November 2022

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 CANCELLED

Friday, November 18, 2022

UMaine Hutchinson Center, Rm 127, 80 Belmont Ave. (RT 3), Belfast, ME 049
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 Commission business meeting is co-located with the Maine Volunteer Leadership Conference this month. Board members are invited to attend the 9 am opening keynote address by Diane Lebson (Commission member). The business meeting starts at the usual 10am time. 

This link shows the map for driving directions. There is only one building at this UMaine location.

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 Noon onThursday, November 17, 2022. 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
10:17	Welcome, Announcements, Agenda Adjustments 1. Introductions 2. Quiz Answer 3. Announcements and Appreciations 4. Additions or Deletions to Agenda 5. Motion to approve Consent Agenda	Shorty
Consent Agenda
10:30	A. Business Minutes  Moved that the minutes of the Commission meeting on October 21, 2022 be approved. B. Executive Committee Moved that the report of Executive Committee meetings on November 7, 2022 be accepted. C. Communications Task Force Moved that the report of Communications Task Force meeting on October 25, 2022 be accepted. E. Research and Evaluation Task Force Moved that the report of the Research and Evaluation Task Force meeting on October 19, 2022 be accepted.
Focus on Mission Responsibilities
10:35	A. Foundation update	MVF board member
10:40	B. Grantee briefing on program use of grant resources, impact on community issue, etc. (Skowhegan AmeriCorps Outdoors)	Program representative
Business Reports (Reports submitted are posted.)
10:55	D. National Public Policy Committees  1. States for Service 2. America's Service Commissions	Shorty Crofton
11:00	E. AmeriCorps (federal agency) update 1. Update	Cheesman
Planning and Future Initiatives
11:05	A. Work session: 2023 actions on Strategic Plan This period will have Commission members working in groups by task force assignments.	Shorty/Crofton
Business Wrap Up
12:00 pm	A. Complete meeting assessment B. Reminder: Next scheduled business meeting - 10 am, December 16. Major business is votes on grants.   C. Adjourn	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: October 2022

2. Executive Committee meeting: November 2022

3. Grant Selection and Performance: No report

4. Communications:  October 2022 

5. Excellence and Expertise: No report

6. Research and Evaluation: October 2022

Team Report:

Grant Programs Officer:  Current

Program Development and Training Officer: Current

Communications 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, November 17, 2022!

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

This Month's Challenge

The Commission offers a Certificate in Management of Volunteers which is earned through our online course. If the student really digs into the work, it takes 30 hours to complete. Commission staff are proctors meaning each student's homework and journal is reviewed and feedback is provided.

Q: How many modules are there and what topics are covered??

Reference hint: http://www.volunteermaine.gov/volunteer-leaders/training/management-certificate