Press Releases

Congresswoman Chellie Pingree has signed on to the #MaineCanDo pledge, a Maine-based movement and platform for practical tools to prevent and respond to sexual harassment. Her pledge leads the latest wave of signatures by Maine individuals, local businesses and organizations, almost 350 in total, who have committed to foster and maintain respectful and harassment-free environments.

“Everyone should be able to live and work free some sexual harassment and discrimination. But as so many courageous individuals have shared their #MeToo experiences, it’s clear that this is not the reality for far too many. We still have a long way to go to uphold this right to a safe and respectful workplace—and Congress itself is no exception,” said Pingree. “For my part, I am proud to join other Maine employers in pledging to foster a workplace with clear policies to prevent and quickly address sexual harassment. And as a policy maker, I will continue to push Congress to hold itself to the highest possible standard and devote the resources needed to address this important issue across the country.”

Taking this pledge is consistent with Congresswoman Pingree’s legislative record, having been a longtime advocate on behalf of survivors of military sexual assault.

Congresswoman Pingree leads a new wave of Maine organizations and individuals to sign the #MaineCanDo pledge since it was launched last month, including Unum, Bangor Savings, Hancock Lumber, Tilson Technologies and GWI, among many others.

“The fundamental question for Mainers is this: How might we create model work cultures that ensure productive, competitive, equitable and respectful environments that customers admire, where employees thrive, and shareholders benefit?” said Betsy Peters, Chief Instigator, MaineCanDo. “MaineCanDo is designed to support individuals, organizations and those who invest in them to make the changes required to lead (vs. react) in the era of #MeToo. We are very grateful for Congresswoman Pingree’s support and leadership in this area. 

Those who sign the #MaineCanDo Pledge commit to:

• Review workplace sexual harassment policies in light of #metoo and audit how they work in practice.
• Create and assure that appropriate and safe mechanisms are in place to report, measure and track complaints of inappropriate behaviors whether intentional or unintentional.
• Be proactive in developing respectful workplace cultures.
• Designate and ensure employees know of go-to members in organizational leadership who will ensure grievances are taken seriously, investigated fairly, and resolved quickly.
• Commit to an ongoing review of sexual harassment and discrimination policies, practices, and workplace climate at the highest levels of leadership to ensure they are making a practical impact.
• Use our influence as investors and board members by committing to increased attention on and an intentional review of policies related to human capital and to supporting workplaces that are free from harassment and discrimination.