14 July 2026

PRESENT: Kelsey Preecs, Janet May, Ivan Fernandez

STAFF: Maureen Kendzierski, Lucy Martin

Meeting started 12:05

Minutes

Key Outcomes

The meeting covered the upcoming Maine Volunteer Management Conference (August 4, Augusta), finalized schedule details including keynote speakers and panel topics, and discussed grant review logistics for Conserve Maine grants. Ivan and Kelsey confirmed availability to serve as grant reviewers, with a consensus call tentatively set for August 12 (or Tuesday/Thursday that week). Updates on Maine Service Fellows and the ServeMaine platform were also shared.

Conference: Maine Volunteer Management Conference

Date & Location: August 4, Camp Chamberlain, Augusta, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM 5

Primary Audience: Volunteer managers and those engaging in service opportunities statewide

Morning Program

  • Networking Lab during registration/breakfast: Brenda Zollitsch (University of Southern Maine / Resilient Roots consulting) leading a crash course on networking for attendees less comfortable with cold introductions.
  • Keynote 1: Kaira Esgate from Points of Light

Panels

  • Volunteering Across Lifespans – engaging young people, adults, and older adults; how to transition roles as volunteers age through service opportunities
  • Service and Higher Education Panel – confirmed participants include Tricia Mason (UNE) and Brenda Zolich; Sarah Seams (Bowdoin) expressed potential interest via Eden; additional outreach ongoing
  • New Mainers Panel – focused on integrating new Mainers into volunteer opportunities

Concurrent Sessions (Block 1 – alongside Lifespans Panel)

  • Collaboration and Volunteerism: Brunswick Volunteer Collaborative presenting on how collaboration increases community volunteerism
  • Storytelling and Advocacy: Angela Stone (Maine Needs) on utilizing digital platforms and community engagement to maximize reach and volunteer recruitment

Concurrent Sessions (Block 2 – alongside Higher Education Panel)

  • Corporate Partnerships: Elisa Fleek (Preble Street) and Angie (Colby Engineering Solutions) co-leading
  • Youth Engagement Workshop: Heidi Sumner (AYCC)

Afternoon Program

  • Lunch and Networking: Split format — half attendees at lunch while other half networks, then swap
  • Keynote 2: Mary Herman, creator of the Children's Cabinet during Governor King's tenure

Final Session Block (alongside New Mainers Panel)

  • High-Impact Student Service Initiatives: Tricia Mason leading a workshop correlating with the Higher Education panel
  • Developing and Training Volunteers for Remote Opportunities: Jennifer Crittenden (UMaine) co-leading with additional contributors

Closing Plenary

  • Co-led by OFI (Office of Family Independence, DHHS) and Maureen
  • Focus: SNAP benefits and HR1 — how volunteerism can help recipients meet minimum hour requirements to retain SNAP benefits
  • Format: brief OFI presentation followed by a panel featuring organizations with citizen science, remote, and virtual volunteer opportunities
  • Confirmed/anticipated panelists: Greg (Maine Big Night), Jennifer Crittenden (UMaine); outreach to NAMI and Red Cross ongoing

Maine Service Fellows Update

  • All six fellows are placed and up to speed on their projects at the six-week mark.
  • Two programs are currently redefining work plans — a practice begun last year to accommodate fellows who prove more capable than initially anticipated, while staying within the general parameters of the original work plan.
  • Remaining programs have no changes requested.

Upcoming Retreat

  • September, Van Buren — in-person retreat for all six fellows
  • Fellows will deliver presentations available both in-person and via Zoom, open to the public and particularly targeted at legislators given their influence over the program
  • Activities will include training and a community service project, tentatively at Acadian Village (details to be confirmed)

CRRC Quarterly Meeting

  • Funded via the NOAA CRRC grant
  • Tentatively August 19, in-person
  • Focus: Deer Isle Stonington — where a Maine Service Fellow has served for one year and is beginning a second term
  • Presentations: overview of Maine Service Fellows program; fellow and two town managers presenting on accomplishments and goals for the coming year
  • Additional site visit presentations include a DOT component and a Maine Postal program

ServeMaine Platform Update

  • ServeMaine is the statewide volunteer matching platform launched last year by Volunteer Maine.
  • A VISTA volunteer was recently interviewed to help manage the site — enabling more tailored opportunities and deeper engagement with nonprofits.
  • In process of partnering with United Ways of Maine to create regional volunteer hubs that connect to ServeMaine as a statewide platform.

Conserve Maine Grants — Review Process

  • Applications close July 29; currently 13 respondents, with 12 incomplete (some may simply not have clicked submit).
  • At least 2 confirmed applicants anticipated: Bethel Conservation Commission and Mahoosuc Land Trust — total expected volume approximately 5–6 complete applications.
  • Applications are 5–6 questions, ~6 pages with spacing; first two questions are eligibility checkboxes handled by Lucy before full reviewer distribution.
  • Review timeline:
    • Applications due: July 29
    • Reviewer window: August 3–11
    • Consensus call: August 12 (tentative; Tuesday/Thursday that week preferred by Ivan)
    • Award notifications: August 14
  • Ivan noted partial unavailability in early August but confirmed the 12th is currently open (weather-dependent outdoor plans).

Coastal Resilience / CDS Funding (Maine Climate Corps Context)

  • A landscape analysis is planned for July to assess what service programs are currently doing statewide and identify gaps — relevant to potential Maine Climate Corps funding.
  • Funding is tied to the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972; submitted to Pingree, King, Collins, and Golden — Ivan and Lucy discussed whether the relevant federal agency is NOAA or Commerce (likely Commerce if not NOAA directly).
  • Oxford, Franklin, and Somerset counties nonprofits require a letter of support from each community they will engage with; full information available on Volunteer Maine's website.
  • Landscape analysis will primarily involve Island Institute alumni currently working in coastal resilience, leveraging their experience as former fellows.

Meeting ended at: 12:35