COVID-19 vaccination volunteering resource, youth grant funding to investigate hunger, and more!

Pictured above, the Maine Ready website is where volunteers looking to provide COVID-19 vaccination support can find opportunities in Maine. Plus, agencies needing support should register a volunteer need today at MaineReady(dot)Org!

Volunteer Fare: Your Volunteer Maine Update

We have another jam-packed issue full of news, opportunities, resources and stories of service in Maine! Of note, we share how qualified volunteers can find vaccination support opportunities. We also have details on new grant funding available to support youth service projects that investigate the causes of food insecurity in Maine. Enjoy!

Maine Ready - an essential resource for qualified volunteers looking to support COVID-19 vaccination efforts

Can you help? Know somebody who can help? Emergency support organizations have already started sharing opportunities on the Maine Ready website. Plus, we're looking for more organizations to post their opportunities on Maine Ready. Please spread the word -- the need is great! Additional COVID-19 response and emergency response opportunities are available, too, at MaineReady(dot)org -- access here.

Maine Service Instigator Grants, presented by the Maine Masonic Charitable Foundation: Application deadline 3/5!

This isn’t just a service project, it’s a chance for students to investigate the root causes of hunger and food insecurity and create a project that could spark real change! Access more info on our website.

Dates and deadlines:

March 7: FEMA Youth Preparedness Council application deadline -- access more information on the Ready(dot)Gov website.
March 7-13: AmeriCorps Week 2021. Learn more on the AmeriCorps website.
March 15: End Hunger in Maine AmeriCorps VISTA Leader application -- access more information on the MyAmeriCorps Portal.
April 7: NYLC National Service-Learning Conference registration --access info on the NYLC website.
April 30: Professional Development Fund application deadline -- access application on our website.
Multiple deadlines: Browse open AmeriCorps positions on Service Year!

News and announcements:

Peer reviewers wanted! As they say, the best way to understand an AmeriCorps grant is to be a peer reviewer. Be part of the process that helps to distribute critical funds to community service organizations looking to better Maine -- access more info on our website.
National Service continues to get things done for Maine! The AmeriCorps federal office has released its 2020 Maine National Service impact report. Access more info on our website.
Great news out of the UMaine Center on Aging: Learn how the Center will use AmeriCorps Senior funds to support 119 (!!!) Retired & Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) Volunteers. Learn more on the UMaine website.
Congratulations are in order to the team at Seeds of Hope Neighborhood Center, the 2020 recipients of the Biddeford/Saco Chamber of Commerce Non-profit Organization of the Year award! See the award and access more details on the Seeds of Hope Facebook page.

Resources:

Replay - Instagram Takeover! Volunteer Maine Commissioner Julia Fiori recently took over our Instagram account to share some info on how folks can give back in Maine. Julia also touches on the importance of volunteer service in her family. View a replay with closed captioning on our YouTube channel.

Service stories:

Why Mainers give back: View our website to access a collection of reflection videos by Maine volunteers, part of the PBS American Portrait storytelling project.
Serving to create better days ahead: Read a reflection piece titled ‘Hope in Challenging Times,’ by Catie Murphy, AmeriCorps Resilience Corps member, on the Greater Portland Council of Governments website.
"I think this program is more important than ever”: Learn how AmeriCorps members are providing youth mentorship while serving with Alfond Youth and Community Center. Read on CentralMaine(dot)Com.
Improving access to Maine's natural resources: “Families get to sledding at Lake George Regional Park event hosted by Skowhegan Outdoors (AmeriCorps program) and REACH” Read on CentralMaine(dot)Com.

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