“How can we leverage the best that education can offer to meet, honor, and serve the spirits, hopes, and dreams of young people here in Washington County?” That was the question that launched 24 community members into a six-month participatory research process in 1999, leading to the design and establishment of the Cobscook Community Learning Center (CCLC). Responding to that core question has guided developments at CCLC through 18 years of dynamic change playing out within our communities, our region, our nations, and on Earth. Our mission is to create responsive educational opportunities that strengthen personal, community, and global well-being. That is the work that roots CCLC within our community landscape.
CCLC has emerged in the midst of a diverse “forest” of other non-profits, businesses, initiatives, and civic groups, each working within respective spheres of focus and impact: conservation, human rights, health, arts, economic development, meeting basic needs, recreation and education to name a few. Throughout our years of program development and delivery, CCLC team members have been supported and encouraged to be active participants in other groups and initiatives dedicated to the health and vitality of the region. Our roots weave and ply with those of the larger community. Our respective efforts benefit from the collective whole.
CCLC is called to do its best work within this larger community context of growth and movement, gains and losses. The articles that follow illustrate specific developments and contributions taking place at or through CCLC. This issue of Cobscook Currents invites you to join us in:
- Celebrating the start of the 8th year of our Cobscook Experiential Program for High School Students (Cobscook), now a full 4-year program;
- Recognizing the emerging significance of TREE: Transforming Rural Experience in Education as we prepare for a January 2018 launch in our first 3 pilot partner schools;
- Preparing to expand the use of CCLC as a beautiful Retreat Center to include year-round enjoyment of our campus and facilities by groups of all ages from near and far.
These three branches of the CCLC “tree” define our contribution to the larger social and ecological landscape here along the shores of Cobscook Bay in Washington County, Maine. Thanks to all of you who are part of our roots and contribute the essential gifts of time, talent, energy, and funding to CCLC’s ongoing work. None of this would be possible without your support.
With warm regards as we turn now from our autumn harvests to welcome winter,
