February 16, 2016
PIE-Public Policy Meeting Minutes - February
Date: 16 February 2016
Present: Ed Barrett, Mandela Gard, Elizabeth Hite, Laura Hudson, John Portela
Absent: Janice Daku, Kevin Bois, Lori Parham, Ross Cunningham
Staff: Michael: Ashmore
Minutes
Upcoming events - planning and participation:
March 4th Deadline for GSA nominations
MA requested that PIE members review the Facebook posts related to the Governor’s Service awards and recommended that members that wish to “like” the posts as a way of increasing their reach. A discussion of the use of Facebook by subgrantees followed and how successful different programs are at effectively utilizing social media
It was noted that Maine Senior Corps programs typically do not have their own Facebook presence but are rolled into the larger sponsoring agency pages. Most of the Commission funded AmeriCorps do have their own pages
Youth Roll of honor is in significant need of nominees. MA shared the outreach strategy and the impression that information has been rece4ived by many program administrators but it does not appear to be getting down to the “group chaperone/group leader” level. Members suggested outreach to schools with service programs and requirements. MA noted that it is difficult to determine which schools have such requirements as there is no central listing.
It was also suggested that direct outreach be done to Youth organizations with state structures, like Kiwanis sponsored Key clubs. Individual contacts can lead to larger groups. Guidance counselors were suggested, as was outreach out to media outlets.
Members asked that a short description be sent out so that it can be shared.
March 4th AmeriCorps Week (see attached)
MA shared the CNCS announcement concerning AmeriCorps Week (March 5-12) and described the AC week plans for each of the state programs. EH asked for a copy to be forwarded to her
March 15 National Service Day at the State House
Attendees reviewed the 2016 Guide for Programs for the event and it was noted that Commissioners needed to be invited to participate. It was noted that former Commissioner Judi Stebbins has volunteered to facilitate the event
March 30 AmeriCorps Member Conference
MA briefly described the initial preparation for upcoming conference
Mayors Day
LH described the communication strategy form the Corporation. Contact was made to past participants with an option to opt out or in. 5 mayors are in that category. The planned state Signature event is with the Portland Mayor, Ethan Strimling, formerly of LearningWorks. The plan is for a Round-table style meeting with various programs in the Greater Portland area.
LH asked that the Press release for the event come from the Commission. All mayoral contacts are being encouraged to participate in site visits rather thn repeat the proclamations done in recent years. Date is always the first Tuesday in April.
CNCS is looking for more mayors. Certain communites are targeted, North Haven, Bath-Brunswick Caribou and Bangor
LH will share list at Commission nmeeting Friday. Confirmed mayors as of today are: Augusta, Bangor, Biddeford, Sanford, & Hallowell. Caribou, Portland are exspected
Other Dates of Note:
April 10-16th National Volunteer Week
April 12th Gov. Service Awards
New PSA's
Laura Hudson was thanked for her willingness to create two new radio PSA’s, which were shared with the attendees.
Media resources for AmeriCorps Programs
Members were reminded to review and comment on the Writeboard before the next meeting
Updates
Congressional visit with Rep. Poliquin: JP noted an exchange with Sam Warren in Poliquin’s office expressing continued interest, but looking for a date later in the spring of 2016.
Discussion followed regarding timelines for visits with Collins, King & Pingree since it has been more than a year since those members of Congress visited with programs. It was noted that King /Collins are not impacted by this election cycle so they would, presumably have a more open schedule. It was agreed that after the Poliquin visit it makes sense to pursue visits with House members in non-election years. MA noted that some National Service programs regularly reach out to the delegation members and make invites directly. It was agreed that it would be valuable to remind program representatives to be sure to note, during these visits, that programs are part of a larger national service programs and service sector as a whole.
AmeriCorps Program Facebook links
https://www.facebook.com/realschoolamericorps/?fref=ts
https://www.facebook.com/GoodwillAmeriCorpsServes/?fref=ts
https://www.facebook.com/groups/LWAIMSHIGH/
https://www.facebook.com/maineconservationcorps/?fref=ts
https://www.facebook.com/BangorAmeriCorpsOpportunityCollaborative/?fref=nf