September 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, September 20, 2024

Thomas College, Alfond Academic Center Rm 202, 180 West River Road, Waterville, ME 04901
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.  

This link shows the location of the building on the campus. Parking is shown as the lot on the immediate left, visitor and general parking.

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, September 19, 2024. Individuals who will be present in the meeting room do not need to register.

Agenda
Time Topic Leader
9:45 AM Oath of Office administered to new Commissioners and reappointed Commissioners TBA, Dedimus Justice
10:00 Public Comment Proulx-Curry
Business Meeting
10:15 Call to Order Proulx-Curry
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. AmeriCorps Anniversary/Reunion event on 9/27
    D. Federal Inspector General visit to Maine
    E. Other
4. Appreciation(s) 
5. Additions or Deletions to Agenda
6. Motion to approve Consent Agenda		 Proulx-Curry
Consent Agenda 
10:30 A. Business Minutes 
Moved that the minutes of the Commission meeting on June 21, 2024 be approved.
B. Executive Committee
Moved that the reports of the regular Executive Committee meetings on July 2, August 13, and September 3 be accepted.
C. Communications 
Moved that the report of the regular Communications Task Force meeting on June 28, 2024 be accepted.
D. Climate Corps Task Force
Moved that the report of the regular Climate Corps Task Force meeting on August 21, 2024 be accepted.		       
Planning and Future Initiatives   
10:35 A. Foundation - Commission work plan approval Branham
10:45 B. Reorganization of Task Forces (retire Climate Corps, Maine Service Fellows, Excellence and Expertise; create Service Program Task Force) Proulx-Curry
11:00 C. Annual meeting calendar adoption Proulx-Curry
11:00 D. Other (any item arising from retreat) Proulx-Curry
Focus on Mission Responsibilities
11:10 A. Commissioner Ambassador Reports on program visits Various members
Business Reports
(Reports submitted are posted.)
11:20 A. Public Policy
1. State legislation
2. Federal actions, implications, and Commission work - update if needed		 TiltonFlood 
Proulx-Curry
11:25 B. Grant Selection and Performance Task Force
1. Recommendations on funding awards for new AmeriCorps operating grants and planning grants		 Guindon
11:30 C. Executive Committee 
1. Interim director plan		 Proulx-Curry
11:35 D. Communications Task Force
1. Report		 Copson for Lebson
11:40 E. Maine Service Fellows Advisory
1. Update if needed		 Branham
11:45 F. Climate Corps Task Force
1. Update if needed		 TBA
11:50 G. DEI Task Force
1. Update if needed		 Branham
11:55 H. Excellence and Expertise Task Force 
1. Report on Maine Volunteer Leadership Conference		 VanSteenberghe
12:00 I. AmeriCorps (federal agency) update
1. Update 		 Cheesman
12:10 J. Commission staff reports (items here are in addition to published reports)
1. See posted reports including draft of Climate Corps progress report (below)
2. Briefing on accomplishments of summer college interns
3. Briefing on Green Energy Learning Cohort grant		 Various staff
Business Wrap Up
12:15 pm A. Check-in on hybrid meeting experience
B. Reminder: Next scheduled business meeting is October 2024.  
C. Adjourn 		 Proulx-Curry
     
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 21 (the Commission does not meet in July or August)

2. Executive Committee meeting:  July    August   September (regular mtg)    September (special mtg)

3. Grant Selection and Performance:  Competition reports --
    AmeriCorps Rural State, Alpha Legal Foundation report from task force
   AmeriCorps Planning Grants, reports are delayed and the task force will present at business meeting

4. Communications: June 28 

5. Public Policy: no report

6. Climate Corps:  August

7. Maine Service Fellows: No report

8. Excellence and Expertise: No report

9. Transition: Report at meeting

Team Report:

Grant Programs Officer: Current

Program Development and Training Officer: June   July   Current   

Climate Corps Coordinator: June    July    Current  

Public Information Officer: Current   

2024 Government Summer Interns:   
         Colin   August Final Report
         Mae    June

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.

Climate Corps Report to the Governor's Office on Policy Innovation and the Future

Annual Meeting Calendar for Commission

MOU with Service Year for the Green Energy Learning Cohort

Climate Corps progress report (final draft)

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 19, 2024!

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

This Month's Challenge!

What are the names and positions of the two new Commission staff?

Hint: There is a staff page on VolunteerMaine.gov