February 15, 2023
1 p.m
Agenda Climate Corps Task Force: Kirsten Brewer, Stacie Haines
· In the coming months, we need to educate the public about Climate Corps. Let’s develop some key talking points for a broad audience (general public, potential program sponsors, funders, policymakers).
Discussion questions:
What sets Climate Corps apart from AmeriCorps and other Service Corps?
Who are the audiences we should be sure to reach?
Potential sponsors. Goal is to get the word out that Climate Corps as an opportunity. Call to Action: apply for AmeriCorps grants.
Currently focused in energy, resilience, disaster preparedness.
What do they need to understand about Climate Corps? Will develop with Communications Officer and Communications taskforce a One-pager document; will distill report into a document for website and in-person events. Also, we now have a logo!
Who are priority influencers we need to meet with?
Someone in mid-level influence who can help make a plan and incorporate service and Climate Corps into their workplans and strategic plans. Helpful to be in those conversations and listen and respond to their needs. Climate Corps can be a solution tailored to their needs.
Specific ideas for speaking opportunities, venues, or channels (conferences, meetings, media, etc)?
Will present at UMaine Mitchell Center: Water & Sustainability Conference (at Civic Center in Augusta, March 30).
- Presenting at New England Youth Identity Summit, April 1 with Cole Cochrane to talk to HS students about what is service and what is Climate Corps at Waynflete – youth across NE invited.
- Maine Philanthropy Center Conference. Potential opportunity to connect with funders and others.
- Could do workplace presentations as invited.
- Land Trust Conference as a possibility.
- Island Institute Conference was a great networking opportunity
- Maine Public Health Association presentation upcoming in May.
- Potential for EPC presentation?
- MEMA Conference was a helpful networking event, outside of traditional “environmental” sector.
- Climate Council is venue for staying connected across state government.
- Climate Caucus an audience to educate about Climate Corps.
- County Listening Tour in April: Rotary Club of Presque Isle, Aroostook CAP agency, Emergency Management Director, Catholic Charities, UMaine Presque Isle.
· Discuss and affirm proposed mission statement for Task Force.
The Task Force will:
Collaborate with disproportionately affected communities and Indigenous communities on Climate Corps development.
Develop Climate Corps Network and Grant Program policy and procedures.
Communicate with public, including funders, policymakers, and potential partners, about the Climate Corps
Staff update:
Exploring possibilities for a “Shore Corps” to work on shoreline stabilization/nature-based solutions in partnership with Maine Dept. of Environmental Protection.
Exploring possibility to leverage Project Canopy funding (via US Forest Service Urban and Community Forestry IRA funds) to support Maine Conservation Corps positions, in collaboration with U. Maine School of Forest Resources.
Exploring possibility of a Congressionally Directed Spending appilication to fund a discrete corps focus, perhaps a housing repair focused project.
Presenting at National Corps Network next month to tell the Maine story of Climate Corps.
Update on Task Force members: Town Manager from Carmel no longer available.
Charlie is no longer available
Kristin Grant of Sea Grant can stay on.
Waiting to hear back from Cole Cochran and Mohamed Khalid