Commission Board Retreat

Despite major threats to AmeriCorps funding, Volunteer Maine continues to champion volunteerism and advance service as a core strategy for addressing Maine’s most pressing challenges. Over the past year the Commission has delivered meaningful statewide impact through programs in climate resilience, legal aid, workforce development, and rural revitalization—while simultaneously redefining its strategic vision and fundraising approach. AmeriCorps historically represents nearly 80% of Volunteer Maine’s funding. If AmeriCorps funding is drastically reduced or eliminated in FY26, Volunteer Maine’s operations will substantially reduce, and Maine will lose proven servicebased interventions in Maine’s most vulnerable and underserved communities. 

Agenda:

9:00 Welcome & Meeting Plan, Maria Millard •

9:05 Presentation, State of VM & Stories from the Field, Britt Gleixner-Hayat •

9:30 AmeriCorps State of Play and Vision, Jamie McFaul •

9:45 Interactive Policy Discussion, Chelsey Fortin-Trimble (DOE), MCCS Policy Committee & Britt •

10:30 Break & Question Board • 10:45-11:00 Volunteer Leadership State of Play and Vision, Michael Ashmore •

11:00-12:00 Panel Discussion, Moderated by Luke Shorty. Panelists: Samantha Horn (MOCA); Jennifer Hutchins (Maine Association of Nonprofits); Sarah Seames (Bowdoin College)MCCS Annual Meeting Agenda •

12:00-12:45 Lunch • 12:45 Swearing in new Commissioners •

1:00-1:15 Climate Corps State of Play and Vision, Lucy Martin •

1:15-2:15 Scenario Planning, Maria Millard, Pam Proulx-Curry and Bill Guindon •

2:15-2:30 Maine Service Fellows State of Play and Vision, Maureen Kendzierski •

2:30-2:45 Break • 2:45-3:45 Funding Discussion, Celeste Branham & Diane Lebson •

3:45-4:45 Strategic Plan Activity, Pam, Michael Ashmore, Celeste Branham, Maria & Britt •

4:45-5:00 Wrap Up & Thank yous, Britt & Maria

Where:

90 Blossom Ln Augusta ME 04333

Deering 101