September 2023

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 15, 2023

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 on Thursday, September 14, 2023. Individuals who will be present in the meeting room do not need to register.

Agenda
Time Topic Leader
10:00 Public Comment Shorty
Business Meeting
10:15 Call to Order Shorty
10:18 Welcome, Announcements, Agenda Adjustments
1. Introductions
2. Quiz Answer
3. Announcements and Appreciations
    A.  Reminder: Protocols for hybrid business meetings
    B. Conflict of Interest awareness in Board actions
    C. Annual board retreat schedule reminder
    D. Invitation to complete Commission assessment
4. Additions or Deletions to Agenda
5. Motion to approve Consent Agenda		 Shorty
Consent Agenda 
10:30 A. Business Minutes 
Moved that the minutes of the Commission meeting on June 16, 2023 be approved.
B. Executive Committee
Moved that the report of the regular Executive Committee meetings on July 11, August 1, and Sept 5 be accepted.
C. Climate Corps Task Force
Moved that the reports of the Climate Corps Task Force meeting on July 19 and August 16 be accepted.
D. Excellence and Expertise Task Force
Moved that the report of the Excellence and Expertise Task Force meeting on August 17 be accepted.
E. Grant Selection and Performance Task Force
Moved that the reports of the Grant Selection and Performance Task Force meetings on July 14, August 11, and September 8 be accepted.
F. Maine Service Fellows Advisory Committee
Moved that he reports of the Advisory Committee meetings on July 18 and August 15 be accepted.
G. Public Policy Task Force
Moved that the reports of the Public Policy Task Force meeting on July 26 be accepted.		       
Planning and Future Initiatives   
10:35 A. Foundation update
1. Election of new officers
2. Annual work plan negotiated with Commission representatives - Report of Foundation action and request for Commission agreement		 Portela, MVF board member
10:45 B. Commission Ambassadors to Maine National Service programs: program reports from summer visits Board members
10:55 C. Adoption of Commission business meeting schedule for 2023-2024
Proposed: 3rd Fridays at 10 am on these dates- October 20, December 15, February 16 OR March 15, April 19, May 17, June 21.		 Shorty
11:00 D. Full board briefing on Transition Task Force work and learning  Shorty
Business Reports
(Reports submitted are posted.)
11:40 A. Public Policy
1. State legislative priorities
2. Federal actions, implications, and Commission work		 Tilton-Flood
11:50 B. Grant Selection and Performance Task Force
1. Proposed new policy and 7 revisions to existing policies (See Background section below)
2. Invitation to attend virtual learning session on equitable grant making presented by Massachusetts commission		 Barrett
12:00 C. Executive Committee 
1. Report of meeting with senior leadership of Dept of Education
2. Announcement of selection of consultant for strategic planning and first steps		 Shorty
12:10 D. Communications Task Force
1. New members
2. Update from 9/15 meeting		 Lebson
12:15 E. Maine Service Fellows Advisory
1. Update if needed		 Branham
12:20 F. Climate Corps Task Force
1. Update if needed		 Haines/ Brewer
12:25 G. DEI Task Force
1. Update if needed		 Branham
12:30 H. Excellence and Expertise Task Force 
1. Orientation to Ambassador Site Visit Guide		 Proulx-Curry
12:40 I. AmeriCorps (federal agency) update
1. Update 		 Cheesman
12:45 J. Commission staff reports (items here are in addition to published reports)
1. See posted reports. 		 Various staff
Focus on Mission Responsibilities
12:50 A. 2024 Budget for Commission Support Grant and TTA Grant
1. Review and action in advance of federal 10/4 deadline		 Crofton
Business Wrap Up
1:10 pm A. Check-in on hybrid meeting experience
B. Reminder: Next scheduled business meeting. 
C. Adjourn 		 Shorty
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 16

2. Executive Committee meeting: July 11, August 1, and Sept 5

3. Grant Selection and Performance: July 14,  August 11, and September 8

4. Communications: Report at meeting

5. Public Policy: July 26

6. Climate Corps:  July 19, August 16

7. Maine Service Fellows: July 18, August 15

8. Excellence and Expertise:  August 17

Team Report:

Grant Programs Officer: Current    

Program Development and Training Officer: Current    

Climate Corps Coordinator: Current  

Maine Service Fellows Coordinator:  Current      

Program Officer for Volunteer Initiatives: Current    

Office Administrator: Current   

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.

Proposed budget for 2024 (Commission Support Grant, Training/Technical Assistance, all other office accounts)

Maine Volunteer Foundation and Commission work plan for 2024 fundraising

New and proposed revisions of grant policies (make applicable to Climate Corps, not just AmeriCorps)

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 14, 2023!

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

This Month's Challenge!

REDUX: As referenced a few times this spring, the Commission is reinstating its Ambassador program whereby each Commissioner serves as a board ambassador to a specific National Service Program in Maine.

Question: Which statutory duty can be supported through this program?

Reference hint is HERE.