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What's REALLY Going On in Waterville?

REM's 1,800 Civic Volunteers Do Consensual Democracy on a Grand Scale

If you only read the commercial press you might feel sorry for the 52,000 residents of the Waterville/Mid-Maine region. Local plant closings, messy politics and the occasional high-profile crime are the stories of choice of mainstream media that document the life of this complex region. Don't you believe it!

A New Social and Political Force

REM, the region's democratic civic association, has encouraged, convened and inspired Mid-Maine's civic renewal since 1995. Under the energetic leadership of Faye Nicholson, REM has organized its 1,800-plus volunteers into more than 40 teams to tackle a broad array of civic renewal issues, from beautification to education to social justice to arts and entertainment. This grassroots organization arose from the belief that Mid-Maine's economy - and its quality of life - could be improved through the voluntary work of engaged and organized citizens.

A Promise and a Challenge

To fulfill its mission REM promised to provide "a forum and a form" for citizens interested in achieving a new vision of the Mid-Maine region.

REM's theme -- "Democracy is not a spectator sport!" -- is what sets Mid-Maine apart from other communities. REM challenges Mid-Maine citizens to work together to create the community they truly desire; in true Yankee fashion they roll up their sleeves, organize volunteer teams, and set to work.

Nicholson describes how it all began: "When REM found the CCD it was natural for both of us to join to establish Consensual Democracy in Maine. The Center provided us with the Community Catalyst, out of which REM moved from concept to reality, out of a dream of community and into a very active reality."

Focus on Economic Revival

"Create a Vibrant Economy" is Mid-Maine's number one civic renewal objective. Among the many REM projects that address this complex goal are:

• Dreamers' Cafe, a REM-owned and operated restaurant that provides affordable food service in the community center
  
  
• The Foundation of REM, a volunteer grant-writing program that has won competitive grants from a variety of funding sources that created the region's most inclusive community events calendar and publishes "Local Voices" an on-line community newsletter
  
  
• Weekly REM Forums, open discussions that inform local citizens about important Mid-Maine issues and brainstorm solutions
  
  
• A professionally-led customer service training program that intends to make the region "The Friendliest Community in Maine"
  
  
• A unique "Business Incubator Without Walls," that mentors start-up businesses in the Mid-Maine region
  
  
• The 64-page Mid-Maine Arts and Cultural Directory, published by Mid-Maine Arts Partners to promote the arts as a cornerstone of Mid-Maine's regional identity.
  
  
• REM-sponsored public forums on crime prevention and conflict resolution.
  
  
• A regional economic development "summit," convened by REM, to coordinate all economic development in the region
  
  
• "Fast Track" business training programs, co-sponsored by REM with The Kennebec Valley Council of Governments
  
  
• A"Council for Unity" to promote the peaceful coexistence of diverse community groups.

The REM Record . . .

Since 1995 REM has been focusing volunteer resources on improving the quality of life in Mid-Maine. The following achievements are joint efforts of REM volunteer teams and the local partner organizations listed in parenthesis.

• Helped create a community center in downtown Waterville for arts, small businesses and community building activities (Waterville Regional Arts and Community Center, Women at the Center)
  
  
• Grew and diversified REM's financial base into a substantial regional organization with a $195,000 annual operating budget dedicated to civic renewal through people power and citizen leadership
  
  
• Established a network of 1,800 Mid-Maine citizens and 40+ volunteer teams to make progress in eight high-priority program areas.
  
  
• Established a networked computer facility, including a high-capacity T-1 communications line, to inform and involve Mid-Maine citizens.
  
  
• Created a lively and expanding web site completely devoted to civic purposes, and helped many local artists develop their own web sites.
  
  
• Developed a mentoring project for 4th grade girls in the Waterville Public Schools, to increase their aspirations for learning after high school.
  
  
• Created a community garden in a downtown Waterville square

This article was originally published in CenterPiece, the newsletter of the Center for Consensual Democracy of Brunswick, Me. It is reprinted here with their permission.