Maebel Haynes receives prestigious Newman Civic Fellowship

Political science junior Maebel Haynes has been selected to represent Eastern Connecticut State University and advocate for the Willimantic community through the Newman Civic Fellowship. The competitive, year-long leadership program is sponsored by Campus Compact, a national organization that supports civic-minded student leaders through mentorship, professional development, and networking opportunities.  

Named after Campus Compact co-founder Frank Newman, the fellowship provides mentorship programs, mini-grant funding, and professional development opportunities. Haynes is one of 150 students nationwide to participate in the 2026-27 fellowship cohort.  

A Willimantic native, Haynes is excited to spend the next year growing professionally, researching, and developing creative solutions to issues facing the local community. 

A history of civic leadership 

In high school, Haynes participated in the Connecticut Governor’s Council on Climate Change’s (GC3) Equity and Environmental Justice Advisory Council. The council analyzes and advises the GC3 on current and historical environmental inequities and dangers facing Connecticut residents. 

In 2021, Haynes became involved in Sunrise Movement Connecticut, a youth-led environmental activism group focused on halting the effects of climate change and ensuring environmental justice, and has served as its director for more than three years. 

Under her leadership, the organization has successfully lobbied for the mandatory implementation of climate change education in Connecticut’s K-12 curricula. Currently, the organization is pushing for proportional fines on environmental damage caused by fossil fuel corporations and reimplementing free transit passes for high school students. 

“They had [free transit] during COVID, but then it went away, and there was a significant decrease in attendance in things like after-school sport participation,” Haynes said. 

Mentorship, development, and leadership 

The Newman Civic Fellowship is designed to develop future civic leaders by providing project-based learning, mentorship, and professional development opportunities.  

Through its mentorship program, fellows are allowed to work with a local mentor to build skills. Haynes chose Sydney Clements, professor of geography, whom Haynes currently serves as a teacher’s assistant. 

“She is extremely driven and engaged in issues around the environment and politics,” Clements said of Haynes. “I’m always amazed by how much she has accomplished. Her passion is infectious.” 

Clements also commented on the importance of mentorship to professional development. “I would not be where I am today without an army of mentors in each stage of my life," said Clements of her motivation to pay it forward. "They helped me find confidence in my work and uplifted me every step of the way.” 

Throughout the fellowship, Clements will act as a role model, a supportive voice, and someone for Haynes to simply bounce ideas off of. 

Additionally, Haynes will complete a year-long project aimed at making real impacts in the Willimantic community, and has expressed an interest in natural disaster response and preparedness. “We’re going to do some research into what Willimantic is at risk for, then try to create resources for a disaster preparedness plan.” 

The impact of civic leadership programs 

Haynes said she hopes the fellowship will help her make a meaningful contribution to the place she calls home. 

“I hope I’d be able to feel like I did something to support the place where I grew up,” she said. “Seeing how often needs are not met – everyone can’t do everything in a community.” 

Clements, who also grew up in Willimantic, explained the value of civic leadership programs like the Newman Civic Fellowship in supporting local initiatives.  

“This is a wonderful opportunity to continue to strengthen the relationship between the University and Windham,” she said. 

She added: “We’re not just building up our community – we're building up our citizens and our students – of which Maebel is both!”