Tentative 2009-10 Island Fellow Placements Available

Frenchboro
The Town of Frenchboro is requesting a Fellow to serve as an administrative assistant for the board of selectmen. The compelling community need is the difficulty in finding sufficient people with appropriate skills to meet the ever-growing requirements from the state and federal government in managing town business.  The Fellow will assist with the following projects: establish a town recycling program and coordinate these efforts with school initiatives whenever possible; develop a family composting system; collaborate in exploring long-term strategies for solid waste handling; assist with the community gardening program in collaboration with the school; facilitate the required on-line training of fire fighters and emergency responders; collaborate with the board of selectmen in fostering the town relationship with the Acadia Disposal District; collaborate with the board of selectmen in developing a comprehensive plan. The Fellow will also assist with grant-writing for a town energy audit, and a DOT grant to replace and increase the strength of the town wharf deck.

Vinalhaven
The Fellow will be working with the board of directors and staff for Island Village Childcare (IVC), a non-profit, full-time, year-round childcare center, which provides affordable childcare to island residents. The Fellow will assist staff in implementing a play-focused, family-oriented program using Creative Curriculum, published my Teaching Strategies, Inc. The Fellow will work with the board and staff to identify areas in the program that staff need professional development and training. The Fellow will coordinate and plan the training. The Fellow will research and develop a professional development plan for the board of directors.

One of the goals of the program is to increase the presence of community volunteers in the center. The Fellow will coordinate and train community volunteers to assist in programming. The goal is develop a volunteer base that will provide regular volunteer support staff as well as hosting special events for the children in the center.

It is hoped that the Fellow will assist with creating innovative communications, public relations, publicity and outreach programs using traditional means on the island (The Wind, Working Waterfront), as well as more modern technological means, like creating a website.

For the remainder of the Fellow’s time, he/she will be working for Partners in Island Education (PIE). PIE is an organization dedicated to supporting the Vinalhaven School. Initially, this organization raised capital to help build the Vinalhaven School Library and the Smith Hokanson Memorial Hall. After the construction of the building, PIE merged with Vinalhaven School Enrichment and evolved into an organization that supports the Arts programs at school and for the community. PIE also supports the library and has a scholarship program.

PIE would look to a Fellow to coordinate the many committees and programs associated with the organization, including Vinalhaven School Enrichment, After School Arts Programs, Production Committees and the Scholarship Program. The Fellow will be working with the Finance Manager, Grants Writer, Theater Manager and the Performing Arts teacher to provide support and help create structures for communication.

Peaks Island
This placement is currently evolving. The Island Fellow will work with a number of non-profits on the island to help build capacity by forming collaborations, linking resources, and helping to create an association of non-profits. If you are interested in this position, please contact Chris Wolff for further information: cwolff@islandinstitute.org

Positions begin in September. Applications will be reviewed as received. For further information, contact Chris Wolff: cwolff@islandinstitute.org; 207-712-8551.

Click here to find out more about becoming a fellow.