Western Mountains Alliance
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) · (207) 778-3885
P.O. Box 29
Farmington, ME 04938
WMA strives to improve quality of life in western Maine by strengthening regional identity, supporting sustainable development, providing forums for regioanl dialogue and building capacity for change.
Through 2011, the organization's programs and initiatives are focused on the following:
LOCAL FOOD & ENERGY SYSTEMS
- Over 60 farmers sell products through www.westernmainemarket.com, an online marketplace that works with two pick up sites in Farmington and Oxford Hills. Groups of farmers interested in selling through the site are invited to contact Tricia Cook at WMA, tcook@westernmountainsalliance.org or (207) 778-3885.
- Mabel's Book: A Directory to Farms & Farmstands will be in it's fourth year of publication in 2010 and features more than 100 farms in western Maine. The book is available free at local businesses and offices throughout the region, or by download from www.westernmainemarket.com. Contact (207)778-3885 or info@westernmoutainsalliance.org for a free copy or to advertise.
- Facilitation and Planning support for community groups including the Franklin County Ag Task Force. Established in 2008 following a meeting convened by Maine Farmland Trust, the task force is working to implement a series of recommendations for supporting local agriculture in Franklin County.
- Through participation in the Farm Energy Partners Network, WMA is able to provide Grantwriting and Technical Assistance to farmers interested in renewable energy and energy efficiency projects, or for developing value added farm products. For more information, contact Tanya Swain @ (207) 778-3885 or tswain@westernmountainsalliance.org.
- Workshops on federal grants and loans for energy efficiency and renewable energy projects, and for marketing and development of value added farm products.
LEADERSHIP
1. Working in partnership with county economic development directors from Oxford, Franklin and Somerset Counties, the Western Mountains Alliance helps coordinate the Legislative Caucus, a series of public forums on topics of interest to the region. In Franklin County, the Western Maine Legislative Caucus is advised additionally by leadership from University of Maine Farmington, SAD 9, Western Maine Community Action, Mission at the Eastward, and Franklin Community Health Network. For a list of upcoming topics, visit www.westernmountainsalliance.org.
2. Lead Western Maine is a leadership program for emerging community leaders working on specific projects and interested in training on fundraising, project planning and other topics related to planning and implementing community development projects. The program is currently on hiatus pending future funding. For more information, contact Tanya Swain at (207) 778-3885 or tswain@westernmountainsalliance.org.
WMA INTERNSHIP AND VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Students interested in internship or volunteer opportunities with WMA are encouraged to contact Tricia Cook or Tanya Swain. Virtual opportunities also available. Call us!
Last updated by Tanya Swain on January 11, 2010