March 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, Mach 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, March 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
10:05 AM AmeriCorps Program Briefing:>White Pine AmeriCorps Program Campbell
Business Meeting
10:25 Call to Order Shorty
10:27 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 
10:37 A. Business Minutes 
Moved that the minutes of the Commission meeting on February 21, 2024 be approved.
B. Executive Committee
Moved that the report of the regular Executive Committee meeting on March 4 be accepted. 
C. Service Programs Task Force 
Moved that the report of the regular Service Programs Task Force meeting on March 11 be accepted.		       
Planning and Future Initiatives   
10:40 A. Update on federal issues
1. Executive Orders
2. Other		 Shorty, Crofton
10:50 B. Foundation -
1. Grant applications and general update
2. GSA planning committee progress		 Branham, Portela, Janczura
11:00 C. ASC Leadership Convening Report (Maine representatives) Lebson, Meuser
11:20 D. 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
    A. Meetings with district representatives of Members of Congress
    B. Bills in the legislature: LD876 and LR1344
2. Federal funding and States 4 Service work		 Tilton-Flood 
Fortin-Trimble
11:45 B. Grant Selection and Performance Task Force
1. Update if needed		 Guindon
11:50 C. Executive Committee 
1. Report from special meeting on March 21		 Shorty
12:10 D. Communications Task Force
1. Report		 Lebson
12:15 E. Service Programs Task Force
1. Action: MSF policy on enrolled students serving in MSF		 Preecs
12:20 F. Institutional Effectiveness and Accountability
1. Call for members		 Branham
12:25 G. Search Committee
1. Update		 Shorty
12:35 H. Financial Task Force
1. Report from 3/17 meeting: Financial status, Debt collection letter status, Services by NRSC after move to MOCA, Status of state budget requests		 Shorty
12:45 G. AmeriCorps (federal agency) 
1. Update 		 Cheesman
12:50 J. Commission staff reports (items here are in addition to published reports)
1. Status of staffing issues in Commission office
2. Update to Maine Service Fellows operations
3.Distribution of Exec Director tasks during interim
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 April 18, 2025. Straw poll about attendance since it is the start of April school vacation.
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 21

2. Executive Committee meeting:  March 4

3. Grant Selection and Performance:  Report at meeting

4. Communications: Report at meeting

5. Public Policy: Report at meeting

6. Service Programs: March 11

7. IEA: 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. 

LD876

LR1344

Maine Service Fellows projects/locations

Open AmeriCorps Grant competitions

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: The Hall of Flags event each year celebrates National and Community Service Recognition Day. Representatives from AmeriCorps and other service programs across the state will share stories of impact with legislators, policymakers, and guests.

Questions: 1. Visit the Volunteer Maine SmugMug gallery to view photos of the event. How may programs can you name?

Answer Aids:  We had a great turnout!