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Special Section: Maine's Creative Economy

REALIZE!
Governor's Summit on Youth Migration
June 19, 2004 - Orono, Maine

"This initiative brings young people together to generate ideas, realize opportunities and achieve sustainable solutions for vibrant communities, quality of life and the economy of Maine."
- Governor John Elias Baldacci

The Challenge:
Maine is losing its youth. Between 1990 and 2000, there was a statewide decline of 22 percent among the population of 20 to 34 year olds - and in some towns that figure was 40 percent. If the current trend continues, in 20 years Maine will have more people over the age of 65 than under the age of 20. While there is some early indication this trend may be slowing, the state still has significant challenges with retaining and attracting youth and regional disparities within the state are growing.

While this problem is not unique to Maine, its impact on Maine's economy and quality of life is profound. With an aging population, it will be increasingly difficult to attract industries to Maine. Young adults go where there is economic opportunity, but they look for social and cultural opportunities as well. They can create the opportunities, but they cannot do it alone. For Maine to ensure a reversal of this demographic trend, we need to develop strategies that will make Maine a viable, preferred option for young people.

The Goal:
Engage current and former Maine citizens aged 20 to 34 in state, community and individual partnerships that will make living and working in Maine a viable, preferred option for them.

"We moved our agency from San Francisco to Maine to bring balance in our lives and create a place to be inspired for many years to come. The internet and technology allows us to work with clients from coast to coast. Maine provides the 'self-starter' opportunities to achieve and a wonderful quality of life." - Erin M. Skehan and Alan Claude, owners of ACES Design in Farmingdale. Both are volunteers working on the REALIZE! Governor's Summit that will take place this June.

The Initiative:
As part of his continuing commitment to address youth migration issues, Governor Baldacci is convening this Summit as one vehicle for bringing together a diverse group of young people to engage them in the process of change. He is committed to providing a statewide focus on the complex issue of youth migration and to creating an ongoing process that will continue to engage youth in the challenge of making Maine a viable, preferred option. In an effort to further understand the challenges and opportunities, we are identifying "best practices" in other states and countries that will provide information and insights and suggest possible solutions.

But the key to this initiative is to directly engage those citizens most impacted. Before the summit begins, they are conducting targeted surveys of young Mainers, including those who have left the state. Research will be posted online and virtual conversations will take place throughout the spring. More than 300 young adults age 20 to 34 will participate in a day-long summit to identify decision-making points, considerations, barriers, incentives and possible interventions for future consideration by policy makers and stakeholders. They will then return to their home communities to continue those conversations and to more fully craft solutions. Stakeholders in success include not only the youth themselves, but families, businesses, communities, education systems and government.

What is the Governor's Summit?
REALIZE! is about understanding the challenges and opportunities before us and creating sustainable solutions to make Maine a viable, preferred option for youth. The Summit is one piece of that effort and will take place Saturday, June 19, 2004, at the University of Maine's flagship campus in Orono. A new web site (www.REALIZEmaine.com) is being created that will post research and resources and provide a format for online discussions by interested youth.

This Summit is a one-day event, but it addresses an issue of ongoing importance. There will be online opportunities both prior to and during the Summit for others to participate and share their ideas/experiences. Regional meetings will spring up following the Summit to continue the conversations begun on June 19 and to focus on solutions and strategies that young workers and young families can put into action with the help of regional partners.

Go to www.REALIZEmaine.com for more information.