June 2023

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 16, 2023

Maine Govt East Campus, 19 Elkins Lane Rm 110, Augusta, ME 04333
AND
Virtually using this link: https://mainestate.zoom.us/j/89856384304 

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 link shows the location of 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, June 15, 2023. Individuals who will be present in the meeting room do not need to register.

Special Event note: Commission board members are hosting an appreciation lunch for National Service Program staff immediately after adjournment. The lunch will be in the same location. Guests are welcome to arrive early and see the board in action!

Agenda

Time	Topic	Leader
10:00	Public Comment	Tilton-Flood
Business Meeting
10:15	Call to Order	Tilton-Flood
10:18	Welcome, Announcements, Agenda Adjustments 1. Introductions 2. Quiz Answer 3. Announcements and Appreciations     A.  Reminder: Protocols for hybrid business meetings     B. Conflict of Interest awareness in Board actions     C. National Service Staff recognition luncheon after June meeting     D. Annual board retreat scheduling reminder     E. Summer organizing to include poll to change business meeting schedule     F.  Commission staff departure and honors 4. Additions or Deletions to Agenda 5. Motion to approve Consent Agenda	Tilton-Flood
Consent Agenda
10:30	A. Business Minutes  Moved that the minutes of the Commission meeting on May 12, 2023 be approved. B. Executive Committee Moved that the report of the regular Executive Committee meeting on Jue 6, 2023 be accepted. C. Climate Corps Task Force Moved that the report of the Climate Corps Task Force meeting on May 17, 2023 be accepted.
Planning and Future Initiatives
10:35	A. Foundation update	Holmes, MVF board member
10:40	B. Commission Ambassadors to Maine National Service programs: program explanation and assignments	Proulx-Curry, Preecs
Business Reports (Reports submitted are posted.)
10:55	A. Public Policy 1. State legislative update	Shorty
11:00	B. Grant Selection and Performance Task Force 1. Summer meeting schedule and update as needed	Barrett
11:05	C. Executive Committee  1. Special meeting on May 30: Acceptance of meeting minutes 2. Consideration of Board Policy on applications for new funding programs 3. Status of reappointments and recruitment for vacancies	Tilton-Flood
11:15	D. Maine Service Fellows Advisory Task Force 1. Update if needed	Branham
11:17	E. Climate Corps Task Force 1. Update if needed	Haines/ Brewer
11:19	D. DEI Task Force 1. Survey discussion 2. Other update if needed	Branham
11:25	E. AmeriCorps (federal agency) update 1. Update	Cheesman
11:30	F. Commission staff reports (items here are in addition to published reports) 1. See posted reports.	Various staff
Focus on Mission Responsibilities
11:35	A. Biennial board elections 1. Call for nominations from the floor for Chair-elect 2. Election of new officers	Tilton-Flood
11:50	B. DEI Board Learning session (Chapters of Racial Healing Handbook)	T Bailey, facilitator
Business Wrap Up
12:30 pm	A. Check-in on hybrid meeting experience B. Reminder: Next scheduled business meeting - TBD September 2023.  C. Adjourn to recognition program	Tilton-Flood

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 12, 2023

2. Executive Committee meeting: May 30, 2023 (special meeting)    June 6, 2023 
    Policy recommended on June 6 for board action

3. Grant Selection and Performance: No new business but,
    for information, the final AmeriCorps Fixed Amount proposal from Downeast Community Partners

4. Communications:  June 13, 2023

5. Public Policy: June 14, 2023

6.Transition Task Force: June 9, 2023

7. Climate Corps:  May 17, 2023  Next meeting 6/21

Team Report:

Grant Programs Officer: Current    

Program Development and Training Officer: Current    

Climate Corps Coordinator: Current     

Maine Service Fellows Coordinator:  Current      

Program Officer for Volunteer Initiatives: Current    

Office Administrator: 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.

Final policy on remote participation in Commission business meetings 

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 15, 2023!

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

This Month's Challenge!

As referenced a few times this spring, the Commission is reinstating its Ambassador program whereby each Commissioner serves as a board ambassador to a specific National Service Program in Maine.

Question: Which statutory duty can be supported through this program?

Reference hint is HERE.