National AmeriCorps Seniors Association

09/03/2026

A message from our own, Amy Alexander
Advocacy in Action

Last month, we talked about the importance of connecting with your member(s) of Congress while they were home for the August Recess. This month, we're sharing a few advocacy and communications strategies highlighted during a recent training attended by Laura Kinder.

One takeaway was a simple framework for developing a 60-second ask when engaging candidates or elected officials:

First 15 seconds: Introduce yourself and share your personal connection to the issue.
Next 15 seconds: Share relevant data or a key community impact point.
Final 30 seconds: Make a clear, specific request and explain why it matters.

A concise, well-prepared message can help ensure that decision-makers understand both the value of AmeriCorps Seniors and the impact it has in their communities.

The training also provided practical guidance on working with local media. When pitching a story, consider these tips:

Localize the story. Reporters are interested in the people behind the issue and the impact within their communities.
Target the right journalist. Identify reporters who regularly cover topics related to aging, volunteerism, community engagement, or public service.
Connect to a news hook. Tie your story to a timely event, observance, or issue. September's Intergenerational Month provides an opportunity to highlight the impact of AmeriCorps Seniors programs.
Provide a quotable message. Pair meaningful data with a compelling volunteer or participant story.
Follow up professionally. A thoughtful follow-up can help keep your story top of mind.
Know your outlet. Review previous coverage and understand submission requirements before pitching a story or submitting an opinion piece.

Whether you're speaking with elected officials, candidates, community leaders, or local media, combining personal stories, local impact, and a clear ask can help make your advocacy efforts more effective.

For those interested in learning more, a recording of the training is available here:

This is a recording of a session with expert panelists who share ho...

09/02/2026

If you weren't able to be on yesterday, the ACS call had a lot of information about recruiting volunteers. You can watch the call here

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09/01/2026

You'll recognize Amy Alexander from our FGP/SCP Workshop calls. So proud that she took the time to share the wonderful news about her programs. You can watch the interview here

The program supports students by connecting them with seniors, as w...

08/31/2026

REMINDER

As of August 31st, members will no longer have access to the newsletters, FGP/SCP and RSVP workshop links, calendar of events, etc. via Club Express.

To continue accessing member benefits, events, and resources, each member must create their own individual account on our new website. Please follow the steps below. (Please note: Unlike in the past, directors are no longer able to register on behalf of their staff. Each person must sign up individually.)

HOW TO CREATE YOUR ACCOUNT

1. Go to the website and click the "Join Today" tab. https://nacsatogether.wildapricot.org

2. Select "Basic NACSA Membership." (Please note that Alumni Membership is reserved for former or retired project staff only.)

3. Enter your email address and click Next.

4. Complete your membership form and click Next.

5. Choose your payment method:

• Invoice – if you are paying by check (the system will email you the invoice, or you can download it directly)

• Credit Card – if you prefer to pay online

6. Once you have completed the above steps, please check your email, including your spam/junk folder. You will receive your login information along with a temporary password. Please follow these instructions to log in.

To change your password after you have logged in with your temporary password there is an orange person at the top right, click on that and a pop up will show, select change password. You will need your temporary password to do this.

PLEASE NOTE: Your account will remain in pending status until payment is received. During this time, you will not have access to member-only pages or member-only event ticket types. However, you will still receive event announcements and email blasts.

If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact Carmela LaCommare at [email protected].

Disclaimer: The information provided by NACSA is for informational purposes only. Because federal regulations and AmeriCorps/AmeriCorps Seniors requirements may change, users should review the most current guidance and consult appropriate staff or professional advisors. Each program is responsible f...

08/27/2026

Your August recess engagement doesn't have to end when the meeting, site visit, or community event is over.

Use the media to extend the impact of your AmeriCorps story. If a member of Congress is joining your program for a site visit or event, consider inviting local press to cover it. And if you can't get lawmakers or reporters to your program, you can still create an opportunity to share your story through an op-ed or letter to the editor.

Media coverage can help more people see the local impact of AmeriCorps and AmeriCorps Seniors, while reinforcing why continued federal investment in matters.

Voices has resources to help you get started:
🔹 FY27 Op-Ed Guide: https://bit.ly/VNSFY27Op-Ed
🔹 FY27 Letter to the Editor Guide: https://bit.ly/VNSFY27LTE

Look for one opportunity to use the media to amplify your AmeriCorps story this August recess.

08/25/2026

Reminder: As of August 31st, members will no longer have access to the newsletters, FGP/SCP and RSVP workshop links, calendar of events, etc. via Club Express.

To continue accessing member benefits, events, and resources, each member must create their own individual account on our new website. Please follow the steps below. (Please note: Unlike in the past, directors are no longer able to register on behalf of their staff. Each person must sign up individually.)

HOW TO CREATE YOUR ACCOUNT

1. Go to the website and click the "Join Today" tab. https://nacsatogether.wildapricot.org

2. Select "Basic NACSA Membership." (Please note that Alumni Membership is reserved for former or retired project staff only.)

3. Enter your email address and click Next.

4. Complete your membership form and click Next.

5. Choose your payment method:

• Invoice – if you are paying by check (the system will email you the invoice, or you can download it directly)

• Credit Card – if you prefer to pay online

6. Once you have completed the above steps, please check your email, including your spam/junk folder. You will receive your login information along with a temporary password. Please follow these instructions to log in.

To change your password after you have logged in with your temporary password there is an orange person at the top right, click on that and a pop up will show, select change password. You will need your temporary password to do this.

PLEASE NOTE: Your account will remain in pending status until payment is received. During this time, you will not have access to member-only pages or member-only event ticket types. However, you will still receive event announcements and email blasts.

If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact Carmela LaCommare at [email protected].

08/24/2026

08/20/2026

RSVP Projects, the FY27 RSVP Competition NOFO just dropped https://www.americorps.gov/funding-opportunity/fy-2027-americorps-seniors-rsvp

08/20/2026

Another great chance to check out what our programs are doing to build up their communities.

08/18/2026

AmeriCorps has created a new consolidate single handbook for all four AmeriCorps Seniors Programs. You can find it here, and the new AmeriCorps website

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