October 2021

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, October 15, 2021

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. If attending in person, note that all persons who will be physically present in Room 110 need to wear a mask as a sign of concern and respect for everyone in attendance. 

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 

Agenda
Time Topic Leader
10:10 Call to Order TiltonFlood
10:15 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		 TiltonFlood
Consent Agenda 
10:30 A. Business Minutes 
Moved that the minutes of the Commission meeting on September 10, 2021 be approved.
B. Executive Committee
Moved that the report of the Executive Committee meeting for October 5, 2021 be accepted.
C. Communications Task Force
Moved that the report of the Communication Task Force meeting for September 20, 2021 be accepted.
D. Research and Evaluation Task Force
Moved that the report of the Research and Evaluation Task Force meeting for September 24, 2021 be accepted.
E. Excellence and Expertise Task Force
Moved that the report of the Excellence and Expertise Task Force meeting for October 6, 2021 be accepted.		 TiltonFlood
Planning and Future Initiatives   
10:32 A. Maine Volunteer Foundation - Update on current Foundation activities
B. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion exploration		 TBD
Branham
Business Reports
(Reports submitted are posted.)
11:00 A. Grant Selection and Performance Task Force
1. Meeting report. Call for peer reviewers.		 Barrett
  
11:05 B. Excellence and Expertise Task Force
1. Commission-sponsored conference outcome		 Proulx-Curry   
11:10 C. Communications Task Force
1. Meeting report including public policy issues.		 Maher
     
11:15 D. National Public Policy Committees of states
1. States for Service
2. America's Service Commissions		 Portella,
Maher,
Crofton
11:25 E. AmeriCorps (federal agency) update
1. Strategic plan; VISTA site locations; joint CDC/AmeriCorps Public Health initiative; progress on CEO confirmation		 Cheesman
     
11:35 F. Commission staff reports
1. ARPA funding 
2. Supplemental budget requests
3. AmeriCorps Induction ceremony plans		 Staff
     
Focus on Mission Responsibilities
11:50 Financial Update Crofton
Business Wrap Up
12:00 pm A. Check-in on hybrid meeting experience
B. Reminder: Next meeting - November 19; Complete meeting evaluation/feedback form.
C. Adjourn		 TiltonFlood
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: September 2021

2. Executive Committee meeting:   October 2021

3. Grant Selection and Performance:   report at meeting

4. Communications:  September 2021       October 2021-report at meeting

5. Excellence and Expertise:  October 2021  

6. Research and Evaluation: September 2021

7. Financial Reports:  Quarter ending 9/30/21.

 

MCCS Team Report:

Grant Programs Officer:  Current

Program Development and Training Officer: Current

Communications Officer: 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.

Board Subcommittee on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion:  September Meeting Notes.

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, October 14, 2021!

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

This Month's Challenge

There is a very strong tension (tug of way??) between folks who believe service/volunteering is a pathway to employment and those who believe job training is the only path worth taking. As believers in the multiple impacts of service, we need to be grounded in research about this issue. So, this month takes you to a CNCS study on Volunteering as a Pathway to Employment. It was done just after the close of the last recession.

QUESTION: For individuals living in rural areas and volunteering, the likelihood of finding a job increases by what percent over folks not volunteering? AND, is the relationship between volunteering, living in a rural area, and NOT having a high school diploma but finding a job stronger or weaker?

BONUS: in April 2012, the Department of labor issued policy guidance in the form of an unemployment insurance Program letter (uiPl) recognizing that volunteering can help expand opportunity for unemployed individuals. What did it cite as the benefits of volunteering for unemployed individuals? (pg 3)


Hint: The report can be found HERE.