Present
- Commissioners: Chair Zakk Maher, Julia Fiori
- Members of the public: Jonathan Barczyk
- Staff: Bryan Roche
The Communications Task Force met electronically for its monthly meeting on Monday, Sept. 20, 2021 and discussed the following:
Welcome and check-in
Meeting times:
Maher asked those in attendance if the the regular standing meeting time of the second Wed. of each month from 4-5 p.m. still works for people. With a small group in attendance, this item will be taken up during the Oct. meeting.
New addition to the Task Force
Jonathan Barczyk, a former Commissioner, has joined the Task Force as a member of the public. Barczyk is the Public Affairs Officer for the VA Maine Healthcare System. The group expressed excitement with Barczyk's decision to remain involved with the Volunteer Maine Commission.
Monthly report
Maher invited Roche to report on communications activities and successes from the month of August. Roche presented the report in its entirety, which can be accessed by using the following link — click here.
Communications plan feedback and impacts
With not all Task Force members present, Maher requested to postpone formal adoption of the plan until Oct., however this does not hinder Roche from pushing forward with several previously-used strategies and approaches.
Maher invited Roche to provide an overview to those in attendance. Maher asked if this plan covers any internal communication, such as communications with Volunteer Maine Commissioners and staff. Roche said no, as this plan focuses on external goals, but a plan can be created, if desired.
Maher then inquired about any goals around recruitment, as the Task Force expressed interest during the September Commission retreat in being more involved in service corps recruitment. Roche explained some of the challenges faced this year, including a lack of motivation from those reinterring the workforce, limitations on digital advertising due to the Commission's participation in the Public Education Program with the Maine Association of Broadcasters (MAB), and fewer opportunities to attend career fairs and other speaking engagements.
Among some of the initial ideas shared by the group:
- Place a focus on targeted messaging for the various populations we are trying to reach
- Consider targeting retirees who may not see AmeriCorps Seniors as a fit
- Special messaging around remote service opportunities for those who prefer remote work
- Putting a premium on going where potential members are, such as career fairs and agencies
- Storytelling: Explain how AmeriCorps is a different type of service than military service
Policy updates
Given the rapid pace of legislative activity, the Task Force has been asked to designate a member to be a point person on policy. Maher volunteered to be that person.
Match reporting/Public Service Announcement (PSA) update
With the next PSA value report due mid-October, Maher invited Roche to provide any updates or insight on potential progress.
Roche shared that he is optimistic about the prospects of the next report, as he has heard from colleagues and personal contacts who have been seeing the AmeriCorps TV PSA and hearing the radio PSAs, especially in the Southern Maine/Portland Market, which carries a higher ad value. Roche also shared that several radio stations in the more rural areas have been consistently playing our PSAs, and he does not expect that trend to change.
Ideas/pitches
Maher suggested that "Issues," the monthly YouTube interview series produced by Volunteer Maine, can be used as a platform for Commissioners and other Task Forces to promote and educate the public on some of the initiatives and causes they are championing.
Next meeting
Wednesday, Oct. 13. 2021 from 4 - 5 p.m.