Answering Your Questions About NPCA’s New Membership Model 1.
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Why are we making these changes? •
The new dues-free membership model is consistent with our vision of a united and vibrant Peace Corps community. The traditional model limits interaction and engagement primarily to dues-paying members. The new model embraces a broader, more diverse, and more inclusive community.
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The NPCA is community-driven. The NPCA has struggled to maintain membership levels. We listened to your input, and devised a model that welcomes everyone as members and offers the opportunity to engage at the level of their choice.
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Our Peace Corps community is all about making an impact. As the NPCA becomes increasingly mission-driven, the new membership model enables each of us to contribute to real and positive impact as Mission Partners.
When will the changes take effect? •
As of November 1, 2015, the NPCA is no longer collecting annual NPCA membership dues.
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As of January 1, 2016, all individuals for whom we have accurate contact information are NPCA members.
How will I be affected under the new model? •
If you are a current dues-paying member, you will be automatically enrolled as an NPCA Mission Partner on January 1, 2016, and continue to receive the same benefits.
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If you are a lapsed dues-paying member, you will automatically become a basic member on January 1, 2016, provided we have an accurate record of your contact information in our database.
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If you are a first-year free or serving Peace Corps Volunteer member, your membership will continue uninterrupted until January 1, 2016, at which time you will become a current basic member.
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If you are not now a member of NPCA, you will be considered a basic member and extended the corresponding benefits (see chart on page 3) once you create a record in the NPCA database.
National Peace Corps Association Page 1 of 3 NPCA New Membership Model – for individual members
as of 10/27/2015 www.peacecorpsconnect.org
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If I’m not a PCV, RPCV, current staff, or former staff, may I still be a member of the NPCA? •
Yes! Membership in the NPCA is complimentary for everyone in the Peace Corps community - serving Peace Corps Volunteers, Returned Peace Corps Volunteers, current Peace Corps staff, former Peace Corps staff, host country nationals and anyone who shares Peace Corps ideals, so long as we have accurate service and/or contact information for you.
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Whatever your membership status may be, now or in the future, you may choose whichever level of engagement you prefer. We welcome your financial support as a Mission Partner.
How will my local affiliate group be affected by the new model? •
These changes do not affect your membership with an NPCA affiliate group (such as Friends of Guatemala or Central Missouri Peace Corps Association).
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If you pay affiliate group dues through the NPCA, we will continue to collect and remit dues, as applicable, on behalf of your affiliate group.
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Many affiliate groups are transitioning to a similar model, as discovered by our research and assessment of membership model options.
How will the NPCA make up the losses sustained when you no longer collect dues? •
Our research shows that most people today prefer to support causes rather than join organizations. Thus, we anticipate that the NPCA will receive greater financial support in the form of contributions to support our new mission-driven programs than we did in the form of annual dues.
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Your financial support as a Mission Partner of the NPCA will help offset the cost of providing dues-free basic membership, as well as contributing to our mission impact.
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Everyone can be a philanthropist! Through the Peace Corps Community Fund, which encompasses all the NPCA’s programmatic work, your financial support as a Mission Partner will help increase our development impact on the countries served by the Peace Corps, help RPCVs thrive at home, and make the Peace Corps the best that it can be.
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For your tax-deductible gift of $50 or more, the NPCA will recognize you as a Mission Partner and extend special privileges based on your giving level. Please see the chart on page 3 for details.
What are the benefits provided under the new membership policy? •
All NPCA members receive access to basic programs and services, including digital newsletters, transition assistance programs, member discounts, and our jobs board.
National Peace Corps Association Page 2 of 3 NPCA New Membership Model – for individual members
as of 10/27/2015 www.peacecorpsconnect.org
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NPCA members may elect to receive add-on benefits, such as partner discounts and WorldView magazine, for a modest fee.
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Mission Partners are recognized by level of gift—Supporter, Sustainer, Leader, Shriver Circle (Gold, Silver and Platinum), and Founders’ Circle—with enhanced privileges.
Will a prorated amount of my paid dues be refunded if my current membership ends in mid- 2016? •
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No, you will simply convert to a Mission Partner on January 1, 2016, and remain at that status until one year has passed since your membership was started.
Will I still receive my WorldView magazine? •
If you continue as a basic member, you may add a WorldView magazine subscription for $25/year.
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If you enlist as a Mission Partner with an annual contribution of $50 or more, you will continue to receive a quarterly WorldView magazine without additional charge.
10. Who should I contact with questions regarding this new membership model? •
NPCA staff are available to respond to your questions and comments.
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Call us at 202-293-7728 extension18.
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Write to
[email protected].
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We welcome your feedback.
National Peace Corps Association Page 3 of 3 NPCA New Membership Model – for individual members
as of 10/27/2015 www.peacecorpsconnect.org
