Public Information & Education Task Force

October 17, 2016

 

Members convened at 3pm by teleconference.

Present: Mandela Gardner, Ed Barrett, Ross Cunningham, Maryalice Crofton, Libby Hite

Final list of activities to Commission  
In June, the task force shared the results of Commissioners’ perception of the value of a range of outreach and communication activities relative to mission and goals. Based on that input and discussion over the summer, the task force will recommend MCCS focus on a specific set of activities that fits current resources. The recommendations are an attachment to these minutes.   

Accomplishments.  
In preparation for the retreat, the task force accomplishments for the last 12 months were reviewed. The following list was deemed complete.

  • Poll of Commissioners about perception of relative value of outreach/education activities
  • Update of key message
  • Establishment of 3-year marketing plan (road map) for grantees to follow.
  • Orientation of new task force members (7 of 10 were new; 3 left in summer of 2016)
  • Produced 2 new radio PSAs that were broadcast MAB campaign
    Note: MAB spots aired 5,788 times as of July 2016 and 12,558 time in 2015. Because all spots are in rotation at the moment, it’s not possible to identify how many times the new ones aired.
  • Supported Maine National Service Day at the Capitol
  • Started work on overall plan for public information/education

   
Strategic Plan. The task force members reviewed assignments under the Strategic Plan.

  • Strengthen collaboration across industry, non-profits, faith-based organizations and communities by increasing outreach about volunteer opportunities and increasing networking opportunities for programs to connect to volunteers
  • Devote 60% of commission public information/education efforts to increasing public understanding of and support for
    • the connection between civic engagement and civic health, community vitality
    • effective engagement of volunteers
    • community impact of volunteers
  • Work with partners to develop a better understanding of civic engagement and volunteering in Maine by producing a detailed profile of the civic health indicators in Maine along with a series of structured community forums that connect the civic health findings to state and regional development initiatives.

Members discussed the relationship between the civic engagement, civic health, and volunteering. The profile data for Maine is by state only because the sample size is small. It was noted the sample size for a more thorough study would need a significant partner. It was suggested that Maine Development Foundation might be such a partner and Ross will explore that option.

Maryalice was asked to distribute the list of civic health indicators to the members. They would also like the google analytics data for websites and facebook pages.

Membership and TF chair.
The changes in membership were reviewed. With John’s move to chair and change in responsibilities, the chair of PIE/Public Policy is vacant. Members don’t feel they can take on leadership. Are hoping a chair with experience, knowledge, background in marketing, advertising, communications can be identified. It goes without saying the person needs to run good meetings, keep on topic, focus, and get things done. There was no “next step” identified.

Tasks for next 6 months
Based on past minutes and emerging issues, Maryalice reviewed the tasks facing PIE in the immediate future (Nov-March). They are

  • Public Policy
    • Impact of federal administration change on CNCS
    • Outreach to new national and state legislators
    • Tracking reauthorization
    • Identifying what information is needed for communications and best format(s)
  • Tackle items that are needed but had rough start
    • Outreach/education plan
    • Branding education and resources for
      • Grantees
      • Service Enterprise
      • Commission
    • Get help
      • Recording studio for new radio PSAs
      • Pro bono assistance for hard copy design/production tasks
    • Propose system/policy for managing events
    • Bear down on strategic plan assignments and complete

Kirsten Brewer is developing two new radio PSAs and we have 2 scripts ready. Ross will make a connection with a recording studio. Mandela has a connection as back-up plan. 

Given the public policy items in the very near future, the members would like to ask Ron Holmes to join the task force. He serves on the national ASC Public Policy committee and would be a good link for tracking events at that level. 

The meeting wrapped at 4:03 pm.
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Attachment A. MCCS Communication and outreach activities.

The following will continue in support of MCCS core functions:

  • Capacity and sustainability
    • AmeriCorps Member Conference
  • Developing volunteer managers; fostering adoption of volunteer management practices
    • Blaine House Conference on Service and Volunteerism
  • Raising awareness
    • Governor’s Awards for Service and Volunteerism
      • Individual Awards Ceremony, Adult and Young Maine Rolls of Honor
    • AmeriCorps Launch (aka Opening Day/Swearing in)
    • National Service Day @ Maine’s Capitol (HOF)
  • Promoting service as a strategy
    • Martin Luther King Day of Service

These will continue because they relate to core mission of Task Force:

  • Information/Education
    • Website updates
      • gov
      • org
    • Maine Association of Broadcasters annual campaign
      • 3 months for each:
        • AmeriCorps, Senior Corps
        • Volunteer Maine (be a volunteer)
        • Volunteer Maine (find a volunteer)
      • Social Media

        • Facebook on regular basis

        • Twitter for events

      • Developing publications

        • Annual report, tools for outreach (e.g., rack cards, service directory)

      • AmeriCorps Week

      • Senior Corps Week

      • Newsletter (Maine Volunteer Fare, use Constant Contact)

These activities will not be part of MCCS public information and education efforts:

  • 9/11 National Day of Service and Remembrance

  • Global Youth Service Day

  • Make A Difference Day

  • Mayor’s and County Day of Recognition of National Service