Honoring the legacy of Dr. King: Pictured here, Maine Conservation Corps AmeriCorps members spent MLK Day assisting the team at Augusta-based nonprofit Fresh Starts. Read on to learn more about MLK Day of Service projects in Maine. (Photo credit: Dmitry Pepper)
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Volunteer Fare: Your Volunteer Maine monthly update
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It may be a new year, but one thing hasn't changed: There is still lots to report on from the Volunteer Maine office in Augusta. We have further developments around the Maine Climate Corps, info on 2022 Governor's Awards for Service and Volunteerism nominations, professional development opportunities, stories of service and plenty more. Enjoy!
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Maine Climate Corps report now available
We are excited to share the final report, as requested by the Legislature, of recommendations to help guide the creation of the Maine Climate Corps. The report has been made available for viewing on the Climate Corps section of our website. Access the page and a link to view the report by using the following link -- view here.
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Honoring the message of Dr. King
Promoted as "A Day 'On' not A Day Off," Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. day is an important time for Mainers and all Americans to take action in response to life's most persistent and urgent question: 'What are you doing for others? We checked in with a few of the programs to get the details around this year's service projects. Read the highlights on our website -- view here.
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Celebrate Maine volunteers -- nominate today!
Now is the time to recognize the volunteers who make a difference in Maine communities. We're thrilled to share that nominations are now open for the 2022 Governor's Awards for Service and Volunteerism, including competitive awards along with the adult and youth Maine Volunteer Roll of Honor. View more details on our website -- access here.
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Interact:
Volunteer leaders, how do you advertise volunteer opportunities online? We are looking to get a better idea of how and where community organizations post volunteer opportunities. To help us out, please fill out our very short survey. It should only take one minute of your time, and your response would be a great help to our team. Thank you! Use the following link to participate -- access the survey here.
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View the calendar on our website for information on all public meetings -- access here.
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Feb. 2: First training: Service-learning workshop series (registration required) -- access info + info on future trainings here
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Feb. 8: Maine Volunteer Managers Network meeting February meeting -- access more info here
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Feb. 18: Volunteer Maine Commission regular business meeting -- hybrid event -- access info here
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AmeriCorps service opportunities:
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Jan. 31: Outdoor Recreation Facilitator --- Skowhegan AmeriCorps Outdoor Recreation Program (increasing outdoor recreation opportunities) -- access info on Service Year
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Feb. 4:Resilience Corps member -- AmeriCorps Resilience Corps (community resilience) -- access info on Service Year
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Feb. 21: 900-HR Environmental Steward/Rangeley Lakes Heritage Trust -- Maine Conservation Corps AmeriCorps Program (conservation) -- access info on Service Year
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March 14: 900-HR Environmental Steward -- Maine Conservation Corps AmeriCorps Program (conservation) -- access info on Service Year
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May 31: Trekkers AmeriCorps Program Assistant -- Trekkers AmeriCorps Program (youth mentoring) -- access info on Service Year
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Dec. 1: AMP Up Program Coordinator -- AYCC AmeriCorps Mentoring Program (youth mentoring) -- access info on Service Year
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Registration closes Wed. 1/26: Service-learning workshop series! Do you want to build youth engagement in your organization? Come join us to learn how to empower youth to impact issues in your community. This professional development series is designed to prepare participants to implement a high-quality service-learning project. Use the following link to learn more -- view here.
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Welcome to AmeriCorps, Michael Smith! The new leader of the federal agency for national service and volunteerism officially began his new role the first week of January. According to a news release published by AmeriCorps, "Smith has dedicated his career to social justice and public service in underserved communities like the one in which he grew up. Most recently, he served as executive director of the My Brother’s Keeper Alliance and director of Youth Opportunity Programs at the Obama Foundation." Use the following link to view the full release -- access here.
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AmeriCorps alumni! Do you have a skill to share with current members? If so, we would love to have you present a session at this year's AmeriCorps member conference. Held annually, the member conference is designed by currently-serving members in Maine, for members. Share lessons learned from service or from your journey post-service. Use the following link to submit a proposal -- access here.
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Could your organization use some hands-on support? The AmeriCorps NCCC North Central Region is now accepting project applications. Entities that can receive a team include nonprofit and faith-based organizations, government entities (federal, state and local), public schools and universities, and Native American Tribal Councils. Those interested should view the following page on our website and guide to the "Direct Grants from AmeriCorps" section -- access here.
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Service Fellows Coordinator: This is a leadership and legacy opportunity! Along with the Maine Volunteer Foundation, we are looking for the right person to join our team working to complete development and implementation of the Maine Service Fellows program, a new service corps initiative established formally in state statute in June 2021. Up to the challenge? Send your resume to Service.Commission@maine.gov. Use the following link for more info -- click 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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The Maine Volunteer Managers Network is growing! We've enjoyed having the opportunity to connect and learn with volunteer leaders from around the state. If you would like to join or even present at an upcoming meeting, please view our website for more info --click here.
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We are big fans of VolunteerPro, and one of our own has been featured in the latest edition of the "Member Spotlight" series! Our Kelsey Preecs discusses a variety of topics, including Volunteer Maine's role in the state, the challenges of proving the importance of volunteerism, helping Maine's volunteer leaders rebound from the pandemic and inspiring community involvement. Use the following link to view the piece -- access here.
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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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If you are healthy and have some time, the needs are all around. Our friends at Seeds of Hope Neighborhood Center along with our own Kelsey Preecs were featured on a December episode of "Total Maine with Steve Minich" to help explain the needs and issues facing organizations that rely on volunteers. Use the following link to view the story -- watch here.
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The Spectrum Generations Meals On Wheels program based in Belfast is in need of some added assistance, and volunteer Marie Kaplowitz shares how you can make a difference. Use the following link to access the piece -- view here.
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At Your Service: Max Zakian, the Climate Action Planning Fellow serving the AmeriCorps Resilience Corps, reflects on his time spent volunteering at Maine Needs and his role in AmeriCorps service as a person who grew up in the greater Portland area. Use the following link to read the post -- access here.
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"If you are interested in volunteering, think about what causes you are really passionate about." Kelsey Preecs joined Senator Angus S. King, Jr. on the December edition of his "Inside Maine" podcast. Sen. King chatted with Kelsey about the state of volunteer service in Maine and how folks can pitch in and get involved, among other topics. Visit our website to access a replay of the conversation -- click here.
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“Being a VISTA has given me a purpose and given me a place and shown me how I can be better.” Learn how Seana Collins, the AmeriCorps VISTA member at Central Hall Commons in Dover-Foxcroft and native Michigander, is making a difference in Piscataquis County. Access the piece on the Piscataquis Observer website -- view here.
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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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