Getting things done! Maine's new AmeriCorps members recite the AmeriCorps pledge, led by Maine Supreme Court Associate Justice Andrew Mead, during the 27th annual Maine AmeriCorps Induction Ceremony.
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Volunteer Fare: Your Volunteer Maine monthly update
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Just like that, 2021 is all but over, but we in the Volunteer Maine office are full-speed ahead into 2022. First up on the agenda: Getting public input on our draft report to guide the creation of the Maine Climate Corps. For more info on that, plus all of the other end-of-year goings on, check out our final edition of "Volunteer Fare" for 2021. Don't be afraid to share with your friends and colleagues, either! |
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The time is now! We want your input on the Maine Climate Corps draft report
We're excited to share that the draft report with recommendations to guide the creation of the Maine Climate Corps is published on our website! The written public comment period will be open until Monday, December 13 at 11:59 p.m. Our virtual think tank event on the 13th from 3 - 6 p.m. will be an opportunity for the public to discuss the report. The Climate Corps page on our website is where members of the public can access the draft report, submit written comment and register for the virtual think tank -- access the page here.
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Welcome, Maine's new AmeriCorps members!
Maine’s newest AmeriCorps members gathered virtually to participate in the 27th annual Maine AmeriCorps induction ceremony. These members will gain valuable skills while supporting community organizations in the areas of early childhood education and development, mentorship, environmental conservation, green energy education, expanding access to outdoor recreation, improving the lives of Maine’s aging population, and community resilience, among others. Learn more and watch a replay of the ceremony on our website -- access info here.
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We're here to help talk about the benefits of AmeriCorps
For prospective members, it's all about gaining skills and giving back. For organizations, we're talking about increased support and service delivery. Volunteer Maine staff are back on the road, and we would love to come talk about all of the benefits that come from AmeriCorps service. Member benefits include a living allowance, health insurance, child care, uniform, and work tools. Plus, there's no impact on social security insurance, and most programs have support for mental health and life counseling. So, if you handle career development, extended learning opportunities, administer a volunteer program for a high school, college, or community organization and would like to learn more, please reach out! Just contact Bryan Roche, communications officer, at Bryan.Roche@maine.gov.
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Dec. 13: Maine Climate Corps Draft Report Think Tank (real-time public input) -- virtual event; 3-6 p.m. -- access more info on the Volunteer Maine website here
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Dec 14: Maine Volunteer Managers Network meeting -- nonprofit risk management, feat. Volunteer Maine's Michael Ashmore -- access more info here
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Dec. 17: Volunteer Maine Commission regular business meeting -- hybrid event -- access info here
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AmeriCorps service opportunities:
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Dec. 15: Outdoor Recreation Facilitator --- Skowhegan AmeriCorps Outdoor Recreation Program (increasing outdoor recreation opportunities) -- access info on Service Year
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Dec. 15: I Know ME Mentor -- The Game Loft I Know ME AmeriCorps Program (mentorship through play and and education) -- access info on Service Year
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Dec. 17: Main Street Fellow -- multiple openings -- Main Street Fellows AmeriCorps Program (community resilience) -- access info on Service Year
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Jan. 4: Assistant Team Leader -- Maine Conservation Corps AmeriCorps Program (conservation) -- access info on Service Year
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Jan. 20, 2022: Energy Efficiency Coordinator -- Maine Energy AmeriCorps Program (green energy education) -- access info on Service Year
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Input needed by 12/16 at 11:59 p.m.! Maine Conservation Corps, an AmeriCorps grantee, is seeking proposals for a program evaluation to assess the effectiveness of corps services related to environmental stewardship interventions on recreational trails. A copy of the RFP, as well as the future Question & Answer Summary, and any amendments related to the RFP, can be obtained on the Maine Procurement Services website here. (Enter “202110166” in the search feature of the Procurement Services website to find the appropriate RFP, titled “Evaluation of Maine Conservation Corps AmeriCorps Program”.)
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Wanted: Dedicated individuals who want promote the development of service as a strategy: We have several openings on our citizen-led commission for community service. If you or someone in your network is driven to better maine communities throughout the state, please let us know! Just contact Maryalice Crofton, Volunteer Maine Executive Director, via email at Maryalice.Crofton@maine.gov. Check out the types of representatives we're in search of below.
- Experience in the promoting of adults aged 55 and over in National Service and Volunteerism
- An individual age 16 to 25 who is a participant in a service program for youth
- A representative of the state's volunteer community (two openings)
- An expert in the delivery of human services in communities
- A representative of a community-based organization
- An expert in the delivery of educational services to communities and people
- A representative of public safety
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ICYMI -- Survey responses shed light on impact of COVID-19 on nonprofit volunteer base in Maine: The responses to the survey, conducted by the Data Innovation Project on behalf of Volunteer Maine, reveal "that COVID-19 volunteering at (the responding agencies) organization’s decreased and some opportunities were severely limited." Use the following link to access the survey and view a conversation with Data Innovation Project Director, Sarah Goan -- click here.
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Volunteer leaders! Do you struggle with or have questions about effective risk management? Join us for the next meeting of the Maine Volunteer Managers Network on Tuesday, December 14 at noon via Zoom. Michael Ashmore, Program Development and Training Officer at Volunteer Maine, will speak on nonprofit risk management practices and how to handle administrative tasks, such as fingerprinting. Register and access more info on our website --click here.
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Make it a day on, not a day off: A nationwide day of service and remembrance, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. day is a little more than a month away. Looking for ideas to support your community while honoring Dr. King's legacy? Points of Light has some great resources on their website -- access here.
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"Civic Health Index 2021: Citizenship During Crisis" now available: Right now, the United States is facing some of the most significant challenges in its history. The report explores important trends in civic health across four broad categories: political and civic engagement, group affiliation, social comity, and information and knowledge. Access the report on the National Conference on Citizenship website here. (Info courtesy of the National Conference on Citizenship)
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Pursuing your CVA? We will be hosting a study group for those interested in receiving a Certification in Volunteer Administration (CVA). A CVA signals a commitment to excellence and demonstrate the knowledge needed to competently attract, onboard, and support dedicated volunteers and community members. Access all of the details on our website -- click here.
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Sharing a message from our friends at the National Youth Leadership Council! Whether you are a teacher, administrator, afterschool program coordinator, university faculty member, foundation program officer, or a youth leader, the National Service-Learning Conference is designed for you. Use the shared post below to access more info about the 2022 conference, which will be offered virtually and in person! Access more info here.
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Maine Energy AmeriCorps Program (MEAP) members serve communities by promoting energy efficiency. The program's mission is more vital than ever as we enter another cold winter. One way members help to advance that mission is by rallying community volunteers to assist in assembling window inserts. We have the scoop on MEAP's recent window insert build in Biddeford. Visit our website to learn more -- access here.
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Sustainable South Portland: Mia Ambroiggio, AmeriCorps Resilience Corps fellow serving with the South Portland Sustainability Office, highlights in a recent op-ed South Portland's sustainability accomplishments. Use the following link to read the piece on the Portland Press Herald website -- access here. AmeriCorps Resilience Corps is sponsored by the Greater Portland Council of Governments.
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Volunteer Maine, the Maine Commission for Community Service -- visit our website
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Follow Volunteer Maine on Social Media:
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