At this time, Maine is one of 11 states officially accepted as a Youth M.O.V.E. National Chapter. Youth M.O.V.E. Maine offers comprehensive training and technical assistance, outreach, advocacy and skills building grounded in the knowledge and experience gained over three years developing and implementing Thrive’s youth program in the Tri- County region. Youth M.O.V.E Maine supports the development and transition of youth ages 14-25, as well as provides trauma-informed, youth-guided and culturally and linguistically competent training and technical assistance to agencies seeking to engage youth in all aspects of organizational development and service delivery. Youth M.O.V.E. Maine receives support from the national System of Care, Maine Children’s Behavioral Health and the Thrive Initiative’s committed youth team.

Mission: Youth M.O.V.E. Maine prepares youth for life through genuine opportunities and authentic involvement in their communities, the state’s youth-serving systems and policy-making process. We are dedicated to reshaping and reinforcing systems and services so that no youth fall through the cracks. We advocate for youth to utilize their power and expertise to make change in their communities and in their own lives.

Vision: Youth M.O.V.E. Maine envisions the day when all people will recognize and accept the culture of youth, their families, and the communities that serve them in order to be truly culturally-competent. Youth M.O.V.E. Maine looks forward to the day when youth are no longer treated as numbers, problems or caseloads, but as individuals— a day in which we all stand as partners: youth, youth advocates, supporters, parents and professionals to see our youth become successful.

Goals:

• Raise awareness around youth issues
• Advocate for youth rights
• Empower youth to be equal partners in the process of systems change
• Help redevelop systems
• Advocate for youth to utilize their knowledge and expertise to foster change in their communities and in their own lives.
• Support positive system transformation for all youth services.
• Reduce stigma associated with system involvement and mental health
• Build healthier family and peer relationships