Julie Ehemann

The Commission meeting covered several operational and programmatic updates. Key agenda items included an officer election and nominating committee formation, a presentation of the Master Budget and Q2 Budget to Actuals, and detailed reports on commission staffing and federal updates, including AmeriCorps funding and appropriations. The meeting also highlighted volunteer engagement initiatives such as Martin Luther King Day of Service projects, Global Youth Service Day, Volunteer Engagement Fundamentals, the 2026 ServeOhio Awards, the Youth Community Impact Award, and the Service-Learning Institute. Additionally, a presentation was provided by America's Service Commissions regarding national trends and the landscape of state commissions.

The meeting agenda included a call to order, review of the previous meeting minutes from 9/18/25, and public comment period. New Business covered Program Updates, notably presentations from AmeriCorps Program partners including ArtistYear, Ohio Association of Foodbanks, Talbert House (Greater Cincinnati Youth Mental Health Corps), and Xavier University (Musketeers Care), detailing their respective investments and service activities. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to reviewing the draft State Service Plan, which outlines four priorities: Expanding Volunteer Engagement & AmeriCorps Service, Strengthening Partnerships & Community Impact, Addressing Barriers to Volunteerism, and Celebrating & Improving Impact. The meeting also included an Executive Session.

The meeting included discussions and approvals related to the FY26 agency budget, ratification of the Executive Director's salary increase, and approval of the remote meeting policy. New initiatives such as the Youth Mental Health Corps and the Service Learning Institute were introduced. Updates were provided on AmeriCorps grants, including terminations and reinstatements, as well as the Member Assistance Fund. Strategic engagement updates covered staffing, programmatic changes, National Days of Service, and new partnerships. The State Service Plan's purpose, timeline, initial goals, and next steps were reviewed. The meeting also addressed federal and state budget updates, the state audit management letter, and FY26 appropriations.

The meeting included discussion and approval of AmeriCorps Formula Grants, including recompeting grants for various organizations and new grants for others. Updates were provided on federal matters, including executive orders, Department of Government Efficiency actions, AmeriCorps grant terminations, and the federal budget for FY25 & FY26. State updates included discussion of the budget for FY26 & FY27 and the Youth Mental Health Grant. There were also discussions around volunteer engagement, including the Volunteer Engagement Fundamentals Spring Cohort, ServeOhio Awards, ServeOhio Conference on Service & Volunteerism Recap, National Day of Service, and Youth Service initiatives.

The meeting covered a range of topics including a recap of the FY24-25 state budget, a review and approval of the FY24 agency budget, and a recap of Michael Smith, AmeriCorps CEO visit. Discussions also included the DAS/State Employee Mentorship Program, the state audit status, AmeriCorps 30th Anniversary, Ohio Conference on Service and Volunteerism, and the Commission Retreat. The AAG report covered changes to Ohio Rules of Civil Procedure 30(b)(5). The State Service Plan Data Review and Youth Service Research & Toolkit were presented, along with staff position presentations for the AmeriCorps Program Officer and AmeriCorps Grants Officer. The AmeriCorps PY23-24 Portfolio Review and PY24-25 Competitive Timeline were also discussed.