How to Participate

Requirements

Free Sites

Build Your Site

New Groups

What is Maine Communities Online?

Maine Communities Online uses a special Web-based platform that allows you to interact with groups in your community. Schools, nonprofits, religious groups, civic organizations, towns and state agencies, and recreational groups can have their own Web site free of charge and be part of the Maine Communities Online easily searchable group list. Groups with an established Web site can link to the Maine Communities Online platform. With just a browser and access to the Internet groups can:

• post virtually anything to their pages — photos, sounds, files, game scores, and more!
• post upcoming events on the calendar.
• provide group information on the home page or newsletter page
• host online discussions.
• keep an on-line list of participants.
• appoint administrators to manage the Web site

Currently, we have a several hundred groups participating. Eventually we hope to be the home for thousands of Maine groups. New groups are signing on daily so check the group list or this week's list of new groups.

If you can't find your group in the Maine Communities Online index, let them know about this free service by sending e-mail to ablakes@mainetoday.com or calling (207) 828-1918.

Our Mission

Vision

The Internet offers tremendous opportunities for interaction among Maine people as members of both traditional geographic communities and communities of interest.

Many of today's web sites are static and often require technical knowledge to create, use, and maintain. Cost also prevents many groups from having an online presence. Our vision is to create a free community center on the web that allows people from all over Maine to access information, post content, and interact with each other.

Participation

Groups in Maine Communities Online include nonprofit organizations, state and local government agencies, recreational groups, schools, and churches. Any organization or agency within these broad categories can have an online presence because cost and technical knowledge are no longer barriers.

Maine Communities Online can be used by anyone with a computer and an Internet browser. No special software, hardware, or training is required.

Benefits

Maine Communities Online is a gateway to all kinds of information about life in Maine. It is a revolutionary communications network that is efficient, flexible, easy to update, and accessible to an ever-increasing number of Maine people. More imporantly, it allows citizens to gather and share information and develop stronger community ties.