Frequently Asked Questions
Who can join the network?
Anyone in Maine! You can join as an individual, an informal group of residents, an official committee, a municipal or Tribal government, non-profit organization, state agency, business, or any other type of entity.
What do I need to do to be a member?
Membership is free. Joining MAINECAN will not require any additional participation from our members. We will periodically share information through emails to a Google Group, and you can then choose to participate in opportunities as you wish.
How do I receive communications from MAINECAN?
When you join MAINECAN, you will be added to a Google Group email list. You can specify how frequently you receive communications through the email list (each communication as it happens or a daily/weekly digest of emails). The MAINECAN Support & Research Team monitors the Google Group to ensure communications are relevant to the MAINECAN member community.
What if I have limited time or capacity?
There are three ways to participate in MAINECAN. Members may choose to participate in any way they have the time or capacity to do so.
- As a Community Member: this category is for communities, community-based groups, and community members leading or interested in learning more about leading local energy and climate resilience initiatives.
- As an Ally: this category is for individuals and entities that are supporting these community-led initiatives, or that are considering supporting communities’ initiatives in the future.
- As a MAINECAN Partner: this category is for entities that provide support for community groups and want to be involved in creating and implementing the MAINECAN network.
What defines a community group?
MAINECAN defines a community group as two or more community members and/or municipal or tribal government staff and/or a community-based non-profit organization.
What does sustainable energy mean?
Renewable energy generation, energy efficiency, batteries and other energy storage, microgrids, beneficial electrification, and/or conservation in the electricity, heating, and/or transportation sectors; part of climate mitigation.
What does climate resilience mean?
Responding to challenges such as rising sea levels, extreme temperatures, storms, flooding, erosion, wind damage, drought, wildfires, and related issues; also known as climate adaptation.