June 2024

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 21, 2024

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 20, 2024. Individuals who will be present in the meeting room do not need to register.

Agenda
Time Topic Leader
10:00 Public Comment Proulx-Curry
Business Meeting
10:15 Call to Order Proulx-Curry
10:18 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. National Service recognition luncheon today
    D. Staff resignation
    E. Save the Dates -- Board retreat and annual meeting; Maine Volunteer Leadership Conference
4. Appreciation(s) 
5. Additions or Deletions to Agenda
6. Motion to approve Consent Agenda		 Proulx-Curry
Consent Agenda 
10:30 A. Business Minutes 
Moved that the minutes of the Commission meeting on May 17, 2024 be approved.
B. Executive Committee
Moved that the report of the regular Executive Committee meeting on June 11 be accepted.
C. Excellence and Expertise Task Force
Moved that the report of the regular Excellence and Expertise Task Force meeting on May 16, 2024 be accepted.
D. Climate Corps Task Force
Moved that the report of the regular Climate Corps Task Force meeting on May 15, 2024 be accepted.		       
Planning and Future Initiatives   
10:35 A. Foundation update
1. Progress on last year's work plan and process for negotiating 2024-2025 plan		 Portela, MVF board member
10:45 B. Board reorganization: Input from Commissioners for Executive Committee discussion. (Prep: Review Exec Minutes AND Task Force mission statements) Proulx-Curry
11:00 C. Commission retreat focus. In addition to Wabanaki REACH presentation, what do Commissioners want to take a deep dive into? Proulx-Curry
Focus on Mission Responsibilities
11:10 A. Commissioner Ambassador Reports on program visits Various members
Business Reports
(Reports submitted are posted.)
11:20 A. Public Policy
1. State legislation
2. Federal actions, implications, and Commission work - update if needed		 TiltonFlood 
Proulx-Curry
11:25 B. Grant Selection and Performance Task Force
1. Report from June meeting		 Guindon
11:30 C. Executive Committee 
1. Status of board candidate recruitment		 Proulx-Curry
11:35 D. Communications Task Force
1. Update if needed 		 Lebson
11:40 E. Maine Service Fellows Advisory
1. Update if needed		 Branham
11:45 F. Climate Corps Task Force
1. Update if needed		 TBA
11:50 G. DEI Task Force
1. Update if needed		 Branham
11:55 H. Excellence and Expertise Task Force 
1. update if needed		 VanSteenberghe
12:00 I. AmeriCorps (federal agency) update
1. Update 		 Cheesman
12:10 J. Commission staff reports (items here are in addition to published reports)
1. See posted reports
2. New MOU with GOPIF		 Various staff
Business Wrap Up
12:15 pm A. Check-in on hybrid meeting experience
B. Reminder: Next scheduled business meeting is September 2024.  
C. Adjourn 		 Proulx-Curry
  National Service Staff appreciation and recognition luncheon -- 12:30 - 1:30.  (FYI - invitation copy)  
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 17

2. Executive Committee meeting:  June 11

3. Grant Selection and Performance:  to be posted after 6/14 meeting

4. Communications: no report 

5. Public Policy: no report

6. Climate Corps:  May 15

7. Maine Service Fellows: No report

8. Excellence and Expertise: May 16

9. Transition: Report at meeting

Team Report:

Grant Programs Officer: Current

Program Development and Training Officer: Current   

Climate Corps Coordinator: Current  

Office Administrator: Current   

2024 Government Interns:  Colin    Mae

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 20, 2024!

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

This Month's Challenge!

The Commission's work schedule tends to follow the Sept-June school year. Between Sept 2023 and June 2024, how many project grants were made to youth groups and through which grant programs?

References:  
1) https://volunteermaine.gov/media/news/semester-service-1500-grants-support-youth-action
2) https://volunteermaine.gov/media/news/maine-youth-commit-semester-service
3) https://volunteermaine.gov/commission/reports/climate-corps-task-force/climate-corps-task-force-march-2024