Maine Youth Action Network (MYAN)
The Maine Youth Action Network (MYAN) has been operating for two decades as a support system for youth programming and as a catalyst for youth leadership development. We partner directly with young people, adult advisers, and local organizations to offer a broad spectrum of support to youth from Maine’s diverse communities. MYAN encourages prevention-focused, youth-centric social change through programming and technical assistance for young people and adults.
MYAN is a statewide network of committed adults and passionate young people who believe in the transformative power of youth leadership. We value young people’s thoughts, voices, and solutions for creating more equitable communities and just systems. Young people’s passion is the vehicle for building leadership skills, resiliencies, positive relationships, and personal agency. These are the factors that help young people lead healthy and successful lives.
Our vision is for communities throughout Maine to foster the healthy development of youth and create a thriving network of engaged leaders. MYAN provides growth opportunities and technical assistance to young people and adults across the state. Our work is rooted in positive youth development and a strengths-based approach. We support young people seeking to improve their communities or drive social change, and adults who want to improve their practice and engage young people in positive new ways.
Find registration links for our Continuing Education Series and Youth Leadership Conference, additional information about youth-focused programming, and contact information for district partners local to you on our website.
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MYAN holds the contract for Domain 3: Youth Engagement through the Maine CDC's Maine Prevention Services initiative.
Resources
Beth Broderick, Program Director
Phone: (207) 874-0060
beth.broderick@opportunityalliance.orgInterested youth and adults can access MYAN resources and register for programming by visiting MYAN’s website.
Reach us via email at myan@opportunityalliance.org. We also invite in-person visits at our office in Portland, located at 50 Lydia Lane, Portland, ME 04106 (though emailing ahead of time is always recommended).
Overview of MYAN Programs
Leadership Development
Young people are driven and passionate. We provide opportunities for them to lead projects based on their interests, and practice and grow leadership skills that will last a lifetime. We facilitate two statewide programs for high school students: The Youth Planning Team and the Statewide Youth Policy Board. Both programs focus on individual leadership development and project-based group work.
Annual Youth Leadership Conference
MYAN's Annual Youth Leadership Conference is a youth-led event promoting education and action. It provides an opportunity for hundreds of youth and their adult advisors to attend workshops, networking events with elected officials, panel discussions, and much more.
Equity in schools
School culture significantly impacts the education and development of healthy young people. We partner with students, especially underrepresented youth, to advocate for more equitable schools and to foster more supportive school communities.
YOUTH EMPLOYMENT AND INTERNSHIPS
Access to jobs or job-like experience helps young people to visualize and prepare for life after school. Our employment programs help connect young people with paid job and leadership opportunities so they can grow career-ready skills.
TRAINING AND ADULT LEARNING
MYAN is uniquely positioned to provide expert guidance on positive youth development to adults that work with young people every day. We offer workshops, trainings, and personalized support to adults and youth leaders so they can practice new skills and develop strategies that work for their communities.