Research and Evaluation Task Force: November 2022

Introductions and Agenda Check

Discussion about proposed Maine Climate Corps Network objectives and criteria for participation. The group asked for clarifying questions about the process for developing the Network. Next steps will be approval by the Commission and then recruitment of programs to the Network will begin.

In addition to programs directly funded by Volunteer Maine, this Network is the core strategy for implementing the recommendation to create a Climate Corps in Maine Won’t Wait. The criteria reflect the Climate Corps report and the authorizing legislation. The Network will function as a community of practice. It will allow Climate Corps programs to communicate as one voice and ensure a standard of quality for all programs.

There was a discussion about specifically referring to “Maine Won’t Wait” or the State’s Climate Action Plan because that Plan may not exist in the future. Additionally, there was a discussion about the pros or cons of including for-profit volunteer/service programs in the Network.

Task Force requested that staff solicit feedback from people in the field before proposing a final draft to the Commission. Task