November 2017

Notice

Friday, November 17, 2017   
Conference Room, Klahr Holocaust and Human Rights Center, Univ. of Maine Augusta, 46 University Drive, Augusta, ME 04330
All business meetings are open to the public. The closest parking is the lot in front of the Randall Student Center. This link goes to a map of the campus layout.

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Agenda
TIME
TOPIC
LEADER
10:00 Public Comment Period Portela
10:10 Call to Order Portela
10:12

Welcome, Announcements, Agenda Adjustments
1. Introductions
2. Announcements and Appreciations
     a. Thomas Pulkkinen, Grand Master, Masons of Maine
     b. Appreciations to retiring Commissioners
3. Quiz Answer
4. Additions or Deletions to Agenda

 Portela
Focus on Mission/Responsibilities

10:25

A. Briefing about "Initiative to Revive Civility and Respect"

M Hews
Business Reports
(Reports submitted are posted.)
10:40 A. Minutes
1. June meeting
2. September meeting		 Portela
10:45 B. Executive Committee
1. Appointments of task force chairs
2. Review of support funding
3. Strategic Plan Team update
4. Recommendations to Governor for appointments
5. Clarification of October & November meeting notes if requested		 Portela
10:55 C. Excellence and Expertise
1. Respond to clarification requests related to Oct. reports		 Khoury
 11:00 D. ASC update
1. Public policy update		 Wihry
11:05 E. Public Information and Education/ Public Policy
1.  Report on Nov. 13 meeting
2. Request to Commissioners - scheduling opportunities for John to speak		 Rancourt
 11:10 F. Grant Selection and Performance Task Force
1. October and November meeting notes posted. Clarifications as requested.		 Wihry 
 11:15 G. CNCS Regional Office update Hite
11:20 G. MCCS Staff
1.Program development plans for AmeriCorps targeting child abuse and youth transitioning out of foster care.
2. Staff changes and plans
3. State conference results
Crofton/Ashmore
Planning and Future Initiatives
11:30 A. Renew authorizaton for Exec Committee to act on behalf of board if needed between meetings
B. Strategic Plan Team meetings and update
C. Maine Volunteer Foundation
D. Other		 Portela, et al
11:40 A. Proposed schedule for Task Force briefings Jan-April 2018 Portela
Business Wrap Up
11:45 A. Adjourn to Task Force Work Sessions (if any)
1. Reminder: Complete meeting evaluation forms
2. Next business meeting is January 12, 2018- Conference Room, Klahr Center, University of Maine, Augusta		 Portela
Reports and Drafts

Meeting Schedules

View Calendar Notices Here

To facilitate board communication and assure compliance with the requirements for public notice, all MCCS 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 MCCS 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: June 2017,  September 2017

2. Executive Committee meetings: August 2017, September 2017, October 2017, November 2017 

3. Grant Selection and Performance: September 2017, October 2017, November 2017

4. Excellence and Expertise: September 2017, October 2017, November 2017

5. Public Information and Education: August 2017, September 2017 

 

MCCS Team Report:

Grant Programs Officer: Current, October

Program Development and Training Officer: Current, October

Background

Commission support funding plan for Jan-Dec 2018

Volunteer Generation Fund: Overview of new 3-year project

Program Development augmentation: Overview of Maine work plan
Again this year, CNCS offered states small amounts of additional program development/outreach funds to work on developing AmeriCorps applications related to any of three federal priorities. Maine qualified for support under 2 and both are issues of concern for Maine so a request was submitted. The text in the link above constitutes the application. Because it is an amendment to the regular grant, the format is limited. 

Understanding Service Enterprise: Maine opinions (new video) and National explanation

Commish's Quiz

For Commissioners!

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, Nov. 16, 2017!

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

This Month's Challenge

As you know, civic health is an essential measure of a community's health and viability. The indicators track specific aspects of how residents connect with each other, interact, make decisions, and foster activity (economic, social, etc.). Of course, one of the aspects monitored is volunteering.

In October 2017, the National Conference on Citizenship -- a 64 year old organization chartered by Congress to foster citizenship -- issued its latest report, "Civic Deserts." It is a sobering and thought provoking read.

Questions for the prize:
1. What is a "civic desert"?
2. What is the trend (direction) of the percent of Americans who believe others can be trusted?

Bonus: what value does service have in expanding trust among community residents?

Reference hint: The report is HERE.