harvell

Maine Representative

Saturday September 21, 2013 2:00pm - 3:30pm EDT
Spotlight Stage

Community, GMOs | Policy and Politics, GMOs

3:00pm EDT

Anti-Globalization Storytelling

Speakers

Beehive Design Collective

Beehive Design Collective

Matthew SmithBeehive Design Collective101 Court StMachias, ME 04654207-669-4117

Saturday September 21, 2013 3:00pm - 4:00pm EDT
Folk Arts Tent 2

Community, Storytelling | Policy and Politics, Storytelling

3:00pm EDT

Give me liberty: Fostering freedom in 2013

What are the biggest threats to the Constitution and the Bill of Rights in 2013? This discussion will focus on the most current civil liberties issues -- from immigration to criminal justice reform to reproductive freedom and privacy rights. Hear from Shenna Bellows, Executive Director of the ACLU of Maine, and learn more about the greatest civil liberties issues of our day. Time will be reserved at the end for questions from the audience.

Speakers

ACLU of Maine

ACLU of Maine

Jonathan GaitherACLU of Maine121 Middle St Suite 301Portland, ME 04101207-774-5444defends the Bill of Rights through education, legal advocacy and lobbying efforts

Saturday September 21, 2013 3:00pm - 4:00pm EDT
Social & Political Action Speakers Tent

Community Policy and Politics

4:00pm EDT

History of Radical Journalism in Maine

Speakers

Lance Tapley

Radio Free Maine

Saturday September 21, 2013 4:00pm - 5:00pm EDT
Social & Political Action Speakers Tent

Community Policy and Politics

4:00pm EDT

What's the impact of the proposed E/W Corridor?

A Forum/Summit on the proposed E/W Corridor

Saturday September 21, 2013 4:00pm - 5:30pm EDT
Railcar Speakers Tent

Community, East-West Corridor | Policy and Politics, East-West Corridor

5:00pm EDT

Israel & Palestine: Getting to Peace

The latest on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, what the issues are, and the prospects for peace. Particular attention to the challenges facing Palestinian farmers working under Israeli occupation. The role and work of Churches for Middle East Peace would be described and discussed, as would other organizations working on the issue. Ample time would be left for questions and discussion.

Speakers

Churches for Middle East Peace Maine

Churches for Middle East Peace (Maine)

Ed McCarthy,Churches for Middle East Peace (Maine), PO Box 105 Vienna, ME 04360,has more than a decade's experience advocating for and promoting a just and lasting peace between Israelis and Palestinians based on the principle that both peoples have legitimate claims to a presence... Read More →

Saturday September 21, 2013 5:00pm - 6:00pm EDT
Social & Political Action Speakers Tent

Community Policy and Politics

9:00am EDT

Cooperatives 101

A quick overview of co-ops, their history and how to get started. We aim to make it fun, informative and inspiring!

Speakers

Deborah Hawkins

Cooperative Maine

Building a democratic economy rooted in community

Sunday September 22, 2013 9:00am - 10:00am EDT
Social & Political Action Speakers Tent

Community Policy and Politics

10:00am EDT

Toxic-Free Tips and Taking Action

We are exposed to toxic chemicals everywhere in our homes - from phthalates in our shower curtains to PFCs in frying pans. Join us to hear some simple tips you can use to reduce your exposure. We'll also talk about what consumers can't do to protect themselves - due to cost or lack of information, and why we need to take action to fix our badly broken chemical safety law which is failing to protect the health of citizens.

Speakers

Emma Halas-O'Connor

Env. Health Strategy Center

Sunday September 22, 2013 10:00am - 11:00am EDT
Social & Political Action Speakers Tent

Community Policy and Politics

11:00am EDT

Anti-Globalization Storytelling

Speakers

Beehive Design Collective

Beehive Design Collective

Matthew SmithBeehive Design Collective101 Court StMachias, ME 04654207-669-4117

Sunday September 22, 2013 11:00am - 12:00pm EDT
Folk Arts Tent 2

Community, Storytelling | Policy and Politics, Storytelling

12:00pm EDT

Time Banking State Initiative

You help another for an hour, you earn a credit. You can now ask anyone in the network to help you for an hour. All services are valued equally and are non-taxable. In a nutshell, that's time banking. Although time banking has existed since the 1980's, the current economic conditions have given a new life to the idea of a zero-growth, stable, sustainable currency system. The Mid Maine TimeBank has recently expanded to a statewide network, linking communities in a common purpose: Community!

