Rediscovering X: Building 'Mainers United' for Connection and Growth

Written By dKay in Maine

I joined 𝕏 in 2010 when it was still called Twitter.  Back then, my posts were in German and focused mainly on playing with words, often using hashtags like #moebelmovies ("furnituremovies") when posting about Bed Boys or #bierfillme ("beer movies") when posting about The Old Man and The Beer. Apart from that, I also posted things like, "My boyfriend has nothing against my best friend – only against her visiting."

Looking back, it was mainly about being silly and having fun with words. The one thing missing, however, was real interaction with like-minded people, and it all stopped in 2014 for a reason that I don't remember, but I can't shake the feeling that it was because it wasn't leading anywhere. However, it was fun while it lasted.

Since then, I have left Germany and created new accounts but never really used them. I always felt that other users found better words that were funnier or wiser than anything I would ever write, and, to be honest, I was intimidated by not posting in my mother tongue. Going back to posting in German wasn't an option either, as I’ve been out of touch with what's happening in Germany since leaving in 2016. On top of that, these days, writing and speaking in German feels odd as I go months without speaking one full sentence in my native language.

Learning About Maine Through a New Lens

Yet, here we are, in 2024, and I am back on 𝕏. Initially, I used my account dedicated to gaming, but I quickly realized that I enjoy playing video games more than talking about them on 𝕏. That’s when I realized that there is something that I'm truly passionate about – learning and sharing what I've learned. I’ve been focused on learning about Maine and the U.S. more broadly, with an emphasis on culture and politics. And that's what inspired me to start this blog and what brought me back to 𝕏.

If I wanted to learn about Maine, I couldn't rely solely on search engines, local news, apps like Nextdoor, or Maine-related groups on Facebook or Reddit. I also needed to tap into the world of 𝕏, and it didn't disappoint. Since September, I’ve not only learned about Maine (a big Thank You to Mainer’s Motive, who provides bite-sized ‘Did You Know’ posts about all things Maine), but I also noticed that Mainers are eager to drive change. One way to do so is through political engagement, such as participating in grassroots groups like the 'Pine Tree Patriots' or other advocacy groups.

Introducing 'Mainers United': Collaboration Without Judgment

However, a Mainer’s life is about much more than “just” politics. And from what I’ve observed, we have room to grow community connections and foster knowledge sharing even more and beyond politics. And that’s precisely what I hope to change through the new community, “Mainers United.” The idea behind “Mainers United” is to build a community on a simple but powerful foundation-collaboration and knowledge sharing without judgment. Whether you're a lifelong Mainer, a newcomer, or simply someone interested in Maine's culture, Mainers United is a space where everyone is welcome to contribute and learn.

How 'Mainers United' Can Help Strengthen Our Community

Within the community, we encourage questions, value personal experiences, and maintain respectful discussions. Members can share insights about local history, spotlight Maine’s businesses, or explore the unique ways of life here, and the community can thrive on the diverse perspectives of its members. And who knows, we might even be able to turn this community into a stepping stone for those who want to start a business or offer their skills through local employment opportunities.

For me, this community feels like the perfect extension of what brought me back to 𝕏 in the first place—a space to learn, share, and connect with others who are just as curious and passionate about Maine as I am.

Join Us: Share Your Knowledge, Skills, and Passion

If you feel the same, join "Mainers United" and share your strengths and areas you want to learn about. Together, let's bring this community to life!

Resources (links open in new tab)

dKay in Maine
Previous

Preserving Maine’s Coastline: Why a Moratorium on Offshore Windmills Matters
Next

Maine’s 2024 State Elections: From Legislative Seats to Judicial Roles