January 3, 2017
PRESENT: John Portela, David Wihry, Ron Holmes, Maryalice Crofton
The regular meeting convened at 3 pm by teleconference.
Discussion items:
> Suggestion for change in strategic planning model (David)
At the December Exec meeting, Maryalice and David were tasked with doing background research on other models of strategic planning that would meet our legal requirements but also better suit the highly fluid environment we are in. David described a model, Real Time Strategic Planning, which is in the category of adaptive strategic planning. It has many of the well-known elements like data gathering, community input, analysis of community trends. The difference is that it uses an organization’s competitive advantage is (what it does well and what unique assets it has) to set directions and strategies can be changed/modified more often as the environment changes.
After some discussion, David agreed to send members an article he found describing the process. All are asked to read it before the Commission meeting. John would like to introduce Commissioners to the proposal to change the model. It was agreed that we need to find an external facilitator who knows the process and can guide us through the new approach.
>Search for someone to brief Commission on rebranding (John)
The holiday break interrupted John’s discussion with someone. He will wrap up the outreach in the next few days so enough time can be allotted on the agenda.
> ASC Public Policy insights (Ron)
The committee did not convene during the holiday week. At last meeting, CNCS did not have a transition team assigned. ASC leadership is working on making connections with the new administration. This is the first time there’s been no sense of what the administration thinks of National Service. There could be opportunities.
>Availability/interest of MCCS officer attending the ASC leadership convening 2/28-3/2
John will attend the conference of state commission chairs and executive directors.
>Update on appt status
There have been a few emails from candidates recommended that show the applications are under review. One candidate has withdrawn from consideration (Michael Field). John will talk with the Governor’s Office about the status of the reappointments and appointments. He would like to invite the potential Commissioners to attend the January meeting so they can hear the briefing from the assistant AG.
>Scheduling suggestions for Jan-April business that is not routine
Commission staff recommended a schedule for discussion items that will fall under Planning and Future Initiatives. There was also a recommendation about the February based on known events and activities. The members present approved the schedule outlined below.
- Jan briefings and discussion: operating as public board, rebranding, Maine locations interested in Cities of Service and potential tie to Volunteer Generation Fund application
- skip Feb and request all-hands at National Service at the Capitol day (3/1)
- March briefing by grants on issues and plans for triennial competition starting fall 2017; first overview of strategic planning process with timeline;
- April briefing by E&E concerning proposals for Service Enterprise Hub affiliates and related issues; briefing on proposed VGF application (expected due date is early May); after meeting – as board part of volunteer month activities – host directors/staff of Senior Corps and AmeriCorps programs for lunch honoring their commitment to service and communities.
There being no other business, the meeting ended at 3:45 pm