PRESENT: Pam Proulx-Curry, Veronica Kupferman, Lisa Morin
Staff: M. Ashmore, K. Preecs
The meeting opened at 1:30 pm by teleconference
Minutes
1. Welcome & Introduction
a. Adjustments to the agenda - None
b. Anyone new in attendance? - None
2. Revisit Volunteer Sector Survey
KP shared discussion from previous meeting. Group looked for items that E&E can/should take leadership on. MA noted that staff have been adding learning opportunities. KP shared the creation of new Volunteer Manager’s forum, to meet monthly. She is eliciting topics from participants as well as planning to highlight key opportunities and sessions available through the commission. Registrations are up to a dozen for the initial meeting. First meeting concerns survey and survey results with the intent of seeing what updates might be needed, given the time lapse since the survey was done.
PPC asked about the checklists concept. KP shared that they have been started but noted that they design is more of “If/then format”. PPC also asked about how we get the information about S.Hawthorne’s trauma training. KP noted that it is not yet scheduled. PPC asked how we will get the information out.
VK asked about a past blog or article in Volunteer Fare concerning Things to Consider as You Bring Volunteers Back. VK suggested that we track the source and use it as a good place to start discussions with the Manager’s group. MA noted that it may have been Volunteer Fare, since we have not done Blog entries in quite some time. He further suggested that B.Roche would be the best source for locating the content.
MA suggested that it might be useful to create a forum for discussing remote volunteering strategies to collect ideas from current and past Volunteer Managers with the idea of making this a ground-up process rather than a top-down set of suggestions. Creating a Community of Practice model. KP also shared that this could grow over time and also would offer Bryan content for Volunteer Fare. VK suggested a live document that could be updated by all.
The hybrid volunteer model is another idea that could be incorporated, though it is a rich topic.
PPC noted that Risk Management is a needed topic. All could be content for the managers meeting and meet the goal of increasing learning opportunities. In-person volunteer opportunities are a work in progress due to COVID. KP shared that Volunteer Pro is working with West Virgina’s training of Volunteer managers with a rural emphasis. More to come as KP digs into the materials.
3. Update on DEI Task Force
PPC shared the progress the Executive Committee has made in DEI planning. MA shared that it is a primary topic for AmeriCorps staff Technical Assistance and J.McFaul will work with members on improved Civic Engagement and incorporate DEIA thinking.
PPC noted that is important for all of the Task Forces to continue to press into DEIA topics and incorporate it in our efforts moving forward
4. Kelsey's Work Plan:
KP shared elements of her forthcoming workplan
a. CMV course, Maine Volunteer Managers Network, Youth Service (Mott Grant/Maine Masonic Charitable Foundation), Service Enterprise, Teen CERT
b. Maine Volunteer Managers Network
c. Youth Service (Mott Grant/Maine Masonic Charitable Foundation), Teen CERT
d. Service Enterprise
e. Other
MA noted the connection between E&E’s workplan and the items on the various staff workplan elements.
PPC asked for information on the New Hampshire conference, thinking that the focus and culture seemed different that the Maine conference. MA shared some key factors that have influenced the content of that conference, including the political support and fundraising. A conversation ensued about the MVLC and how hybrid models might make the conference both more accessible and allow for presenter from farther afield. MA also noted that the scaling back of volunteer manager networks around the state has influenced the attendance and valuing of the Maine Conference. LM asked if there is still an option to create a separate track for AC members. The group considered the impact of this on the opportunity for members to participate in the volunteer management capacity building sessions at the conference.
LM also suggested ways to be more overt in the “ask” that can bring more local volunteer managers in as presenters. MA suggested an ABCD process that could be useful.
5. Michael’s Work Plan
MA shared pertinent elements of his submitted workplan. He noted that his plan is more focused on AC program directors rather than the larger volunteer management focus. It is important to be sure to coordinate the two areas. MA asked of the group whether the inclusion of AC staff would create issues within the larger volunteer manager group in the same way that the AC member participation in the Volunteer Conference has alienated some local volunteer managers.
PPC noted that the inclusion of directors would be very different than incorporating members. The group also discussed strategies for incorporating DEIA into the Technical Assistance offered and the challenge of measuring change in this arena, particularly in the area of inclusion which is more philosophical and policy based than diversity, which can, to some degree be “counted”.
Meeting adjourned at 2:34pm