September 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

Friday, September 16, 2022

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 onThursday, September 15, 2022. Individuals who will be present in the meeting room do not need to register.

Agenda
Time Topic Leader
10:00 Public Comment Tilton-Flood
Business Meeting
10:15 Call to Order Tilton-Flood
10:18 Welcome, Announcements, Agenda Adjustments
1. Introductions
2. Quiz Answer
3. Announcements and Appreciations
    a. Explanation of Maine Volunteer Foundation request
    b. Task Force appointments
4. Additions or Deletions to Agenda
5. Motion to approve Consent Agenda
Tilton-Flood
Consent Agenda 
10:30 A. Business Minutes 
Moved that the minutes of the Commission meeting on June 17, 2022 be approved.
B. Executive Committee
Moved that the report of Executive Committee meetings on August 9, 2022 and September 6, 2022 be accepted.
C. Communications Task Force
Moved that the report of Communications Task Force meetings on July 12, 2022 and August 16, 2022 be accepted.
D. Excellence and Expertise Task Force
Moved that the report of the Excellence and Expertise Task Force meeting on June 1, 2022 be accepted.
E. Grant Selection and Performance Task Force
Moved that the report of Grant Selection and Performance Task Force meetings on July 8, 2022 and August 12, 2022 be accepted.
F. Research and Evaluation Task Force
Moved that the report of the Research and Evaluation Task Force meeting on July 20, 2022 be accepted.
G. Maine Service Fellows Advisory Committee
Moved that the report of the Maine Service Fellows Advisory Committee meeting on July 27, 2022 be accepted.
      
Business Reports
(Reports submitted are posted.)
10:31 A. Grant Selection and Performance Task Force
1. Funding recommendations for new AmeriCorps Planning Grants
2. Acknowledge peer reviewers and tech reviewers
3. Other: Input on minimum living allowance for Maine AmeriCorps members serving full-time
Barrett
10:45 B. Research and Evaluation Task Force
1. Update from 9/14 meeting
2.Climate Corps local/state/national activity
Haines,
Brewer
11:00 C. Communications Task Force
1. Update from 9/13 meeting
Roche 
 
11:05 D. National Public Policy Committees 
1. States for Service
2. America's Service Commissions
Shorty
Crofton
11:15 E. AmeriCorps (federal agency) update
1. Update 
Cheesman
11:20 F. Commission staff reports (items here are in addition to published reports)
1. 2023 Commission budget: new requirement in directions published 9/9; due date is 17 days; process explanation.
2. Maine Volunteer Leadership Conference update
3. Federal monitoring results from 8/25 and 8/26
4. Other (if needed)
Various staff
Planning and Future Initiatives   
11:35 A. Adoption of the Commission meeting schedule for 2022-2023 Tilton-Flood
11:40 B. Items from board retreat requiring immediate action  Tilton-Flood
11:55 C. Commission engagement with federal CEO, Micheal Smith, during Maine visit  Crofton
Focus on Mission Responsibilities
12:05 A. Maine Service Fellows: Community Applications Open. Requirements, eligibility, purpose. Crofton
Business Wrap Up
12:20 pm A. Check-in on hybrid meeting experience
B. Reminder: Next scheduled business meeting - 10 am, October 21.  Final New Commissioner Orientation - 9am, 10/21
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: June 2022

2. Executive Committee meeting: August 2022;   September 2022

3. Grant Selection and Performance: July 2022August 2022; September 2022
    Reports on grant applications recommended for funding:  Unity College,   Maine EMS,   KV Council of Governments  
    Policy revision to be discussed: Doc Link

4. Communications:  meets 9/13; report to follow

5. Excellence and Expertise: reports to be posted

6. Research and Evaluation: meets 9/14; report to follow

7. Maine Service Fellows: July 2022

Team Report:

Grant Programs Officer:  Current

Program Development and Training Officer: Current

Communications Officer: CurrentJulyJune

Climate Corps Coordinator: CurrentJulyJune

Program Officer for Volunteer Initiatives: Current; 

Office Administrator: CurrentJulyJune

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, September 15, 2022!

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

This Month's Challenge

Q: How does the AmeriCorps Living Allowance ($17,600 for 2022-2023 program year) provided to members serving 1700 hours compare to the Maine minimum wage if the comparison is done on a amt/hour? What is the difference?