The Maine Trust Project
In our mistrust-filled world full of political contention and both fake and devastating news, mustering the courage to have authentic conversations with people can be a challenge. Finding common ground and engaging in civil discourse about important issues facing our communities, our state, our country and our world can seem elusive, if not sadly impossible.
This concerning state of affairs prompted Pine Tree Watch to examine the concept of trust. In this series called “The Maine Trust Project,” we sit down each month with a Maine resident to discuss this precious commodity. We’ll see which people and institutions Mainers trust and how the concept of trust drives their thought processes and actions.
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Inna Bezborodko immigrated to Maine from Russia with trust
After witnessing the brutality of the Soviet government, this Rockland counselor found trust through a group of Mainers who made her feel at home in America.
Trusting & Believing
Despite our divisive times, Mainers see trust, respect and community binding us together. Each month for the past year, I sat down with Maine residents to discuss the precious commodity of trust. Here’s what I discovered.
Jean Vermette’s struggle for personal truth
By trusting herself and making careful, deliberate decisions, Jean Vermette finally found happiness.
In Dana Chandler’s line of work, trust creates community
In his profession, Dana Chandler leans heavily on trust to care for families that are going through the toughest of times.
From Kenya to rural Maine, Jane Ogembo has used trust to navigate the world
From Kenya to Washington County, this Maine dentist believes her ability to trust in the basic goodness of people allows others to feel at ease with her.
Trusting yourself isn’t simple — even when you’re a psychic
Topsham resident Kathleen Swinbourne believes the cultural definition of trust has changed as authenticity has become harder to define.
River guide pulls off trust magic with ease
For Bobby Bergeron, trust can depend a lot on where you live and how comfortable and confident you are with yourself.
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