November 8, 2017
Program Development & Training Officer
Major projects completed –
Presented session at Blaine House Conference and supported execution of the event.
Collaborated with Maine After School Network and applied for funding from ASC to support future AmeriCorps initiatives in afterschool programming.
Service Enterprise: Worked with contractor throughout the month in developing the Portland-area Cohort. Outreach to total of # agencies with # responding positively.
AmeriCorps: Assisted current programs in various ways, providing in person training to LearningWorks on indirect calculations, risk management and recruiting and supported Maine Conservation Corps in their futures search. Hosted meeting with programs and representatives of Service Year to support program recruitment.
Supported execution of AmeriCorps Opening Day event and subsequent Help until Help Arrives training.
AmeriCorps Opioid Initiative & Other Outreach – Had final meeting prior to RFP release to review Opioid applicant project logic model and answer any remaining questions regarding the competition. Also began outreach to identified agencies that provide service in new CNCS Priority areas and participated in the Maine School Management Annual Conference to present on NCCC and table on all Commission initiatives in the vendor area. Also provided a workshop for Medomak High School seniors on AmeriCorps opportunities.
Provided as needed assistance to Interim Grants Officer.
Volunteer Generation Fund. October marked the start of VGF funding. Began initial outreach to potential VGF applicants through email and phone contact.
Issues to be aware of –
AmeriCorps Competitive RFP is open – applicants are forbidden from contacting Commissioners and staff during the period the RFP is open (until the end of Nov.) and during the review process, which will last until the Commission meeting in January.
VGF RFP should be relapsed before the end of November. These are for much smaller grants than those that support AmeriCorps programs but the same competition rules will apply. Prior to RFP release, Commissioners may help spread the word to organizations using volunteers to address Aging in place, Food Security and Transportation.
Major focus of effort in the new month –
Issuance of VGF RFP and related introductory webinar, followed by intensive outreach prior to RFP release.
Intensive outreach regarding Formula and Formula Rural AmeriCorps as well as CNCS targeted priority applications in the areas of child abuse & neglect, services to youth in foster care and infrastructure development.
Planning for Portland Service Enterprise cohort.
Other activity –
Ongoing participation on conference planning team for National Service Regional Conference, scheduled for late May.
Regular AmeriCorps Technical Assistance to existing grantees via email, teleconference & face to face.
Staff support for E & E task Force.
Procurement system management and initial entry of financial documents in state purchasing system, including purchase orders, bids, and contracts.