SHIFT MAINE
The Third Place believes that achieving racial equity and justice requires a cross-sector approach. In order to address structural and institutional racism, it is imperative to tackle it wherever it is present. Addressing these issues through a BIPOC-led assessment of each local sector’s assets and deficits ensures that the solutions to these issues are developed by those who are most impacted.
We actively identify sectors that have an underrepresentation of individuals who identify as BIPOC and assess the need for action. Need for action is determined both through community assessment and employees currently working in a particular field. We support individuals seeking to create a BIPOC sector group by providing grant writing services, organizational development, meeting facilitation, consultation and office space.
Sector groups form for various reasons: to connect with peers for professional networking, to address specific issues and challenges the larger BIPOC community is facing, to evaluate the status of racial equity within a field or institution, and create visibility of BIPOC working in each sector.
Placemakers
We want to ensure that those who relocate to Maine or to a new community within the state feel safe and welcome in their communities. The PlaceMakers Program brings together members of the Black community in a social setting to welcome individuals who have relocated within the last year. If desired, newcomers are are paired with a Placemaker - a long-term BIPOC resident who helps facilitate social connections in the community.
These events occur bi-monthly to ensure that new residents are well on their way to making the critical connections necessary to establish a sense of place in cities and town throughout Maine.
If you would like to become a community Placemaker or would like to join our next Placemakers event, email info@thethirdplace.me.
Women’s Leadership Alliance
The women’s leadership alliance is a quarterly gathering of Black female business, civic, and nonprofit leaders. These gatherings focus on supporting female leaders in their ongoing self-care and personal and professional development. These monthly, facilitated gatherings are opportunities to learn from guest speakers, engage in critical group dialogue, and pursue self-exploration.
Our Sector Organizing and Networking Groups
Maine ECO-BIPOC
A coalition of organizations and individuals addressing issues of racial equity related to climate change, outdoor recreation, agriculture and land use/access.
Contact Estephanie Martinez-Alfonzo, Sector Organizer
BIPOC Educators
In addition to professional networking, this group works with local school systems to address disparities in student discipline, workplace bias, and resource needs.
Contact Ayesha Hall, Sector Organizer
Healthcare & Wellness
This group is newly forming and currently consists of physicians, nurses, therapists and wellness practitioners. Anyone working in a related field may join.
Volunteer Sector Organizer Needed - For more information
Housing, Real Estate, & Trades
A group of BIPOC housing advocates, real estate owners/ investors, and realtors who meet bi-monthly to discuss opportunities for investing and addressing community housing needs.
Contact Aziza Perkins, Sector Organizer
Media & Communications
Media and communications professionals and volunteers convene to discuss how to employ their expertise to better serve and spotlight BIPOC communities. Meetings are held in-person at Portland Media Center on the second Thursday each month.
Contact Jerry Edwards, Sector Organizer
COMPASS
Compass is a networking group for Black professionals. The group convenes monthly for social events, cross-sector organizing, charitable purposes and speaking engagements online and at BIPOC-owned businesses.
BIPOC Entrepreneurs Network (formerly Maine Black Business Association)
BIPOC Entrepreneurs Network gathers quarterly to learn about resources offered through Maine’s extensive business support agencies. This group also provides critical feedback to local and state agencies seeking to develop more equitable services to underrepresented communities. Our business mentoring program facilitates opportunities for BIPOC owners to learn from other entrepreneurs both within and outside of the BIPOC community.
The BIPOC Business After Hours, is a quarterly event dedicated to shining a spotlight on businesses owned by Black, Indigenous, or people of color. At our unique gatherings, we go beyond the traditional networking experience to foster direct engagement between visionary entrepreneurs and enthusiastic consumers within these communities.
BIPOC BUSINESS AFTER HOURS
BIPOC Business After Hours aims to create a powerful platform that connects entrepreneurs with the skills, tools, and resources of BIPOC professionals within our wider network. Our events are designed to be immersive and inclusive, providing an inviting space for entrepreneurs to showcase their ventures and connect with potential customers who truly appreciate the value they bring.
Whether you are a business owner seeking to expand your reach, a consumer eager to support BIPOC-led enterprises, or an enthusiast looking to explore the diverse range of products and services our communities have to offer, BIPOC Business After Hours is an opportunity to do so.
Contact us if you are a BIPOC-owned business who would like to host The Third Place network in your space or collaborate on an opportunity to highlight your business.