Major projects completed
- Final preparations for the AmeriCorps Member Conference, which will occur in a face-to-face setting for the first time since 2019. Hosted weekly Member Planning Team meetings working with the theam on plenary speaker and congressional delegation invites, finalizing the agenda, networking session design, breakout session selection, door prize solicitation, media relations, promoting sponsorship, and addressing other conference details.
- Continued Planning Grant monthly training sessions for two separate cohorts of awardees in different stages of planning
- Continued to work with the design team on developing the Volunteer Management micro-credential training. This month included drafting meta data that needs to be in place to structure the credential.
- Hosted a final preparatory work session with the Re-Entry Network staff to support them in reworking their fall application for formula submission. Also did final Outreach and support to potential applicants prior to release of AmeriCorps Formula RFPs (Operating, Rural State & Planning) on mid-March.
- Participated in an hour-long radio interview ahead of AmeriCorps Week (WMPG), with AC members from the AmeriCorps Resilience Corps [GPCOG], focused on the AmeriCorps service experience and volunteer trends in Maine.
- Provided individualized direct support to KVCAP, KVCOG, GPCOG, Unity College, Ending Hunger Corps leadership, and Maine Youth Alliance -- which included a special training on Risk Management for those working and serving with youth.
- Commission Investment Fund final budget was submitted.
Issues to be aware of
- After hosting the Lifelong AmeriCorps program for two years, UMCOA has determined that they will not continue into their third year. Commission staff are conducting outreach to other potential program hosts in order to maintain the program, if possible
- KVCAP/Educare is also considering the cost/benefit of their AmeriCorps program. Challenges with their relationship with DOE and low enrollment have meant they are expending funding and realizing minimal benefit. The staff is working with them on potential modifications and approaches that can mitigate this challenge.
- Long-time AmeriCorps program staffer, Emma Beaudry of Trekkers, has moved to a new agency. A replacement staff person will be hired. In the meantime, Amie Hutchinson, the Exec Director is managing the program
- Recruitment, while improved over last year, is still a major challenge for programs. As is seen with KVCAP, it is causing some programs to (re)consider the investment in AmeriCorps programming. Staff is working with programs on specific recruitment strategies as well as improving the overall awareness of AmeriCorps as a service option in the state.
Major focus of effort in the new month
- Execution of AmeriCorps member Conference on April 5th
- Set up of scoping meetings with current planning grantees.
- Follow up on raising AmeriCorps Awareness with programs (in consultation with Public Information Officer)
- Assisting in review process for AmeriCorps Formula grants.
- Finalization of Corrective Action related to state's lack of policy regarding 2 CFR 200.231
Other activity
- Facilitated E & E Task Force Meeting.
- Ongoing AmeriCorps Assistance to existing grantees via email, teleconference & face to face.
- Supported Office Admin with procurement system management and initial entry of financial documents in state purchasing system, including purchase orders, bids, and contracts.