Shelby Wright

As a Grassroots Organizer working exclusively in “the other Maine,” Shelby Wright sees first-hand the power of building connections and coalitions to make a difference in the lives of Mainers.

Shelby facilitates community and volunteer activity throughout eastern, central, and northern Maine.  She organizes community volunteers and activists around federal policy issues in ten counties.  Yes, ten.  From Knox County to Franklin County, to Kennebec, to Aroostook to Washington. 

Shelby says “This work brings attention to how federal legislation affects us on a local level.  It’s not always about policy, but it is always about people.  The decisions made in Washington DC effect us on Main St and on Kennebec Rd.”  She continues by saying “I love connecting people who may not have known about each other, and then watching those same people get together to affect positive change.”

While not a Maine native, Shelby epitomizes the oft-used truism “We got here as soon as we could.”   A native of Virginia, Shelby and her family chose Maine, and Hampden, for the four seasons, the environment, the education system, and the attitude.  “I want my daughter to grow up with a strong work ethic,” says Shelby. 

While Shelby works in much of the state, she is also deeply involved in Hampden, serving on the Hampden Tree Board and the Parent Teacher Organization at her daughter’s elementary school.  But this isn’t her first rodeo; Shelby has been civically active since her first run for student government in 9^th grade.   Which makes it a natural next-step for Shelby to run for the House, which she is doing for the first time this year.

As Shelby puts it: “I have always worked for causes and organizations as way to promote my own beliefs.  But running for office is running on your OWN convictions and speaking your OWN voice.  It is a personal journey when you put yourself out there, rather than for another organization.”  She adds that “my Emerge sisters have been more than helpful in this journey.” Shelby was a graduate of the 2009 Emerge Maine class.

Going door-to-door in her own district is a natural extension of the broader grassroots organizing work Shelby is doing throughout her ten counties.  For her job she is building connections between people in various parts of the state, while for her campaign she is building connections within her own community. 

In short, Shelby Wright is a woman who wears many hats: mother, grassroots organizer, volunteer, bridge-builder; and now: Candidate for Maine House of Representatives.

She sums up her race this way: “I made a promise to my daughter that she would have a bright future in Maine. Now, I’m putting my talents and abilities to work for her future and the future of all of Maine’s children –I have to do it - to keep my promise”

Emerge Maine is excited to see where this woman goes!