A Conversation with Graham Platner: Community, Democracy, and You

Graham Platner

By Rachel Flehnger

To know that this little thing we call Activate Maine is valued—that the message we work so hard to share is being seen—always blows my hair back.Earlier this week, in a conversation with Graham Platner—who’s running for the U.S. Senate seat currently held by Susan Collins—we didn’t even have time to dig into his platform and positions (don’t worry, more to come—the man is busy!) This wasn’t our first meeting, and we picked up where we left off: community. 

It was an energizing conversation. I appreciated the chance to catch up with Graham—just shooting the shit and realizing how much we strongly agree. Graham knows the Activate Maine story— I started Activate Maine in an effort to bring people together to fight for democracy. We both shared how inspired we are by you.As an organizer, Graham understands the effort it takes to build and sustain a statewide hub where Mainers can find out how to take action and come together for democracy. He values that people across the state rely on our calendar and updates. It still amazes me that when someone posts on social media asking, “Is anything happening near me?” so many of you jump in with the answer: check ActivateMaine.com. Thank you.

This is what grassroots activism looks like – and it can be a heavy lift. 

The Activate Maine volunteers  can’t possibly find every action, gathering, workshop, dinner, and rally happening across the state. When you submit what you’re planning to attend—or what you think others should know—you’re doing more than just spreading the word locally. You’re showing everyone across Maine that the whole state is activated. You inspire others to keep planning, sharing, posting, gathering—and to keep fighting! 

There will be more conversations with Graham, and more about his platform. But this one was about you—and the power of showing up, building community in many forms, and staying together.