The talk will be held virtually via Zoom and in-person at 107 Norman Smith Hall, UMaine, Orono.
- Virtual attendance: Complete the registration form for Zoom connection information
Speaker: Gabe McPhail, Founder, Resilient Communities
Building community resilience isn’t only about projects or plans — it’s about how we work together. Grounded in experiences from Maine’s rural islands and small towns—places rich in social capital but often limited in capacity—this talk explores how shared principles, authentic collaboration, and a spirit of service can deepen relationships with one another and with the ecosystems we are part of. Drawing from the Community Resilience Partnership, the Maine Islands Project, MAINECAN, and other collaborations, we’ll imagine the systems we can create, the service we can offer, and ask: Who do we choose to be?
Gabe McPhail is a facilitator and planner with over two decades of experience advancing resilience, equity, and sustainability in Maine. As founder of Resilient Communities, they help towns plan for a more resilient future, secure funding, and design practical strategies that address climate challenges and community needs. Their work is grounded in empathy, inclusion, and respect for local knowledge.