May 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, May 17, 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, May 16, 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. Board resignations
    D. Chair's update on issues
4. Appreciation(s) 
5. Additions or Deletions to Agenda
6. Motion to approve Consent Agenda		 Shorty
Consent Agenda 
10:45

A. Business Minutes 
Moved that the minutes of the Commission meeting on March 15, 2024 be approved.
B. Executive Committee
Moved that the reports of the regular Executive Committee meeting on April 2 and May 7 be accepted.
C. Excellence and Expertise Task Force
Moved that the report of the regular Excellence and Expertise Task Force meeting on April 18, 2024 be accepted.
D. Climate Corps Task Force
Moved that the report of the regular Climate Corps Task Force meeting on March 25, 2024 be accepted.

       
Planning and Future Initiatives   
10:50 A. Foundation update Portela, MVF board member
11:00 B. Ensuring full, representative board by fall 2024 Shorty
11:15 C. Commission retreat date/discussion Shorty
Focus on Mission Responsibilities
11:30 A. Commissioner Ambassador Reports on program visits Various members
11:45 B. Untangling the Transition Timelines. Goal is for board to be clear about overlaps and potential confusion Crofton, Shorty
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. Recommendations for AmeriCorps Formula awards by Commission. (See reports below for materials)
1.a. White Pine Programs (AmeriCorps Rural State grant applicant)
1.b. Main Street Skowhegan (AmeriCorps Standard grant applicant)
1.c. Consideration of single year funding for Maine Conservation Corps		 Guindon
12:30 C. Executive Committee 
1. Update if needed

Shorty
12:40 D. Communications Task Force
1. Update from 5/03/2024 meeting 		 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. w
2. Overview of June National Service staff appreciation luncheon		 Various staff
Business Wrap Up
1:30 pm A. Check-in on hybrid meeting experience
B. Reminder: Next scheduled business meeting is June 21, 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: March 15

2. Executive Committee meeting: April 2;  May 7

3. Grant Selection and Performance:  Selection reports -- White Pine Programs; Main Street Skowhegan
Extraordinary funding - see May 10 GTF report

4. Communications: Report to be given at meeting 

5. Public Policy: no report

6. Climate Corps:  March 25, 2024

7. Maine Service Fellows: No report

8. Excellence and Expertise: April 18, 2024

Team Report:

Grant Programs Officer: Current

Program Development and Training Officer: Current   

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.

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, May 16, 2024!

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

This Month's Challenge!

Looking at the membership of the Commission board, what are under-represented or missing perspectives that should be addressed in 2024 recruitment of new candidates for appointment?

Reference:  https://volunteermaine.gov/commission/commissioners