Major projects completed – October 2024
Note: Training Officer was on a Family Medical Leave for two weeks in October, followed by additional leave for follow-up appoints
- Supported summer planning grant awardees in initial set-up and updated the funding agreement template for the coming cohort
- Continued regular meetings with funded new grantee and the two programs starting in January to answer questions and clarify requirements & timelines. New grantee training dates are set for both programs starting in January over the course of November and December
- Traveled to UMass Amherst to represent Commission programming at their Government, Nonprofit & Social Impact Career Fair
- Staffed outreach table at the annual Maine Municipal Association conference.
- Meet with MEMA staff regarding proposed adoption of a new Volunteer Matching platform that would essentially replace the Maine Ready platform now in use
- Worked with the PIO on the various outreach and training events that are planned for te next months to share the tasks and streamline the process of representing Volunteer Maine programs
- Provided Technical Assistance to MCC and ME Dept of Corrections related to Competitive application planning.
Issues to be aware of –
- Penobscot Tribe has decided to move forward with their AmeriCorps program and will engage in the new grantee training series for those tribal members who are new. The effort has been spearheaded by the new Wabanaki Sustainable Energy Coordinator
- The Commission has an open RFPs for AmeriCorps Competitive funding. Commissioners should be aware that any questions regarding the competitions or the RFPs should be directed to the staff member identified in the RFP documents.
- Exit of the Climate Corps Coordinator requires that certain representation and coordination activities be assumed by the training officer
Major focus of effort in the new month –
- Manage RFA submissions and recruit and oversee Peer Review team for Competitive RFA. Revise needed scoring tools and mange review process
- Continue to provide training and technical assistance to new grantee
- Schedule and begin New Grantee training series with Alpha Legal and Penobscot Tribe
- Assist with set up Planning grantees in Commission databases, and supporting contracting as needed. Schedule a brief cohort meeting to clarify timelines and initial steps
- Provide support to AmeriCorps grantees with open positions and those going into recruitment for January starts.
- Training other staff in updating financial information in federal reporting database.
Other activity –
- Ongoing AmeriCorps Technical Assistance to existing grantees via email, teleconference & face to face. Hosting of Monthly AmeriCorps Technical Assistance meeting
- Supporting new Financial Support staff person and continuing to provide direct financial services; including procurement system management as well as initial entry of financial documents in state purchasing system, including purchase orders, bids, and contracts.
Note: Monthly Maine Volunteer Managers’ Network meeting was cancelled due to Leave