Encore Leadership Corps (ENCorps)
Building a Better Maine for the Next Generation

What is Encore Leadership Corps? (ENCorps?)

ENCorps is a unique opportunity to give back to your community. It is for people like you in Maine who want to restore our towns and villages and to preserve Maine’s environment for our future. ENCorps will give you the help to get started and the tools to help you achieve these goals. Each year, ENCorps will train 150-200 Mainers from throughout the state to be ENCorps volunteer leaders. The program will focus on environmental stewardship, grassroots leadership, and community development, with a goal of giving participants the skills, knowledge and guidance they need to make positive changes in their communities.

The ENCorps is a program of the University of Maine Center on Aging in partnership with the Maine Community Foundation and with the cooperation of many other local, state, and national organizations. Initial funding for this project comes from the U.S. Environmental Protection Administration’s Aging Initiative and the Atlantic Philanthropies Foundation. Additional support has been provided by Jane's Trust, Margaret E. Burnham Charitable Trust, and the Davis Conservation Foundation.

The Encore Leadership Corps grew out of the knowledge that many older adults are invested in preserving Maine's environment for future generations. Individuals who participate in the Corps, known as ENCorps Volunteers, will represent Maine’s leaders set to shape the future of our downtown areas and Maine’s environmental landscape.

ENCorps Volunteers may be nominated by local municipal officials, community agency leaders, volunteer program managers, or other interested individuals. Potential ENCorps Volunteers may also nominate themselves.

Why become an ENCorps Volunteer?

Whether you are already working to improve your community or just beginning to find the time to get involved, ENCorps will provide you with new opportunities. You will:

• Learn valuable skills and techniques to help improve your community

• Receive guidance and information from national and local experts

• Become part of a statewide network of volunteers creating change

• Meet other people who share similar interests, perspectives and goals

What do ENCorps Volunteers do?

The ENCorps program will begin with a two-day summit in Northport, Maine. There, participants will learn about smart growth and environmental leadership and have a chance to meet other ENCorps Volunteers from around the state. Participation in this summit is required. The summit is scheduled for April 12-13, 2010. Travel and lodging will be provided for those who need it.

Click here to view a tentative summit agenda!

This two-day training program will provide you with the tools, energy, relationships and support to give you a jump start on all that you will need to complete a project that will improve or protect some part of your community.

You will receive:

After the summit, ENCorps Volunteers will return to their communities and complete a volunteer project or assignment that is self-chosen and self-directed. ENCorps Volunteers will receive follow-up support to assist them in volunteering and participating in local decision-making work, e.g., local planning boards, community organizations, or public health committees.

ENCorps Volunteers will be required to report their volunteer project progress on a monthly basis.

In Order to Qualify as an ENCorps Volunteer

You Must Be 50 or Older And:

•  Should have a strong interest in smart growth and protecting Maine's environment
• Should be willing to volunteer for a local planning board, environmental organization, community program, or participate in other opportunities that fit with the goals of the Corps
• Should have a strong interest in lifelong learning
• Volunteer experience of any type preferred
• Candidates must be available to attend the summit on April 12-13, 2010.

Sample ENCorps Volunteer Opportunities

• Serve as an Environmental Educator with a conservation program
• Help build and maintain walking trails in your community
• Assist as a volunteer water quality analyst for a lake near your home
• Help to write grants for a local planning organization or environmental program
• Participate in a local town planning committee or board

For more information about ENCorps or being an Encore Volunteer , potential participants are welcome to join an informational teleconference. A staff member will be available to describe the Corps and answer questions on the following dates:

To participate in one of these calls, dial 1-800-444-2801 and enter the conference code 3779326.