Generation Maine Content Creator (Unpaid)
Maine Policy Institute is seeking curious, motivated participants for Generation Maine, a program exploring how public policy affects young people’s ability to live, work, and build a future in Maine.
Generation Maine gives participants practical experience in research, public policy, and content creation through a small commitment of time alongside school, work, or other activities. While unpaid, a select number of content creators will be awarded a cash prize of up to $2,500.
With guidance from MPI staff, participants will explore issues affecting young Mainers and turn their findings into videos and other digital content. The emphasis is on learning by doing, developing skills, and building a portfolio.
High school, college, and technical-school students are welcome to apply, as are people pursuing other paths outside formal education. Professional experience and a large social media following are not required.
About the Project
Generation Maine will examine questions that matter to young Mainers, including finding an affordable home, starting a career, paying everyday expenses, and opening a business. Participants will investigate the policies behind these experiences and explore how individual liberty, free markets, limited government, and fiscal responsibility can expand opportunity.
The project will combine accurate research with personal perspectives and clear explanations. Participants will bring their own voices and ideas while working within MPI’s mission and editorial standards. Their content will appear on the Generation Maine project’s website and social media accounts.
What Participation Involves
Participants will work with MPI staff on focused projects designed to fit within a limited time commitment. Activities may include:
- Developing ideas about issues affecting young Mainers.
- Researching selected topics using reliable sources, interviews, and real-world examples.
- Appearing on camera to explain findings or guide viewers through a story.
- Interviewing people whose experiences illustrate the subject.
- Helping prepare scripts, short videos, social media posts, and other digital content.
- Working with MPI staff on feedback, fact-checking, and revisions.
Project expectations and deadlines will be discussed in advance so participants can plan around school, work, and other responsibilities.
What We’re Looking For
We are looking for participants who care about Maine’s future, ask thoughtful questions, and want to learn how to communicate ideas effectively. Participants should be dependable, willing to work carefully with sources, and open to constructive feedback.
Applicants should be willing to appear on camera and develop their presentation skills. Experience with social media, video editing, writing, public speaking, or research is helpful, but no professional background is necessary.
Creators will have several months to develop and produce 3–5 short videos, allowing flexibility around their schedules and other commitments. The initiative is mostly remote, with just 1–2 in-person events, and time commitment is manageable.
Participants must be willing to create accurate, thoughtful content consistent with MPI’s mission. Familiarity with Maine communities and the challenges facing young Mainers will help inform that work.
What You’ll Gain
Participants will gain experience researching public issues, interviewing sources, presenting on camera, and preparing content for publication. Guidance from MPI staff will help participants strengthen their skills and build a portfolio of published work.
Generation Maine is intended to provide practical learning experience through a manageable commitment alongside participants’ existing activities.
Time Commitment and Location
- Limited time commitment. Participants should expect a limited time commitment, with projects and deadlines agreed upon in advance.
- Mostly remote. Most research, planning, and content development can be completed remotely.
- Occasional in-person activities. A small number of gatherings will be scheduled in advance.
- Cash Prize. Creators whose content performs particularly well will have the opportunity to receive a cash prize.