What does Patriotism mean to you? How does patriotism intersect with free speech, with immigration, with nationalism, with support or opposition to wars? Let’s find out! 5:00pm to 7:30pm Kittery Community Center Community Banquet Room, 120 Rogers Road, Kittery, Maine At this Make Shift Coffee House we are going to explore what Patriotism means to each of us.   How do we measure a person’s patriotism? Is a natural born citizen more patriotic than a ‘New American’? Is a veteran more patriotic than a war…

Why do we see things so differently? Troy Howard Middle School, Route 52/Lincolnville Ave Belfast, Maine Tuesday evening, January 16, 2018    6:00-8:30pm     If you are a Republican, why? If you are a Democrat, why? If you are a Green or a Libertarian, or not in a political party at all, why? Why do you see things the way you do? Do you think people have less tolerance today for people with different views? Do you think we are…

When should the government hand out money? Dirigo Grange Hall, Route 137, Freedom, Maine Thursday evening, February 8, 2018 6pm-8:30 How do you feel about government entitlement programs for people in need? When should the government help poor people? Single parents? People needing healthcare? What is it the government’s role vs. volunteerism/being a good neighbor and involved in your community? How do you feel about government tax breaks for corporations? For job creation? Real estate development? New product development? Where does…

What influences your vote? Let’s find out! Thursday evening, February 15, 6pm to 8pm Wells Commons, University of Maine, Orono, Maine     A Make Shift Coffee House is where people with differing political views can meet and learn from each other. There’s coffee and food and live music. Guided by a neutral moderator, all voices and views are heard and respected. It’s not about persuading each other. We ask questions and hear what’s important to the “other side.” It’s okay if we…

Gender Across the Ages – Different Views   April 3, 2018 6:00pm to 8:00pm Portland Public Library 5 Monument Square, Portland, Maine   How do people of different ages see gender roles differently? What do YOU think about gender roles? Should people be treated differently based on their gender? What’s okay and not okay? What do you think of #MeToo?   Is it important to maintain some traditional gender roles? Is it important to break down traditional gender roles? What…

Why is it so important to allow guns? Why is it so important to limit guns?   7:30pm to 9:30pm Wednesday, April 4 Bowdoin College Smith Union 255 Maine Street Brunswick, Maine   The purpose of this conversation is to understand each other, not persuade each other. If you believe strongly in the 2nd amendment right to bear arms, tell us why? Should people be able to own any type of gun? Should any person be able to own a gun? Should…

April 19, 2018 2:00pm to 5:00pm St. Francis Room, Ketchum Library University of New England 11 Beach Hills Rd., Biddeford, Maine Hosted By UNE Libraries   How does your understanding of race impact how you see yourself relative to others? What role does race play in your self-understanding? Have you had conversations about race with your family? Your friends? Strangers? If so, what did those conversations look like?   How has your race impacted your access to resources, education and/or…

Neighbors talking across the political divide. Why do we see things so differently?   Rockland Public Library Thursday evening, April 26, 2018 6:00pm to 8:30pm   If you are a Republican, why? If you are a Democrat, why? If you are a Green or a Libertarian, or not in a political party at all, why? Why do you see things the way you do? Do you think people have less tolerance today for people with different views? Do you think…