April 4, 2016
Chair for Excellence and Expertise
Gordon had agreed to chair the task force but now is gone. After some discussion, Maryalice was asked to check out a potential leader and discuss feedback with Ron.
Overview of TTA fund application rules
The CNCS funding instructions for program development funding are out. The fund has been renamed Training/Technical Assistance Investment Grant. Most of the activities permitted are centered on training grantees to collect performance measure data and design/conduct evaluations. There is one measure and set of activities that matches MCCS goals so we can proceed.
The Maine goals for this position are 1) prepare organizations to apply for AmeriCorps program grants (includes conducting Service Enterprise and CMV); 2) develop programs in areas of the state where AmeriCorps presence is weak or non-existent; 3) develop programs in priority areas of need where the Commission has not received viable funding proposals; and 4) support skill, knowledge development of current National Service grantees.
Grant Selection and Performance
Maine’s allocation of AmeriCorps funding has increased 10%. Grants TF will discuss a proposal for expending the funding on a one time basis this year and then running one of two types of special competitions in 2017. The task force meets on April 12.
Commission Performance Measures
A national committee of states under ASC leadership is proposing more appropriate performance measures for the Commission Support Grant. In the absence of appropriate measures, CNCS has forced commissions to use program operational measures. The draft measures were discussed in a March meeting of states in DC (Maine unable to attend). John will represent Maine at a similar discussion at the regional conference in Springfield, MA, in May.
The question was raised about the role of state service plans in measuring Commission performance. The measures shared by ASC are very narrow even if the desire is to provide CNCS with data that can be aggregated. David agreed to meet by teleconference with the ASC Executive Director and better understand the thinking behind these. Kaira Esgate had indicated the March meeting of states will lead to revisions. We need to figure out how to present the issue to the Commissioners in a manner that everyone can digest a technical/complex issue and provide input in a short time. John will convey it to ASC during the Springfield meeting.
TriState commission leaders’ meeting –
The date has been set as June 7. David and John are able to attend. Need to check Celeste and Ron availability.
ASC Public Policy update –
Ron has been sharing documents and notes with Executive Committee. He was not able to join the call today due to work schedule.
The meeting closed at 3:45 pm