Maine

Restaurant Opportunities Center of Maine

 Who We Are 

The Restaurant Opportunities Center of Maine (ROC-ME) was launched in the Spring of 2008. ROC-ME's aim is to raise public recognition of restaurant workers' contributions to Southern Maine's economy and culture, and to improve working conditions for Maine's restaurant workers. As a member-based organization, ROC-ME's programs are run by and for our members.

 What We Do

Job Training

 ROC-ME currently offers free job training courses in bartending, fine dining server, wine knowledge and pairing, and English for Restaurant Workers. Our trainings are based on the comprehensive program that ROC-NY has developed in New York City, where trains over 500 workers per year. These programs will help workers move up in the restaurant industry, and ROC-ME will assist with both training and job placement.  To sign up, please complete the form at the bottom of this page. 

Research & Policy

ROC-ME is conducting in-depth surveys with workers to gain a better understanding of what restaurant work is like in Maine.  With the information gathered through these surveys, ROC-ME will be better abled to develop programs that meet needs of Maine's restaurant workers. 

Leadership and Education

Most people are not familiar with their rights as workers. The laws that regulate the restaurant industry and tipped workers make this matter even more complicated.  ROC-ME is here to make sure you know what your rights are as a restaurant worker.

We are developing a committee of restaurant workers to help guide our work here in Maine.  The committee will meet at times that are convenient for restaurant workers, and it’s a great place to meet and learn from other restaurant workers.

 Get Involved!

How to Become a Member of ROC-ME

Any current or former restaurant worker, worker interested in entering the restaurant industry, or relative of a restaurant worker can become a member of ROC-ME. If you're interested in becoming a member, please contact the Center at (207) 899-0256. 

In order to become a member, you must: 

• Attend one of our weekly orientation meetings, and 
• Attend two additional team meetings which will follow the orientation

What are the privileges of becoming a member? 

We currently do outreach in the afternoons and evenings in Southern Maine and in the areas surrounding Lewiston, Bangor, and Bar Harbor. We are happy to work with undergraduate and graduate students to develop an independent program for credit or for work study. We also have needs for volunteer ESL instructors, as well as for full and part-time interns. Please join us becoming a part of our diverse and exciting volunteer team! Our contact information is below.

Coordinators

Genet Gebrewahd and Steven Emmons

Email: rocmaine@gmail.com 

Contact Information

142 High St., Suite 226

Portland, ME 04101

1 (207) 671-9675

To Sign up for ROC-Maine's FREE Job Training Classes, please complete the form below or call.