Knowledge is power!
The Equality Community Center is proud to partner with one of our tenant organizations, the Alpha Legal Foundation, to host this Know Your Rights workshop series for our LGBTQ+ community.
Special thanks to the Maine Justice Foundation for a grant from their LGBTQ+ Justice Fund to support this workshop series.
Please note that these are broad educational workshops.Presenters are not attorneys and sessions will not include personal legal advice. We will however make sure that additional resources are provided.
Navigating Public Benefits
Thursday, May 7 | 5:30pm at the ECC
Presented by the Alpha Legal Foundation’s Legal Access Navigators
Build practical, working knowledge of essential public benefits programs—SNAP, TANF, MaineCare, and Section 8—in this focused legal education workshop. We break down eligibility rules, application strategies, verification requirements, and common reasons for denial across each program. Walk away with clear, actionable guidance to navigate benefits more effectively, prevent disruptions, and advocate with confidence on behalf of themselves or others.
Tenant Rights
Thursday, May 21 | 4pm at the ECC
Presented by the Alpha Legal Foundation’s Legal Access Navigators
Gain a clear, practical understanding of tenants’ rights in this accessible legal education workshop. We cover lease fundamentals, equipping you to identify issues early and respond effectively. Leave with increased awareness and actionable strategies to assert your rights and navigate housing challenges with confidence.
Employee Rights
Wednesday, June 10 | 4pm at the ECC
Presented by the Alpha Legal Foundation’s Legal Access Navigators
Develop a clear, practical understanding of employee rights and protections in this focused legal education workshop covering both wage laws and human rights. Participants will gain actionable guidance on recognizing violations, documenting concerns, and navigating complaint and enforcement processes—leaving equipped to advocate effectively for themselves or others in the workplace.
Identity Documents for Trans & Non-Binary Mainers
Tuesday, June 24 | 5:30pm at the ECC
Presented by MaineTransNet
A practical, supportive workshop designed to help trans and nonbinary people navigate the process of updating their identity documents. We’ll cover name and gender marker changes, required paperwork, timelines, and tips for avoiding common barriers—along with time for questions and one-on-one guidance. Whether you’re just starting or mid-process, this session aims to make the path clearer and more accessible.
Potential topics for additional workshops to be scheduled in the fall
Bodily autonomy (health care and reproductive rights)
School Discrimination
Intimate Partner Violence
ICE response (4th amendment protections)
Adoption / Parenting
End of Life (Estate planning, retirement, advance care directives, wills)
For more information, please email Chris O’Connor at chris@eccmaine.org.
