PRESENT: Julia Van Steenberghe, Lisa Morin, Kelsey Preecs, Janet May
STAFF: Michael Ashmore
Meeting started at 3:01 p.m.
1. Welcome & Introductions (5 min)
a. New Program Task Force Chair, Kelsey Preecs
KP was introduced as the new TF Chair and the group reviewed the agenda and the TF purposes.
2. Maine Service Fellows Policy input
a. MSF Policy on Fellows earning academic credit while serving
The members reviewed the proposed policy, seeking clarity on the rules related to what degree(s) make a person eligible and questions the use of the term “undergraduate” given the breadth of the allowable degree status.
The group suggested edits to the document and moved it forward for consideration and vote by the Commission.
MOTION: The Service Programs TF requests a motion to approve the revised draft of the MSF Policy on Fellows Earning Academic Credit While Serving, allowing those serving to gain academic credit during their service term for capstone projects or internship or practicum requirements congruent with their service goals. [This benefit does not otherwise shorten or lessen the service term].
The group also heard the UMaine has added the phase “from and accredited school” in policy related to those transferring in or meeting specific requirements and the group asked that issue be brought back for consideration after examination of the current Service Fellows policies.
3. Green Employer Learning Cohort and NGA Grants (20 min)
a. Changes to Green Employer Learning Cohort (GELC) grant plan & NGA Grant into and plan.
MA shared that the GELC plan had to be revised because the partner in the work, Maine Municipal Assoc, had dropped out. Staff is still moving ahead with community representatives identified by MMA, but has also sought a budget change that will allow Climate Corps programs to access funds to try various trainings as part of establishing or identifying credentials that might support service to workforce movement.
MA also described the purposes of the National Governors Assoc Service to Workforce pathways grant, partnering agencies, and overlap with ongoing GELC plans
b. Action steps/participation for Task Force Members
Members were asked for input on potential partners who could help address one or more of the NGA grant goals.
Participants identified Jobs for Maine Graduates staffers as a resource for youth outreach and JM recommended a particular individual with expertise in as both an Employment Specialist and in local Economic Development. Additional brainstorming followed with, for example, less specific ideas like identify representatives of specific industries (like solar installers) to see which credentials might be useful. JM also identified as a resource the O*Net only search tool that can be used to dive into employment categories and job classifications that then offers a host of information about each role, including available credentials.
4. Volunteer Leadership Conference Planning Committee
This item was reviewed as a status report as the all but one of the attendees is participating in the planning sessions. Updates included that the site and dates have been selected, initial info is available on the VM website with more info to be added.
The committee has selected a theme related to Stewardship & Engagement and is seeking recommendations for Keynote speakers and will open a Call for Presenters shortly
5. Announcements & Situational Awareness notes pertinent to the Committee's work (10 min)
a. Volunteer Service Coordinator Hiring -- Maureen Kendzierski will start March 19
b. Service Fellows Status Report -- This report was tabled
Meeting ended at 4:00 p.m.