Program Development & Training Officer: September 2021

Major projects completed 

  • Attended the multi-day remote AmeriCorps Symposium hosted by AmeriCorps Agency. Participated in Commission Retreat.
  • AmeriCorps: Assisted programs with start-up challenges and added additional one-on-one trainings expanding on the general instruction offered in New Grantee trainings this summer.
  • Provided programs assistance in completing ARPA funding requests, including corrections for almost all programs.
  • Began Service Enterprise cohort with K.Preecs as an instructional trainee and 4 agencies participating. Cohort is scheduled into November meeting most Fridays with X total training sessions, individual consultation, and reviews of agency diagnostic info.
  • Expanded outreach efforts for the AmeriCorps Public Health NOFA, seeking applicants from Maine, including support for Healthy Acadia’s application to continue their Recovery Corps program. Also continued to encourage local and state-wide public health networks to consider an application. Also contacted Tribal Public Health. 

Issues to be aware of 

  • New grantees and experienced grantees are struggling with recruitment. This is a nation-wide challenge. Assessment of the last 5 years of programming shows that this is the first year that programs beginning in late August & September have had no enrollments during the month of September.  Marketing and recruitment will be an ongoing focus for program support. This effort will be supported by Public Information Officer and outside contractors.
  • Following the M.Brownlee presentation to the Commissioners, we are developing a multipart curriculum to be delivered during AC technical Assistance meetings related to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Accessibility.
  • Competitive application round is not expected to bring a large number of applicants, though there is the possibility of applications from organizations involved in the Climate Corps discussions.
  • Public Health applicants will apply directly to the Corporation. Successful awardees operating programs in Maine will be transferred to a state prime and will be administered by the Commission.

Major focus of effort in the new month 

  • Preparation for session hosting at the Volunteer Leadership Conference.
  • Intensive outreach for upcoming AmeriCorps competitive RFP and Public health NOFO.
  • Support for KVCAP recompete, including facilitating connection with MDOE CDS staff to encourage program expansion
  • Complete new Commission Investment Fund application if/when application materials are released
  • Completion of AmeriCorps Start-up Online course
  • Continued adjustments to the Service Enterprise curricula to make it more effective in the virtual format. Begin planning for winter/spring Service Enterprise cohort. 

Other activity 

  • Staffed Excellence & Expertise Task Force.
  • Regular AmeriCorps Technical Assistance to new and existing grantees via email, teleconference & face to face.
  • Procurement system management and initial entry of financial documents in state purchasing system, including purchase orders, bids, and contracts.