LEWISTON — The Natural Resources Council of Maine is holding four kick-off events next week, including one in Lewiston, designed to reach out to twenty- and thirty-somethings interested in the outdoors and shaping environmental policy.

The effort is called NRCM Rising. Events throughout the year will pair recreation, like hiking and paddling, with keynote speakers, according to Outreach Coordinator Todd Martin.

“Maine needs a new generation of environmental leaders,” he said Monday.

The Lewiston event is set for Wednesday, Sept. 24, at Baxter Brewing Co. Others are being held in Bangor, Portland and Belfast. After that, there will be four to six events over the next year, Martin said, starting with a look during the second week in November at what the latest election results mean for the environment.

He anticipates events will also touch on skills like how to engage lawmakers and write letters to the editor.

Events are free. NRCM membership isn’t required.

Martin said he’s hoping for a turnout of 15 to 20 people in Lewiston. The evening will start at 6 p.m. with a  happy half-hour, a presentation from 6:30 p.m. to 6:45 p.m., breakout groups and then a second happy half-hour. It’ll wrap at 8 p.m.

“There’s going to be free beer so we’re hoping that’s going to help,” Martin joked.

Those interested should RSVP for the kickoff at www.NRCMrising.org.

kskelton@sunjournal.com