June 1, 2017
Program Development & Training Officer
Major projects completed –
AmeriCorps Affiliate outreach earlier this spring resulted in the acceptance of an AmeriCorps Affiliate program in Oxford Hills. The Commission will continue to offer any needed support.
AmeriCorps Rural Initiative – Outreach resulted in a large number of organizations registering for the RFP but a smaller number of applications than hoped for. Registrants who did not apply were polled on factors that kept them from applying. Among the largest factors was the limited time to complete the application and that organizations had not budgeted for the required match. Most of those polled indicated interest in future competitions, which will inform the continuing outreach efforts leading up to the fall competitions.
The continuation application for Commission Investment Funds (program outreach and technical assistance) was submitted. The overall amount available to the Commission was increased by 30%, however the performance period for the funding was increased to 18 months (or by 50%) so the net effect was a drop in the funding rate. The budget was adjusted accordingly.
Completed participation in Atlantic Region Conference planning and was selected to present to attendees at the Assoc. of Service Commissions pre-conference on the process of calculating disallowance amounts following background check compliance findings and, during the conference roundtable sessions, on monitoring for disability related compliance issues.
Provided Volunteer Reception Center (VRC) Training Exercise to the Maine Conservation Corps members (60 members). This assists the Commission in ensuring that we have potential staffing for VRC’s in times of disaster. All AmeriCorps programs funded by the Commission must ensure that members are trained in the Incident Command System and in VRC staffing.
Issues to be aware of –
Opioid Initiative: We have a coordination meeting with Maine DHHS personnel scheduled for June in anticipation of development of an application for either formula or competitive submission this fall. We have also scheduled meetings with the Greater Portland Council of Governments who are interested in discussing possible ways AmeriCorps can support their anti-opioid efforts. Also of note is emerging notice of considerable interest from a coalition in Washington County.
Service Enterprise: A final Service Enterprise meeting with the mid-coast cohort is scheduled for June. This cohort has taken much longer than expected due to coordination challenges, an agency joining after the start of training and the incorporation of Service Enterprise planning in agency strategic planning. A new southern Maine cohort is planned for a summer start.
Major focus of effort in the new month –
Writing VGF application
Complete design of New AmeriCorps Program online course for new applicants and begin creation of course in Adobe Captivate.
Washington County Outreach meetings and other outreach meetings based on rural initiative responses and requests for assistance
Finalization of Formula Rural application – logic model and performance measurement entry and assist with any need clarification.
Other activity –
Regular AmeriCorps Technical Assistance to existing grantees via email, teleconference & face to face.
Staff support for E & E Task Force.
Providing back-up for procurement system and state purchasing system.