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Greetings!
Our August monthly update is devoted to the upcoming 50th anniversary Capitol Hill Advocacy Day and related activities.
You don't want to miss any of this.
Read below for all the latest details.
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 Last Call!
Nearly 600 Registered for Sept. 21 Advocacy Orientation and Sept. 22 Advocacy Day
Are you registered to take part in Advocacy Day? If you did not get an email message late last week from NPCA Advocacy Coordinator Jonathan Pearson, that means we do not have you in the Advocacy Day registration pipeline.
Next Monday, August 15th is the deadline to register. After that date, we will not be able to guarantee having an advocacy day packet available for you. And, we won't be able to ensure that we will have you matched up with the appropriate advocacy team.
Our September 22nd Capitol Hill advocacy will call upon lawmakers to honor the past, present and future of the Peace Corps...
>>Sign Up Now for Advocacy and other 50th Event |
 Honor the Past:
Co-Sponsor Peace Corps Commemorative Legislation
The United States Senate now has legislation proposing a commemorative work near the National Mall that would recognize the lasting historical significance of the founding of the Peace Corps in 1961, and the ideals it represents.
The legislation was introduced by Senator Rob Portman (R-OH). Building Senate support for the legislation and passing a similar bill in the House will be part of our September advocacy day agenda.
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Honor the Present:
Advance Kate Puzey Safety Legislation
Legislation designed to improve training and support for Peace Corps Volunteers subjected to sexual assault and other violent crimes has taken a step forward in the Senate.
The Senate Foreign Relations Committee gave unanimous approval to legislation introduced by Johnny Isakson (R-GA) and named after slain Peace Corps Volunteer Kate Puzey. Senator Isakson's legislation currently has 25 co-sponsors.
Similar legislation introduced in the House by Congressman Ted Poe (R-TX) has 42 co-sponsors. And, at least one more co-sponsor is on the way. Congratulations to San Francisco Bay area advocates Sharon Bettinelli (Tunisia 73-75), Roger Olpin (Tunisia 73-75) and Alex Deans (Morocco 08-10). After holding a recent district office meeting with staff of Representative Barbara Lee, Sharon was informed that Representative Lee will become a co-sponsor when Congress reconvenes in September.
>>Learn More and Take Action
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 Honor the Future:
Support Continued Strong Funding for the Peace Corps
While the Peace Corps took a sharp hit in its budget earlier this year, the key House Appropriations Subcommittee that considers funding for international affairs programs is recommending no further cuts for Fiscal Year 2012...this despite the fact that the Subcommittee had nearly 20% less funds to work with.
This is only a first step, and a great deal of uncertainty remains as lawmakers consider not only Fiscal Year 2012 funding, but also how to address growing concern about our national debt. September will likely be a key time in the process to convey to lawmakers the continued importance of funding for the Peace Corps.
>>Read More and Take Action |
 50th Activities include Advocacy Training of Trainers
and Global Issues Workshop/Planning
Capitol Hill Advocacy Day is just one way in which this celebration will be action oriented and forward thinking. That's why we're adding two other important advocacy opportunities on Friday, September 23rd.
On Friday morning we will hold an advocacy training of trainers so we can hit the ground running in 2012 with advocacy training around the nation, not unlike a gathering hosted this past June by members of the Heart of Texas Peace Corps Association in Austin. Our advocacy training of trainers will be limited to only twenty people, so register today at advocacy@peacecorpsconnect.org
Friday afternoon, we want to bring together up to 100 interested and passionate advocates for global issues that extend beyond Peace Corps. We want to review the past efforts of NPCA's efforts on global issues advocacy, consider present opportunities and challenges, and map out a plan to move forward with global issues advocacy in the future. If you are an advocate for other global issues and want NPCA to be more involved, this is the most important gathering of the weekend. This gathering is limited to 100 people. so register today by contacting us at advocacy@peacecorpsconnect.org
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Other 50th Events Fill Out September 21 - 25 Calendar
Have you checked out the 50th anniversary calendar of events for activities happening September 21 - 25? You're going to want to bookmark this page, as the list of events are growing every day. From historical displays of Peace Corps memorabilia to recognition at a baseball game to special parties, dinners and reunions of all shapes and sizes.The Washington gathering will certainly be a "moveable feast" of activity and fun!
NPCA's Saturday night gala will not only be an evening to remember, but the proceeds will fund a development competition and allow for all supporters of the Peace Corps to participate in other NPCA weekend events (including advocacy day) at no charge, allowing maximum participation throughout the course of the weekend. Follow this link for more information about the gala and to purchase your tickets.
If you are not going to be in DC but want to support the weekend, purchase a gala ticket for a recently returned volunteer (as you will recall, the readjustment allowance only goes so far!) You can be part of making a lifelong memory for some special - and new - members of the returned volunteer community! Just follow this link and select the number of donated tickets in the marked field.
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 Featured Advocates:
Tennessee RPCVs
As we get ready for a major gathering of NPCA advocates in Washington during the 50th anniversary celebration, dozens of RPCVs are hard at work right now across the country, holding meetings in congressional district offices as part of our first-ever August District Advocacy Days mobilization.
Our featured advocates for August - Tennessee RPCVs - are representative of the efforts that are underway from New Hampshire to California.
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You still want to make a difference. Be a member to continue serving, connect with others, and support the legacy of the Peace Corps.
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This Month's Featured Advocates...
Tennessee RPCVs
Read More Below
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SUBSCRIBE TO NPCA
ADVOCACY NEWS
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We Need Your Financial Support to Advance Key Advocacy Initiatives
Nearly 600 RPCV advocates will defend Peace Corps funding this September on Capitol Hill, just as dozens are taking action right now at district office meetings around the country. Help support the ongoing work of your fellow RPCVs now and throughout the rest of the year by making a 50th anniversary gift to NPCA's Advocacy Program today. It's up to you to help advance initiatives for a bigger, better and bolder Peace Corps.
The National Peace Corps Association is recognized by Charity Navigator as a Four Star Charity, the highest rating given by this independent evaluator which analyses the financial health and efficiencies of non-profit organizations.
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THE NEW RPCV PIN IS HERE!
Bigger. More legible. It's the new RPCV Pin. Wear it with pride and let people know: You Served.
Check out our new online store ! We offer a wide selection of Peace Corps and NPCA logo merchandise--from t-shirts and coffee mugs, to pins and license plate frames.
A portion of your purchase supports the efforts of the National Peace Corps Association. Thank you!
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Our Next Advocacy Trip??
We're starting to plan a mid-October trip to connect with you. Expected stops include Buffalo, Ithaca and Syracuse New York, and Erie and State College Pennsylvania
Want to help us in our planning of the trip?
Contact us today.
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