March 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, March 15, 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, March 14, 2024. Individuals who will be present in the meeting room do not need to register.

Agenda
Time Topic Leader
10:00 Public Comment Shorty
Business Meeting
10:15 Call to Order Shorty
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. Reminder there will be no April board meeting
    D. AmeriCorps member conference is April 4 at Snow Pond Center for the Arts, Sidney. Board members are welcome to attend morning meet/greet with Congressional representatives and hear the keynote speaker: Director of AmeriCorps, Sonali Nijhawan
    E. Chair's update on issues
4. Appreciation(s) 
    A. Recognition of Sam Gilbert, first Maine Service Fellow completing year of service
    B. Other
4. Additions or Deletions to Agenda
5. Motion to approve Consent Agenda		 Shorty
Consent Agenda 
10:45 A. Business Minutes 
Moved that the minutes of the Commission meeting on February 16, 2024 be approved.
B. Executive Committee
Moved that the reports of the regular Executive Committee meeting on March 5, 2024 be accepted.		       
Planning and Future Initiatives   
10:50 A. Foundation update Portela, MVF board member
11:00 B. Exploring findings from Commission Strengths Assessment Crofton, Shorty
11:15 C. President's Proposed Budget: AmeriCorps Impact Crofton
Focus on Mission Responsibilities
11:30 A. Commissioner Ambassador Reports on program visits Various members
11:45 B. Volunteer sector training: Discussion of Maine Volunteer Leadership Conference  Meuser, VanSteenberghe
Business Reports
(Reports submitted are posted.)
12:00 A. Public Policy
1. State legislation
2. Federal actions, implications, and Commission work - update if needed

TiltonFlood 
Proulx-Curry
12:20 B. Grant Selection and Performance Task Force
1. March 8 report .		 Guindon
12:30 C. Executive Committee 
1. Questions for Pam Proulx-Curry about national leadership convening (see Exec minutes for her report)
2. Update if needed

Shorty
12:40 D. Communications Task Force
1. Update from 3/15 meeting and overview of plans for service awards event		 Lebson
12:55 E. Maine Service Fellows Advisory
1. Update if needed		 Branham
1:00 F. Climate Corps Task Force
1. Update if needed		 Sedlack
1:05 G. DEI Task Force
1. Update if needed		 Branham
1:10 H. Excellence and Expertise Task Force 
1. update if needed		 VanSteenberghe
1:15 I. AmeriCorps (federal agency) update
1. Update 		 Cheesman
1:25 J. Commission staff reports (items here are in addition to published reports)
1. See posted reports. 		 Various staff
Business Wrap Up
1:30 pm A. Check-in on hybrid meeting experience
B. Reminder: Next scheduled business meeting is March 15, 2024.  
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: February 16

2. Executive Committee meeting: March 5

3. Grant Selection and Performance:  no report 

4. Communications: Report of March 15 @ 9am to be given at meeting 

5. Public Policy: no report

6. Climate Corps:  no report

7. Maine Service Fellows: No report

8. Excellence and Expertise: No report

Team Report:

Grant Programs Officer: No report

Program Development and Training Officer: No report;   

Climate Corps Coordinator: 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.

Commission Strengths Assessment and Work Session Priorities for Areas to Address

LD666: An Act to Support Community-based Volunteer Organizations

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, February 15, 2024!

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

This Month's Challenge!

AmeriCorps is 30 years old and the first Formula grants were awarded in April 1995. One of the grantees is still in the Maine Commission portfolio of AmeriCorps programs. Which organization is it?

BONUS: Who was the Grant Officer in 1995?