MAINE WOODS NATIONAL MONUMENT FORUM

Over a thousand Mainers showed up for the event, evidence of a profound interest in the future of these lands.

CHALLENGE

In the face of significant opposition from outside groups, our clients wanted to show U.S. Senator Angus King that there was strong local support for creating a new National Monument in the Maine North Woods. Pew Charitable Trusts asked Winning Connections to help recruit hundreds of residents to attend an important forum on this issue.

STRATEGY

To promote the forum, Winning Connections called thousands of residents around Orono, Maine, near the North Woods. In one-on-one conversations, we discussed the importance of protecting this great natural resource for future generations. We then encouraged them to make their voices heard at a public forum hosted by Senator King and Obama administration officials.

RESULTS

Pew and their allies in this effort hoped hundreds might attend; Winning Connections’ call campaign helped turn out over 1,000 Mainers at the event. After years of advocacy, President Obama designated the North Woods as a new national monument, officially conserving these lands for years to come.