Speakers

Time Initiative of Maine T.I.ME

Mid Maine TimeBank

Stacey JacobsonTime Initiative of Maine T.I.MEPO Box 75Augusta, ME 04332Honoring good work by rewarding time spent helping communities to thrive in the heart of Maine. We build trusted networks of support by linking community needs with untapped assets

Sunday September 22, 2013 12:00pm - 1:00pm EDT
Social & Political Action Speakers Tent

Community Policy and Politics

12:00pm EDT

Climate Change and Farming in Maine and in the World

Speakers

Molly Anderson

Partridge Chair in Food & Sustainable Agriculture Systems, College of the Atlantic

I'm excited about the efforts people are making all around the world to fix their food systems so that they provide healthy food and fair wages to everyone involved. My background is in systems ecology, but I work on food justice, food rights and food sovereignty as well as environmental... Read More →

Sunday September 22, 2013 12:00pm - 1:30pm EDT
Railcar Speakers Tent

Community, Climate | Policy and Politics, Climate

1:00pm EDT

Anti-Globalization Storytelling

Speakers

Beehive Design Collective

Beehive Design Collective

Matthew SmithBeehive Design Collective101 Court StMachias, ME 04654207-669-4117

Sunday September 22, 2013 1:00pm - 2:00pm EDT
Folk Arts Tent 2

Community, Storytelling | Policy and Politics, Storytelling

1:00pm EDT

Thinking for Collaboration

This session will provide concrete steps to shifting our thinking from blame and judgement to collaboration and connection. Basic strategies that are practical and immediately applicable to strengthen families, organizations, intentional communities and businesses for long term sustainability.

Speakers

Maine Non-Violent Communication (NVC) Network

Maine NVC Network

Peggy SmithMaine Non-Violent Communication (NVC) Network2807 Atlantic HwyLincolnville, ME 04849207-789-5299providing educational support in nonviolent thinking and communicating in Maine

Sunday September 22, 2013 1:00pm - 2:00pm EDT
Social & Political Action Speakers Tent

Community Policy and Politics

2:00pm EDT

Growing Medical Cannabis in Maine

This presentation will cover the details Maine's medical marijuana law, including how to become a caregiver. Presenters will discuss the history of cannabis in Maine, as well as challenges and best practices for growing medical cannabis both indoors and outdoors.

Speakers

Business Alliance For Commerce In Hemp

Medical Marijuana Caregivers of Maine

Robert StuartBusiness Alliance For Commerce In HempPO Box 446Lincoln, ME 04457alliance of individuals to end hemp prohibition

Sunday September 22, 2013 2:00pm - 3:00pm EDT
Social & Political Action Speakers Tent

Community Policy and Politics

3:00pm EDT

Anti-Globalization Storytelling

Speakers

Beehive Design Collective

Beehive Design Collective

Matthew SmithBeehive Design Collective101 Court StMachias, ME 04654207-669-4117

Sunday September 22, 2013 3:00pm - 4:00pm EDT
Folk Arts Tent 2

Community, Storytelling | Policy and Politics, Storytelling

3:00pm EDT

What's the impact of the proposed E/W Corridor?

A Forum/Summit on the proposed E/W Corridor

Sunday September 22, 2013 3:00pm - 4:30pm EDT
Railcar Speakers Tent

Community, East-West Corridor | Policy and Politics, East-West Corridor

4:00pm EDT

Israel & Palestine: Getting to Peace

The latest on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, what the issues are, and the prospects for peace. Particular attention to the challenges facing Palestinian farmers working under Israeli occupation. The role and work of Churches for Middle East Peace would be described and discussed, as would other organizations working on the issue. Ample time would be left for questions and discussion.

Speakers

Churches for Middle East Peace Maine

Churches for Middle East Peace (Maine)

Ed McCarthy,Churches for Middle East Peace (Maine), PO Box 105 Vienna, ME 04360,has more than a decade's experience advocating for and promoting a just and lasting peace between Israelis and Palestinians based on the principle that both peoples have legitimate claims to a presence... Read More →

Sunday September 22, 2013 4:00pm - 5:00pm EDT
Social & Political Action Speakers Tent

Community Policy and Politics