February 2025

The mission of Volunteer Maine, the state service commission, is to foster and inspire community service and volunteerism to address critical needs in the State of Maine.

NOTICE: Regular Business Meeting

Friday, February 21, 2025

Maine Govt East Campus, 19 Elkins Lane Rm 110, Augusta, ME 04333
AND
Virtually using this link: https://mainestate.zoom.us/j/88425228824

All business meetings are open to the public who may attend either in person or using the link above.  

The parking lot for 19 Elkins Lane faces the former Eastside Wellness Center and Harlow Building. Entrance to Elkins is through the Williams Pavilion. Use Arsenal Street to enter the campus. 

This image of the location shows the building on the campus.

Map for Driving Directions 

Public Comment: Anyone who wishes to participate in the public comment using technology is asked to register by sending an email to Service.Commission@maine.gov by 5 pm on Thursday, February 20, 2025. Individuals who will be present in the meeting room do not need to register.

Agenda
Time Topic Leader
10:00 AM Public Comment Shorty
10:10 AM AmeriCorps Program Briefing: AmeriCorps Legal Access Navigators Program Williams
Business Meeting
10:30 Call to Order Shorty
10:32 Welcome, Announcements, Agenda Adjustments
1. Introductions
2. Quiz Answer
3. Announcements 
    A.  Reminder: Protocols for hybrid business meetings
    B. Conflict of Interest awareness in Board actions
    C. Staff appointments; Board resignations; task force chair appointment
4. Appreciation(s) 
5. Additions or Deletions to Agenda
6. Motion to approve Consent Agenda		 Shorty
Consent Agenda 
10:45

A. Business Minutes 
Moved that the minutes of the Commission meeting on December 20, 2024 be approved.
B. Executive Committee
Moved that the report of the regular Executive Committee meetings on January 7 and February 4 be accepted. 
C. Business Minutes 
Moved that the report of the regular Service Programs Task Force meeting on January 21 be accepted.

       
Planning and Future Initiatives   
10:50 A. Federal issues and their Commission implications/impact
1. Executive Orders
2. Office operating budget timelines
3. Budget for year that started Oct 1, 2024
4. Expectations of FY2026 budget		 Shorty, Crofton
11:10 B. Foundation -
1. Annual Appeal and general update
2. GSA planning committee progress		 Branham, Portela, Janczura
11:20 C. Other (if needed) Shorty
Focus on Mission Responsibilities
11:25 A. Commissioner Ambassador Reports on program visits Various members
Business Reports
(Reports submitted are posted.)
11:35 A. Public Policy
1. State legislative issues
2. Federal actions, implications, and States 4 Service work - update if needed		 TiltonFlood 
Fortin-Trimble
11:55 B. Grant Selection and Performance Task Force
1. Report from 2/14 meeting		 Guindon
12:00 C. Executive Committee 
1. Update if needed		 Shorty
12:10 D. Communications Task Force
1. Report		 Lebson
12:15 E. Service Programs Task Force
1. Action: Recommended new policy for Maine Service Fellows		 TBD
12:20 F. DEI Task Force
1. Retire and new successor task force		 Branham
12:25 G. Search Committee
1. Update		 Shorty
12:30 H. Financial Task Force
1. Report from 2/18 meeting		 Shorty
12:35 G. AmeriCorps (federal agency) 
1. Update 		 Cheesman
12:40 J. Commission staff reports (items here are in addition to published reports)
1. Status of staffing issues in Commission office
2. Transition to MOCA - work has started
3. March 13- National and Community Service Day, State Capitol
4. Other (if needed)		 Various staff
Business Wrap Up
1:00 pm A. Check-in on hybrid meeting experience
B. Reminder: Next scheduled business meeting is March 21, 2025.  
C. Adjourn 		 Shorty
     
Reports & Drafts

Meeting Schedules

View Calendar Notices Here

To facilitate board communication and assure compliance with the requirements for public notice, all Volunteer Maine meetings and work sessions will be posted on this site's Calendar as well as the State of Maine Legislative Calendar.

Task Force chairs are asked to check the dates/times/locations for their groups and notify staff of any changes.

As Volunteer Maine adds new staff and commissioners, we hope this central posting will help us all avoid "double booking" and, at the same time, make communication with partners smoother.

Minutes

1. Business meeting minutes: December 20

2. Executive Committee meeting:  January 7, 2025     February 4

3. Grant Selection and Performance:  To be posted 2/18

4. Communications: Report at meeting

5. Public Policy: Report at meeting

6. Service Programs: January 21

7. Transition: Report at meeting

8. DEI: Report at Meeting

Team Report:

Public Information Officer: Current   

Grant Officer: Current

Program Development and Training Officer: Current   

Program Officer, Special Initiatives:  Current

Background

These items are either background for some of the discussions and/or at the Commission meeting or information on national or regional issues that may impact the Commission. 

Commission operating budget timelines

State Budget 2026-2027, Part D excerpt: Programs transferring to MOCA and funds

Final policy on remote participation in Commission business meetings 

Recommended new policy for Maine Service Fellows

Commish's Quiz

Commissioner Quiz

More than a contest, this is part of the "in-service education" for Commission board members.

Commission Members should: email their response before 5 pm Thursday, February 20, 2025!

Send your answers to Service.Commission@maine.gov. All correct answers will be well rewarded at the meeting.

This Month's Challenge!

Background: There are two national caucuses of legislators who support AmeriCorps in all its forms (State, VISTA, National, Seniors). One is Congressional and the other is state legislators.

Questions: 1. Who is the organizer of the National Service Congressional Caucus and what Maine Members of Congress are members?

2. Who is the organizer of the State Service Caucus and what Maine legislator is seen on the introduction page for that group?

Answer Aids:  For Question 1        For Question 2