MLK Day 2021 coverage, professional development fund deadline, we're hiring, and more!

AmeriCorps members in Maine found a way to make the annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service a day-on by organizing COVID-safe service projects across the state.

Volunteer Fare: Your January Volunteer Maine Update

Welcome to the first Volunteer Fare of 2021! It's been an exciting and busy couple of months, but it's shaping up to be a great year for service and volunteerism in Maine. Seeing how it's been a little while since our last newsletter, we'll be publishing a January-part-two edition next week. Until then, enjoy our first update of the month!

MLK Day 2021: Maine service snapshot

This year, organizations and volunteers throughout Maine set out to continue this long-running service tradition while trying to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic. As always, Mainers find a way to get things done. Use the following link to learn about some of the MLK Day of Service projects hosted in Maine -- access here.

Kelsey Preecs joins Volunteer Maine team to support training, professional development efforts

An Alaska native, Preecs will work to support volunteer programs in Maine by offering training and professional development to agency staff who work with volunteers. Her hire comes at a crucial time, as volunteer programs and leaders in Maine look to adapt and move forward during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Read more on our website -- access here.

Volunteer Maine launches new website

We have a brand new website! VolunteerMaine.gov is the new home for info on AmeriCorps and National Service in Maine, our training and professional development opportunities, the work of our citizen Commission, emergency volunteering resources, and all things Volunteer Maine. Access the site here.

We're hiring! Office administrator (24 hours per-week)

Put your skills to work for Maine's volunteer community! We are looking for a part-time office administrator to support the Volunteer Maine staff team. The position is on-site, but strict safety procedures are followed in office, including appropriate distancing from colleagues. Need a new challenge? Learn more on the State of Maine HR website – click here.

Dates and deadlines:

Profession development funds -- Jan 31 and April 30: Volunteer leaders! Let us help fund your learning! Which activities are supported? Online courses, educational conferences, seminars, workshops, or preparation for professional certifications that relate to the Competencies for Managers of Volunteers. Don't miss your chance to take advantage of these funds. Visit our website to check out all of the details.

Multiple deadlines – join a Maine AmeriCorps program! Current opportunities: environmental stewardship and preservation, recovery coaching, elementary school tutoring, and community resilience. View openings on Service Year – click here.

News and announcements:

The Commission is growing! Gov. Mills recently appointed eight new commissioners and reappointed three sitting commissioners to the Volunteer Maine State Service Commission. Read more on our website -- access here.

Broadband equity is one of the largest challenges facing Maine right now, but AmeriCorps members are on the case! GPCOG’s Resilience Corps members are helping to collect data through an internet speed test to provide a better understanding of broadband access across Maine. Learn more and participate here.

Resources:

"How to Develop and Engage Your Volunteer Community Online: Your Complete Guide" Missing the connectivity that comes with in-person collaboration? The team at Tobi Johnson and Associates shares some tips for volunteer leaders about developing an online community. Read more -- access here.

Service stories:

The Game Loft continues to step up for Waldo County families during the COVID-19 pandemic. Use the following link to view a story to learn on the expansion of their weekend meal delivery program -- access here.

Mission accomplished! Members of the Maine Conservation Corps AmeriCorps class of 2020 received some well-deserved recognition for fulfilling their mission in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. Read more.

Volunteer Maine, the Maine Commission for Community Service

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