June 2020

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, June 26, 2020
As authorized under Sec. G-1. 1 MRSA §403-A, the Commission will convene using technology. Commission meetings are open to the public. Members of the public can access the meeting use this phone number and code:  (929) 205-6099, code: 817 8723 8179#; password:484216# . A request to make a public comments may be submitted by email to Service.Commission [at] maine.gov any time before 8:30 am on June 26, 2020.   

Agenda
Time Topic Leader
10:00 Public Comment Period Branham
10:10 Call to Order Branham
10:12 Welcome, Announcements, Agenda Adjustments
1. Introductions
2. Quiz Answer
3. Announcements and Appreciations
a.  Distribution of open letter from Commissioners
b. Commission retreat, save the dates
c. Other
4. Additions, Deletions, Changes to Agenda
5. Motion to approve the agenda		 Branham
Consent Agenda (reports/minutes listed here can be found on the "Reports & Drafts" tab above.
10:30 A. Minutes
Moved that the minutes of the Commission meeting on May 15, 2020 be approved.
B. Executive Committee
Moved that the report of the Executive Committee meetings for June 2, 2020 be accepted.
C. Financial Oversight Task Force
Moved that the report of the Financial Oversight Task Force meeting for May 28, 2020 be accepted.
D. Communications Task Force
Moved that the report of the Financial Oversight Task Force meeting for June 17, 2020 be accepted.		 Branham
 Focus on Mission Responsibilities 
10:35 A. Biennial election of officers
1. Action on slate proposed at May 15 meeting.
B. Preparing for September appointments to board
1. Process for requesting re-appointment
2. Seats needing new candidates by July 15 (See report under "Background" section of "Reports and Drafts")		 Branham
Business Reports
(Reports submitted are posted.)
10:45 A. Grant Selection and Performance
1. Recommendations and final actions on new AmeriCorps Formula operating grants
2. Recommendation and final action on new AmeriCorps Formula Planning grants
3. Recognition of Formula Peer Reviewers
4. Other		 Barrett 
11:00 E. National Public Policy issues
1. Report from ASC committee 
2. CORPS Act and implications
3. Other		 Portela and
Crofton
11:20 F. Volunteer Maine Staff
1. Research reports completed and presentation plan for board 
2. Update on Commission staffing
3. Update on OIG actions in Maine
4. Major summer projects in the office
5. Maine Volunteer Leadership Conference
6. Other		   
 
11:40 G. CNCS Update
1. CNCS rebranding/branding project -- announced timeline and name change
2. Other		 Ostberg
Planning and Future Initiatives
12:10 A.  Discussion of Commission needs and expectations or requests of Maine Volunteer Foundation. 
B. 2019 findings: AmeriCorps Member Feedback (see report under "Background" section of "Reports and Drafts")
C. Other		  Crofton, Roche
Business Wrap Up
12:00 pm A. Reminder: Complete meeting evaluation forms (link is in email sent after meeting)
B. Next meeting (Sept. 2020 -- Rm 110, MCCS Offices) 
C. Adjourn 		 Branham
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: May 2020
  2. Executive Committee:  June 2020
  3. Grant Selection and Performance:  See AmeriCorps Formula funding recommendations in reports below 
    New applications:  Maine Development Foundation;    Greater Portland Council of Governments
    New planning grants:  Penquis Community Action;  UMaine Center on Aging;  Town of Van Buren  
  4. Communications:  June 2020
  5. Financial Oversight: May 2020

MCCS Team Report:

Grant Programs Officer:  Current 

Program Development and Training Officer:  Current

Communications Officer: Current   

Background

1) CNCS Rebranding to happen over next 10 weeks: LINK to info

2) Use of AmeriCorps education award in Maine institutions and case study of where 150+ people who served in Maine used their awards: Compiled Report

3) The AmeriCorps Experience for 2019 members

4) Open Letter from Commissioners concerning racial injustice. Published on social media, Commission website, and shared with newsletter subscribers.

5) Commission Candidate Recruitment report for June 20. Please read!

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, June 25, 2020!

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

This Month's Challenge

On June 18, Commissioners were sent a summary of the CORPS Act by email. The act is co-sponsored by both Senator Collins and Senator King.

One provision in the bill would significantly alter the value of the Segal Education Award that AmeriCorps members earn. It presently equals the value of a Pell Grant.

Question: What is the proposed change?