Tilan Copson, PIO
Major projects completed:
- Planned and supported staff with general website updates.
- Supported Executive Committee, attended meeting and took minutes.
- Supported Policy TF, attended meetings and helped with communication related requests.
- Assisted in preparations, including prep meeting, handouts and attended site visit between Congressional delegates and the ALAN AmeriCorps program on April 15th as organized by the Policy TF.
- Wrote press release for GSA event and coordinated with Governor's office.
- Coordinated with Congressional delegation for representation at the GSA event.
- Prepared for GSA event: planning, logistics, ordered awards, designed and printed program/display posters and sent out invitations to attendees.
- Pick up and delivery of GSA materials, gathering and organizing (staging) prior to event day.
- GSA Event day-of set-up, managed volunteers, coordinated MC and speakers, followed by cleanup/takedown.
- Multiple meetings with GSA committee and MVF team to manage costs of the event.
- Supported MVLC planning efforts.
- Attended monthly Commission Board meeting.
- Continued monitoring commission general email.
- Attended staff meetings, inter-office discussions to move pending issues forward.
- Managed press and media outreach to provide accurate and updated information about the AmeriCorps defunding/downsizing and subsequent termination letter.
- Drafted and vetted talking points for Commissioners regarding AC cuts/termination.
- Wrote and issued press released in collaboration with ED and Commissioners.
- Provided guidance and support to AC program managers across the state to gather impact stories and critical information for public distribution.
- Provided guidance as needed to Commission members in regards to VM communications, timing and tone.
- Supported new ED through media interactions on their first few days on the job.
- Participated in ASC meetings to obtain AC updates and changes at the federal level that impact commission activities.
- Collaborated with statewide partners to further amplify messaging and improve community connections.
Items to be aware of:
- Volunteer Maine needs to develop a crisis communications plan that outlines Commissioner roles, Communications TF support and staff participation. It also needs to develop a crisis committee that meets a few times a year to plan for various scenarios and develops rapid response protocols.
- Records assistant duties needs a sustainability plan developed with cross-trained staff.
- Public notice fulfillment process needs updating and a sustainability plan developed, cross-trained staff development.
Major focus of effort for the next month:
- Post-GSA effort: delivery of certificates, awards and pins to recipients who could not attend. Archives and financial management to ensure bills are paid. Event review. Website landing page for GSA awardees.
- Changes in AmeriCorps funding and operations will continue to cause disruptions that require frequent media outreach activities.
- Manage press, catalog media mentions and create awareness campaign to help keep the AmeriCorps crisis visible to state policymakers. Website FAQ page and social media #letthemserve toolkit.
- Continue to provide support to new Executive Director.
- Continue to provide guidance and support to staff and commissioners as VM navigates complex AC situation.