My name is Charles Thelen, and I am the founder and president of the Midcoast Youth Activists organization. We have united high school students from the greater Midcoast Maine region to amplify youth voices and demonstrate the power of the next generation. Our mission is to eliminate the stigma surrounding youth involvement in activism.

We believe civic engagement is not something to wait for adulthood to pursue — it is a responsibility we need to take on now. With chapters in six area high schools, and approximately 200 student members, we are committed to creating change through coordinated advocacy and community action.

I started this organization because I felt powerless watching the news — seeing suffering in our communities, constitutional rights disregarded and public institutions weakened. I realized that if young people wanted a better future, we needed to organize and take action. With the support of Marcy Leger (our youth advisor) and student leaders Olivia Drewniak, Ren Kauffunger and Lewella Francis, we have built a growing coalition. 

Most recently, we organized a student walkout and protest denouncing the actions of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). More than 700 students and community members gathered on the Sagadahoc Bridge in a peaceful show of solidarity. The event demonstrated the strength and determination of young people in our region.

We are driven, united and committed to building a brighter future, and we will continue our momentum.

Charles Thelen
President, Midcoast Youth Activists
Morse High School ’26
Bath