Connecting Maine communities with
extraordinary speakers
Because of the recent NEH funding cuts, we are pausing Maine Speaks applications till August 2025. It is our hope that this pause will be temporary. After re-evaluating the funding landscape, we will make a decision about whether or not to continue this program in September.
Maine Speaks events that were in process before the pause will continue as planned.
Our dream is that everyone in Maine feels able to share with others those things that are most meaningful to them, and that everyone in Maine might have the chance to listen to and learn from those people who are ready to share their gifts.
Maine Speaks supports individuals and organizations all over Maine who want to bring people in their community together to learn from and talk with a speaker who will share their expertise and lived experience in engaging ways.
The audience hung on every word. They stayed after the program to ask many questions.”
—Site Coordinator
Speakers
Our roster of over 40 speakers help the people of Maine explore complex topics and broaden perspectives.
Browse speakers by topic to find the right talk for your community.
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Darren Ranco
Chair, Native American Programs and Director of Native American Research, University of Maine
Libby Bischof
Osher Map Library and Smith Center for Cartographic Education, University of Southern Maine
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Our roster of over 40 speakers draw on expertise and experience gathered through their work and lives to bring an idea or topic to life for the audience.
ABOUT OUR SpeakerS
Help the incredible people of Maine explore complex topics, gain insight, and broaden perspectives.
If you have an idea, topic, or experience to share with audiences across Maine, we want to hear from you!
Our speakers come from all walks of life, have deep experience and/or expertise, and are eager to help the incredible people who live in Maine explore complex topics, gain insight, and broaden perspectives.
Some of our speakers share a topic they work with professionally, as writers, teachers, professors. Others speak from their lived experience: the stories, lessons, and perspectives of their lives.
We are not currently accepting applications to join our speaker cohort. Please check back in fall 2025.
TOOLKIT
Toolkit for Maine Speaks
Everything you need to help you convene your community for Maine Speaks.
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