Program Development & Training Officer: December 2021

Major projects completed – December 2021

AmeriCorps:

  • DEIA consultancy contract with Racial Equity & Justice was established and initial meeting with program staff occurred. A plan for the series of trainings with program staff was established
  • Provided staff appraisals of CAC competitive applications to Grants Task Force for their use in assessing applications.  Oversaw applicant correction and clarifications following Commission votes to move AmeriCorps competitive applications forward ahead of January federal submission deadline, including PM entry support for MCC and revisions with KVCAP & GINNE.
  • Established the AmeriCorps Member conference committee and scheduled initial meeting for early January. Hired a consultant to replace the facilitator role filled by Streeter Elliot last year using budgeted CIF funds.
  • Completed No Cost Extension (through March) on CIF grant which allows for the extension of the DEI, Recruiting, and AYCC consultancies, and the full utilization of the awarded funds. Notice of amendment award was received at the end of the month. 2022 Award as also received and set up in the accounting system
  • Developed (with Grants Officer) format for fixed price invoicing for unfilled hours caused by early COVID-related exits as permitted under ARPA
  • Provided direct support to KVCAP, UMCOA, USM, MYA, Skowhegan and Trekkers programs.
  • Provided ongoing technical assistance to all grantees, including assisting enrollment processing, eGrants and OnCorps troubleshooting, and recruiting for all programs.

Volunteer Generation Fund:

  • Service Enterprise Orientation was held for programs considering January February cohort, including formula AmeriCorps programs required by contract to participate.

E & E:

  • Assisted the TF in developing a better understanding of Volunteer Maine’s disaster responsibilities

Issues to be aware of –

  • Almost all AmeriCorps programs are having challenges recruiting members.  Enrollment rates are at historic lows. Programs starting in January appear to have a higher percentage of positions filled than other programs, so we anticipate a bump up, and the majority of Conservation Corps positions are scheduled for spring enrollment.  Still, the situation remains the highest priority issue.  Staff are collaborating to develop additional support strategies and the recruitment consultant hired last month has been extended to provide continued feedback to programs on their current recruitment messaging and process.
  • Racial Equity & Justice has begun the consultancy regarding DEIA training for program staff with an introduction during the scheduled Technical Assistance meeting this month.  We will continue to use a portion of the already scheduled TA meeting time and add introductory and advanced training as separate training events offered remotely in the coming months.  Because a former grantee organization was part of the initial training design, we established a fee schedule for non-grantee participants.
  • Last month we provided support to a new Ending Hunger in Maine VISTA project director in DACF and set up an OnCorps site for their program. He left the position shortly thereafter and has been replaced.  We have done outreach to the team there and will connect with the new project manager after their start in January.
  • I will be meeting with Directors of the Career and Technical schools in early January to provide information on volunteer opportunities available to graduates. These schools report on outcomes for graduates to USDOE and participation in National Service is now countable as a career outcome under new rules promulgated last year.

Major focus of effort in the new month –

  • Support start of third year rural programs (Skowhegan and Maine Youth Alliance) beginning Jan 1st. Monitor and support Conservation Corps – same start date – as needed
  • Support Volunteer Initiatives Officer in ensuring Service Enterprise Diagnostics are completed in time for February cohort start.
  • Begin planning with the AmeriCorps Member conference committee for March 30th training.
  • Collect program feedback on DEIA support needed in order to inform RE&J trainings
  • Collect comprehensive list of all trainings offered by programs to inform outreach and recruiting to Gen Z applicants.  Subsequently create a catalog of low cost/no cost training opportunities accessible to AmeriCorps Members for use by programs
  • Update OnCorps Resources support materials to align with reporting and invoicing needs
  • Collaborate with Grants Officer to establish a Civic Engagement Reflection group for interested AmeriCorps Members.
  • Continue development of Online course for AC program development.

Other activity –

  • Staffed Excellence & Expertise Task Force.
  • Regular AmeriCorps Technical Assistance to new and existing grantees via email, teleconference & face to face.
  • Support staff and Office Admin with procurement system management and entry of financial documents in state purchasing system.