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What is REM?

• REM's Objectives
• The People & Projects of REM
• REM's Spaces and their Uses
• More Information on REM

REM is a grassroots nonprofit organization that supports a network of citizen volunteers working to improve the quality of life in Central Maine. In REM, work is cooperative, diversity is honored, self-reliance is promoted, and civic life is renewed.

REM was born out of people's desire to connect and to create a future that reflects their desires, needs, and creativity. REM leaders work to search for new ways to provide opportunities for the diversity of the community to work together. This involves:

• Building Consensus
• Expanding Teamwork Skills
• Valuing "Doers" and "Dreamers"
• Learning How to Help Both Work Together Well
• Learning How to Bridge the Gap Between the Vision and the Reality

REM has eight priorities, which were established at a three-day Community Catalyst Forum in January 1996 in which over 250 area residents participated. These priorities are:

1. Develop a Vibrant Economy
2. Excel in Education
3. Protect Human Potential
4. Promote Arts & Entertainment
5. Beautify the Environment
6. Empower Young People
7. Build Community
8. Expand Fitness & Recreation

Participants in the Catalyst also composed a vision statement, describing the world that they aspired to create in Central Maine over the next quarter century.

The People & Projects of REM

REM is 2000 members strong and is made up of various organizational teams that work to reach the objectives listed above.  Although all groups in REM "do their own thing," all are related and work to support each other's projects

To carry out its work, REM relies on its members and volunteers. We invite you to become a member of REM and to join any REM project.  Click here to find out how you can become part of the dream.

REM's office is located on the first floor of the Center, a former department store in downtown Waterville that has been transformed into a mixed-use building with retail space, professional offices, a theater, a dance studio, meeting rooms, and an indoor playground. We invite you to stop by our office anytime during business hours to become part of REM or just to share your hopes and dreams. Click here for directions.

The Center also houses REM's Dreamers' Café, which serves breakfast, lunch, and snacks; The Forum, which is suitable for large meetings, banquets, and receptions; and REM's board room. The Forum and the board room are available to the public to rent. Please select this link for for more information about rentals.

More Information on REM

Click here to read more about the History of REM, to read our Constitution & By-Laws, or to view a booklet developed to orient REM volunteers.