The Town of Maynard, in collaboration with vendor SLR International, is looking to develop a core team of volunteers as part of the MVP 2.0 grant program. The MVP 2.0 program is a $95,000 grant through the Massachusetts Executive Office of Environmental Affairs (EEA) that funds a prescriptive community-led climate action planning process which centers vulnerable populations.
The grant includes funding for “Community Liaisons”, which are short-term paid volunteers that will provide feedback for this MVP 2.0 program. The (5) part-time Community Liaisons will receive training on climate change and potential hazards, help identify which hazards will most affect the Town’s most vulnerable populations, and work with the core project team to develop future projects and solutions in Maynard.
Vulnerable populations in Maynard include (but are not limited to): aging residents, immigrant and non-native English-speaking residents, residents with accessibility needs, individuals and families who qualify for and/or utilize affordable housing, historically marginalized populations, and youth. Community Liaisons may be a member of a vulnerable population, work routinely with that population, or otherwise have strong ties to residents who understand energy cost burden, food insecurity, and/or housing insecurity based on their lived experience.
Topics the Core Team may address could include access to healthy food, housing, transportation, parks and open space, reducing flood risk, exposure to heat stress, or ways to stay cool during heat waves. The Core Team will lead conversations with residents to facilitate a deeper understanding of community needs. The Town is looking for individuals who can work independently and as a team to make meaningful contributions towards climate resilience and equity.
Interested community members can fill out an online form found here or a paper application. Paper applications are available at the Maynard Public Library and Town Hall. Applications must be completed by 5pm on April 1, 2024.
Application link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSehZUdgzXLDOXFSPJI2Sfm8HRYagu7k27I7AHR_4QDA0cgdwQ/viewform