Update Jan 7th: With gifts made online and via mail, we raised nearly $60,000 to support MIO's work in 2026. Thank you to our wonderful community!

Dear Maine Inside Out (MIO) community,

Five months ago, you helped us do something extraordinary. When a federal grant was canceled, threatening our ability to bring original theater and dialogue to communities and prisons across Maine, you responded. More than 70 donors came together and raised $38,000 in just 20 days, exceeding our $25,000 goal and ensuring our work and community partnerships could continue.

We need you again. We are facing an unprecedented funding gap this year due to continued shifts in federal funding and increased community need. Our spring campaign covered about 30% of our 2025 tour costs. Now we need to raise $75,000 by December 31 to minimize our loss this year and position us to grow our impact in 2026.

Because of you, we have reached more than 1,000 people through 14 “Broken Clock” performances and dialogues this year. The impact has been felt vividly. The tour is facilitating a collective, heart-centered reckoning with the impacts of mass incarceration. In communities, prisons, and colleges, audiences are grappling with the complexities of personal and systemic harm and adding their voices to the performance. Audience members inside and at public performances shared deeply personal reflections:

“How do we find common ground in a world where people are not truly hearing and seeing each other?”
“What if the only thing someone knew about you was the worst thing you ever did?”
“The number one thing about being inside is how much I miss my mom.”
“People need to hear stories of all the things system-impacted people are doing right.”
“I wish all mothers had the resources they need to raise their children.”

These conversations are opening new possibilities. They're helping us all see each other more fully and imagine how we can collectively transform harmful systems. There's a powerful line in the play: "I need you all to dream with me.” Today, we're asking you to dream with us again, at a critical moment that will determine MIO’s future impact.

This is about what comes next: Playmaking with incarcerated artists inside Maine prisons. A tour of a new original play created by system-impacted artists. Theater workshops with Lewiston youth. Adult re-entry support. Opportunities to come together to envision communities that center humanity, connection, and dignity in holding ourselves and our neighbors accountable.

Join 160+ supporters who have already given this year. Your gift today - whether it’s $10 or $10,000 - will help us turn this moment of challenge into a foundation for transformation. Will you dream with us?

With gratitude and hope,

Maine Inside Out Staff, Board, and Creative Ensemble

Will You Dream With Us?

By Maine Inside Out

Will You Dream With Us?

Maine Inside Out needs to raise $75k by December 31. We’re dreaming for communities that thrive in connection, dignity, and accountability. What do you dream for?

Team Members