Program Development & Training Officer: February 2021

Major projects completed

  • Negotiated and performed removal of Medical Reserve Corps Volunteers from MaineReady.org site
  • Provided direct support to AYCC and Maine Youth Alliance regarding specific program related challenges. 
  • Oversaw Member Conference planning, including formation of Member Committee, confirmation of keynote, call for proposal design and site selection.
  • Hosted Maine Regional Superintendent group in training on Maine Ready platform and how it could be used to address school volunteer shortages.
  • Collaborated with Public Information Officer on how to best assist programs with AmeriCorps Week and how to manage National Service Day at the Hall of Flags, both scheduled in March {National service Day was postposed].
  • Outreach to a variety of interested parties concerning the imminent release of the AmeriCorps Formula RFPs and the requirements and opportunity they represent.

Issues to be aware of

  • VGF Closeout for most recent 3-year cycle begins in February with ending of all subgrant award periods as of Jan 31.  Grant period ends after No Cost Extension ends on March 31st followed by federal 90-day closeout period.
  • Removal of Maine Responds (Medical Reserve Corps) volunteers from Maine Ready platform reverses a multi-year long collaboration with CDC and overturns a stated longstanding goal to unite emergency volunteer recruitment in a single point of entry.
  • Ongoing discussions with DHHS, CDC and MEMA personnel about the ways in which AmeriCorps could be used to support public health and vaccination efforts and what limitations programs operate under; particularly the importance of a developed plan and timeline that allows for re-deployment.

Major focus of effort in the new month

  • Member Conference Planning
  • RFP release and Final outreach to potential applicants
  • Preparation for RFP Bidders Conference in new format based on Grants Task Force input after review of B. Zollich report.
  • Continued coordination with MEMA regarding volunteer support, AmeriCorps support and other emerging issues related to increased vaccination efforts.
  • Continued outreach regarding Climate Corps, CDS and Public Health Corps

Other activity

  • Facilitated E & E Task Force Meeting and follow-up.
  • Ongoing AmeriCorps & VGF Technical Assistance to existing grantees via email, teleconference & face to face.
  • Procurement system management and initial entry of financial documents in state purchasing system, including purchase orders, bids, and contracts.