In your opinion, what’s most important to our local community, to our state, and to our country?

We want to hear how people form different opinions on different issues – whether socially, policy or politically related – and why.

How did you form your opinions on different issues? How did you come to have the views that you have? 

This Make Shift Coffee House is sponsored in collaboration with an ad hoc group of local residents.

Snow Date: January 29 (Check the website if bad weather)

As with all Make Shift Coffee Houses, this is not a debate. It’s simply about UNDERSTANDING each other’s views on the very important issues facing us today – versus debating them. It’s not about persuading each other or arguing with each other. It’s not about deciding what’s best or what’s worse, who’s right or who’s wrong, who’s good or who’s bad. It’s about discovering common ground.

We hope that each person will take away practical tips and tools to use in their own conversations with people who think differently from them:

• Help people learn new things about their neighbors.
• Grow enthusiasm for working with neighbors to build their community.
• Build capacity for talking with their neighbors about difficult topics with integrity and respect.

Free refreshments and live music by Hallowell musician Sam Shain of the Scolded Dogs.

Sam Shain is a local musician and plays with the Scolded Dogs. He teaches English at Maine Arts Academy and frequently writes about social issues and politics.

Join neighbors and make new friends, share food, music, your opinions and views…and the stories behind them!

All are welcome! No RSVP, registration, or tickets required. Just show up.

Republicans, Democrats, Libertarians, Greens, Independents, Undecided…we want to hear from everyone!

Click here for specifics about the format and what it’s like to attend a Make Shift Coffee House.