May 1, 2017
Program Development & Training Officer
Major projects completed –
Emergency management: With MEMA staff, co-hosted the first Donations Coordination team meeting since December of 2015. Meeting was to make needed changes to the Donations Coordination Annex to the State Emergency Management plan in light of the development of a standing Long Term Recovery Board for the state and the loss of the FEMA subsidized online tool for management of donated goods. The update of the Annex is still in draft form and depends, somewhat on the features for the replacement of the online logistics tool, which is not yet available. Additionally, I co-presented a session at MEMA’s Partners in Preparedness conference on the use of volunteer time as match for FEMA disaster reimbursements.
Service Enterprise: Made three consultant visits to the members of the Midcoast cohort during the month of April, one each to MCCHP, Dempsey Center and Cancer Community Center. Each is moving forward with efforts to meet the criteria to become a certified Service Enterprise.
AmeriCorps Rural Initiative – Did a final push of information to likely applicants in anticipation of the RFP release. Increased outreach for organizations interested in developing AmeriCorps NCCC projects, in particular with one organization in Milo, ME identified by Sen. King’s office as a likely candidate.
Completed proctoring of Winter session Certificate in Management of Volunteers novice level course.
Supported Commission in hosting the Governor’s Service Awards.
Issues to be aware of –
Opioid Initiative did not result in an application, though the final agency expected to be lead applicant has expressed interest in applying at the next competitive opportunity. The timing of DHHS support and the challenges presented by the late entry of this applicant into the planning process all played a role in the applicant backing out of applying at this time. The applicant is planning to work with DHHS concerning extending the offer of financial support for the later application.
E & E has formed a workgroup to develop the model for a VGF application (see E & E minutes). We are also working on collecting some community input on needs, especially in the rural parts of the state to inform the planning.
The Rural initiative RFP has resulted in a cross section of agencies pulling down the opportunity. It is unclear how many will go through the process to submit an application. Even with the prospect of reduced programming responsibilities, small rural agencies still struggle with the lengthy RFP and the burden of applying.
Despite recent resolution of the current federal budget impasse, uncertainty over future federal funding continues to affect new applicant interest in exploring AmeriCorps funding.
Major focus of effort in the new month –
VGF program design in anticipation of application for funding.
New AmeriCorps Program online course for new applicants.
Develop online pre-assessment for VRC Training and test with Maine Conservation Corps. Also host VRC training for MCC.
Proctoring new CMV course session.
Other activity –
Ongoing participation on conference planning team for National Service Regional Conference, scheduled for early June.
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.