May 2023

The mission of Volunteer Maine, the state service commission, is to foster and inspire community service and volunteerism to address critical needs in the State of Maine.

NOTICE: Regular Business Meeting

Friday, May 12, 2023

Maine Govt East Campus, 19 Elkins Lane Rm 110, Augusta, ME 04333
AND
Virtually using this link: https://mainestate.zoom.us/j/89856384304 

All business meetings are open to the public who may attend either in person or using the link above.  

The parking lot for 19 Elkins Lane faces the former Eastside Wellness Center and Harlow Building. Entrance to Elkins is through the Williams Pavilion. Use Arsenal Street to enter the campus. 

This link shows the location of the building on the campus.

Map for Driving Directions 

Public Comment: Anyone who wishes to participate in the public comment using technology is asked to register by sending an email to Service.Commission@maine.gov by 5 pm on Thursday, May 11, 2023. Individuals who will be present in the meeting room do not need to register.

Agenda
Time Topic Leader
10:00 Public Comment Tilton-Flood
Business Meeting
10:15 Call to Order Tilton-Flood
10:18 Welcome, Announcements, Agenda Adjustments
1. Introductions
2. Quiz Answer
3. Announcements and Appreciations
    A. National Service Staff recognition luncheon after June meeting
4. Additions or Deletions to Agenda
5. Motion to approve Consent Agenda		 Tilton-Flood
Consent Agenda 
10:30 A. Business Minutes 
Moved that the minutes of the Commission meeting on April 21, 2023 be approved.
B. Executive Committee
Moved that the report of Executive Committee meetings on May 2, 2023 be accepted.
C. Climate Corps Task Force
Moved that the report of the Climate Corps Task Force meeting on April 19, 2023 be accepted.
E. Public Policy Task Force
Moved that the report of the Public Policy Task Force meeting on May 3, 2023 be accepted.		       
Planning and Future Initiatives   
10:35 A. Foundation update MVF board member
10:40 B. Proposed grant application to US Forest Service to support youth conservation corps.
(See summary under "Background" and Exec Committee discussion in May 2 minutes.)		 Tilton-Flood
Focus on Mission Responsibilities
10:50 A. Commission policy to provide guidance to Executive Director regarding applications for grant funds related to strategic goals. Tilton-Flood, Crofton
11:00 B. Update on applications to potential funding partners Brewer
Business Reports
(Reports submitted are posted.)
11:05 A. Public Policy
1. State legislative update		 Tilton-Flood/ Shorty
11:15 B. Grant Selection and Performance Task Force
(All related materials/summaries are posted under "Background")
1. Task force funding recommendations for AmeriCorps Formula Continuation proposals
2. Task force funding recommendation for AmeriCorps Rural State new proposal
3. Task force funding recommendations for AmeriCorps Formula Planning grants
4. Recognition resolution for Peer Reviewers		 Barrett
11:30 C. Executive Committee
1. Biennial officer elections in June
2. Reappointments and recruitment		 Tilton-Flood
11:40 D. Maine Service Fellows Advisory Task Force
1. Update if needed		 Branham
11:45 E. Climate Corps Task Force
1. Update if needed		 Haines/ Brewer
11:50 D. DEI Task Force
1, Update if needed		 Branham
11:55 E. AmeriCorps (federal agency) update
1. Update 		 Cheesman
12:00 F. Commission staff reports (items here are in addition to published reports)
1. See posted reports. 		 Various staff
Part 2: Mission Responsibilities
12:05  A. DEI Board Learning session (Chapters 4-6 of Racial Healing Handbook) T Bailey, facilitator
Business Wrap Up
1:00 pm A. Check-in on hybrid meeting experience
B. Reminder: Next scheduled business meeting - 10 am, June 16. Election of officers takes place. DEI learning session will again be within agenda. National Service Recognition Luncheon will follow business meeting.   		 Tilton-Flood
Reports & Drafts

Meeting Schedules

View Calendar Notices Here

To facilitate board communication and assure compliance with the requirements for public notice, all Volunteer Maine meetings and work sessions will be posted on this site's Calendar as well as the State of Maine Legislative Calendar.

Task Force chairs are asked to check the dates/times/locations for their groups and notify staff of any changes.

As Volunteer Maine adds new staff and commissioners, we hope this central posting will help us all avoid "double booking" and, at the same time, make communication with partners smoother.

Minutes

1. Business meeting minutes: April 21, 2023

2. Executive Committee meeting: May 2, 2023

3. Grant Selection and Performance: Task Force met on 5/5. Draft motions for recommendations will be posted 5/9. The reports below correlate with the recommendations on funding from the task force.

4. Communications:  To be posted. Task force meets 5/9.

5. Public Policy: May 3, 2023

6.Transition Task Force: Task Force meets 5/12

7. Climate Corps:  Task Force meets 5/17

Team Report:

Grant Programs Officer: Current    

Program Development and Training Officer: Current    

Communications Officer: Current    

Climate Corps Coordinator: Current     

Maine Service Fellows Coordinator:  Current      

Program Officer for Volunteer Initiatives: Current    

Office Administrator: Current   

Background

These items are either background for some of the discussions and/or at the Commission meeting or information on national or regional issues that may impact the Commission.

Opportunity Summary: Potential funding for grants to support/expand Youth Conservation Corps

Draft policy to address Federal requirement in 2 CFR § 200.321

LD1573 An Act to Provide Financial Relief for Certain Volunteers Under the Corporation for National and Community Service, the Maine Service Fellows and the Maine Climate Corps

LD666 An Act to Support Community-based Volunteer Organizations (Note: Final amendment language has not been posted as of 4/14/23)

Final policy on remote participation in Commission business meetings 

Commish's Quiz

Commissioner Quiz

More than a contest, this is part of the "in-service education" for Commission board members.

Commission Members should: email their response before 5 pm Thursday, May 11, 2023!

Send your answers to Service.Commission@maine.gov. All correct answers will be well rewarded at the meeting.

This Month's Challenge!

Recalling the discussion of staff positions and the sources of funds underwriting those positions, which 3 are on "soft money" or project funding that expires in the next 18 months?

Bonus question (answer to be found in a certain task force's minutes): How many new positions will be created by bills now under consideration in the legislature?