The Portland People’s Union
Building community through shared experiences.
About Us.
At The Portland People’s Union, we build community through shared experiences.
Our events integrate creativity, collaboration, exploration, and FUN - all in the name of building authentic connections. Whether you’re a kindred spirit or a delightful oddball, there is a place for you here.
Upcoming events.
Brewery-Music-Jam-and-Group-Singalong Session
The Portland People's Union presents: A Brewery-Music-Jam-and-Group-Singalong Session!
Tune up your guitar, dust off that uke, polish your kazoo – or just show up with a pair of vocal cords. We’re about to create a symphony of sound together at a local brewery (specific location TBD).
Led by a core group of musicians, we will all make music and sing as a large group. There will be an intro - so we sort of know what we’re doing and can work in as much unison as possible. Then, we’ll play and sing together like a drunken pirate-chorus-brass-band at an Irish pub - or hopefully something more harmonious than that, but we’ll see. As you walk through the door, you'll receive lyrics and chords to all the songs, so you can strum, drum, or sing along without missing a beat.
Who says you need to be a pro musician or a Grammy-winning singer to join in the fun? Not us! This event is all about coming together as a group to create music in the most joyful, unpretentious way possible. Whether you're a seasoned performer or a complete newbie, you're more than welcome to participate and harmonize with the crowd.
Date: TBD
Location: TBD, Portland, Maine
Price: Pay-what-you-can donation (to cover rent, supplies, and hopefully give a few bucks to our core musicians)
What should I bring? A musical instrument (or more if you have some to share with other Unionites), your vocal chords, and a friend or two.
Why are we doing this? Because “listening to music and singing together directly impacts neuro-chemicals in the brain, many of which play a role in closeness and connection.” In other words, music is way to build a connected community. Plus it’s just fun.
Want to know when this event is scheduled? Want to offer your musical talents to make this thing happen? Have some ideas for awesome songs for the group to sing along to? Got a lingering question?
Click the “Sign ME up!” button below, complete the form, and we’ll either recruit yah or notify you when this awesome event has been scheduled!
Everyone has a Story Story Hour
At the Portland People’s Union, we believe that sharing stories brings people together. But we know not everyone likes getting up in front of a crowd. So we created an event where people can share their memories and stories - and collaboratively make up a few tales - in the comfort of partners, small groups, and (optionally) in front of the entire group.
You don’t need to be a writer or a story-teller or a performer of any kind. There’s no pressure and no need to prepare for this event because we will provide the prompts and instructions once you get here. Plus, though we encourage everyone to share, storytelling is optional based on your level of comfort and desire to participate: There will be opportunities to talk and plenty of opportunities to listen as well.
Date: TBD
Location: TBD, Portland, Maine
Price: Pay-what-you-can donation (to cover rent + supplies, and hopefully save a few bucks for future events)
What should I bring? Just yourself and a friend or two. We will have a “Show-and-Tell” round where you can optionally tell a small group about a piece of yourself (e.g., a meaningful photo or special item that fits in your purse or pocket).
Why are we doing this? Because “…As you hear a story unfold, your brain waves actually start to synchronize with those of the storyteller”. In other words, sharing stories is connecting and The Portland People’s Union is all about creating connection through creativity, curiosity, and fun.
Want to know when this event is scheduled? Got a burning question that needs answering?
Click the “I’m interested!” button below, complete the form, and we’ll answer your question(s) and notify you when this awesome event has been scheduled!
What we offer
Community Events
We host interactive gatherings such as workshops, music jams, storytelling nights, and more. These unique events are crafted to bring you joy and foster meaningful connections within our community.
Group Learning and Practice
Immerse yourself in our Group Learning and Practice sessions, featuring classes, workshops, and lessons designed to make learning an enjoyable and bonding experience. Because here, we believe that learning is a communal endeavor that sparks connections based in shared curiosity, growth and discovery!
Third Spaces Network (Coming Soon!)
Stay tuned for the exciting launch of our Third Spaces Network! The Union is curating a collection of spots in the Portland, Maine area where you can gather, work, hang, and unwind - at a discounted rate. From cozy cafes to collaborative co-working spaces, these "Third Spaces" are your go-to destinations for everyday visits.
Our goal is to create places where our community can come together outside of scheduled events, workshops, and courses. Plus, by supporting local businesses, we get to see each other more regularly "in the wild." Keep an eye out for our exclusive discount card featuring a handpicked list of places to explore!
Contact Us: We're All Ears and Eyes!
Hey there, Union member! Got a burning question? An idea for our next gathering? Or maybe you just want to chat. Whatever it is, we're here for it!