November 2021

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, November 19, 2021

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. If attending in person, note that all persons who will be physically present in Room 110 need to wear a mask as a sign of concern and respect for everyone in attendance. 

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 8 am on Friday, November 19, 2021. Individuals who will be present in the meeting room do not need to register.

Agenda
Time Topic Leader
10:00 Public Comment Shorty
Business Meeting
10:15 Call to Order Shorty
10:16 Welcome, Announcements, Agenda Adjustments
1. Introductions
2. Quiz Answer
3. Announcements and Appreciations
4. Additions or Deletions to Agenda
5. Motion to approve Consent Agenda		 Shorty
Consent Agenda 
10:30 A. Business Minutes 
Moved that the minutes of the Commission meeting on October 15, 2021 be approved.
B. Executive Committee
Moved that the report of the Executive Committee meeting for November 2, 2021 be accepted.
C. Communications Task Force
Moved that the report of the Communication Task Force meeting for November 10, 2021 be accepted.
D. Research and Evaluation Task Force
Moved that the report of the Research and Evaluation Task Force meeting for October 15, 2021 be accepted.		       
Planning and Future Initiatives   
10:32 A. Maine Volunteer Foundation - Update on current Foundation activities Birney
10:40 B. 2022 Budget Review: Commission operations
C. 2022 Commission (staff and board) workplan		 Crofton
Focus on Mission Responsibilities
11:00 DEI Workshop/Learning Session Branham/ 
Bailey
Business Reports
(Reports submitted are posted.)
12:00 A. Grant Selection and Performance Task Force
1. Update if needed.		 Barrett
  
12:05 B. Excellence and Expertise Task Force
1. Update if needed		 Proulx-Curry   
12:10 C. Communications Task Force
1. Update if needed		 Maher
     
12:15 D. National Public Policy Committees of states
1. States for Service
2. America's Service Commissions		 Portella,
Maher,
Crofton
12:25 E. AmeriCorps (federal agency) update
1. Strategic plan; VISTA site locations; progress on CEO confirmation; other		 Cheesman
     
12:30 F. Commission staff reports
1. Climate Corps draft report 
2.Updates as needed		 Staff
     
Business Wrap Up
12:35 pm A. Check-in on hybrid meeting experience
B. Reminder: Next meeting - November 19; Complete meeting evaluation/feedback form.
C. Adjourn		 TiltonFlood
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: October 2021

2. Executive Committee meeting:  November 2021 

3. Grant Selection and Performance:  November 2021 

4. Communications:  November 2021

5. Excellence and Expertise: November 2021  

6. Research and Evaluation: October 2021

7. 2022 Proposed Budget:  Document for Review

8. 2022 Proposed Commission Workplan:  Document for Review

 

MCCS Team Report:

Grant Programs Officer:  Current

Program Development and Training Officer: Current

Communications Officer: Current

Program Officer for Volunteer Initiatives: Current

Office Administrator: Current (none this month)

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.

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, November 18, 2021!

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

This Month's Challenge

The nominee to head the federal AmeriCorps agency is expected to be confirmed by the Senate this month.

Q: Who is the nominee?   
Hint: The report can be found HERE.

Q: The nominee is in the Alumni Hall of Fame for the Boys and Girls Clubs of America. What famous Maine runner has the same honor?
Hint: Hall of Fame members can be found HERE. It's an interesting list!