The NPCA has not supported the affiliate group whose newsletter I edit in any way that I can see. I can't imagine the 95-member group Friends of Gabon forking over any of our little money market account for an organization that doesn't know we exist. I think part of the NPCAs function should be to help affiliate groups increase our membership, thus our financial bases. I've asked and discovered (my letters to NPCA weren't answered - I had to call and write several times) that the NPCA will not sponsor even a 1/2 page ad in the newsletter featuring PC goods (it would be a simple marketing technique, of benefit to both parties). I think a "Welcome to New Newsletter Editors" pamphlet would be good, too. It would at least establish a connection. NPCA membership is pricey and offers little.

By anonymous on Tuesday, September 09, 2003 - 1:55 pm: Edit Post

NPCA is to be all politics. Most of what they do any RPCV can do for themselves.

By anonymous on Tuesday, September 09, 2003 - 1:56 pm: Edit Post

NPCA is all politics. Most of what they do any RPCV can do for themselves.

By Steve Manning on Thursday, September 11, 2003 - 9:18 pm: Edit Post

I really disagree with the last sentence in Darcy's comment. I think the World View magazine alone is nearly worth the price of membership. I personally like World View as it is. Not that there shouldn't be the type of publication John Coyne advocates, if I understand it correctly, but I do think the existing World View is a world class magazine which fills an otherwise nearly vacant niche, incidentally admirably furthering the "third goal". I suggest publicizing it as it is with the aim of increasing its circulation beyond the RPCV community. (Creating the type of publication John envisions in his proposed changes in the NPCA could be a worthy separate project.) Could the existing magazine be made available to the general public, including but not limited to libraries and educational institutions generally, thereby hopefully bringing in some income to the NPCA through increased subscription revenues from non NPCA members? How have other worthy "niche" type magazines gone about reaching wider audiences when they have succeeded in doing so?

Steve Manning

By bankass.com on Friday, September 12, 2003 - 5:19 am: Edit Post

There are too many board members who I have profound differences with. I will not join until Separated Peace Corps Veterans or issues like funding RPCV's is addressed. Darcy you are right.
Organizationally, how will they empower you without getting in your way as a group? Darcy, sounds like your organizational skills deserve funding from Mr. Hill and Mr. Dambach. Come on fellas anti up alittle of that power and money and stop talking about it. You have made your money off the Peace Corps, now open the door!

Mr. Hill, two volunteers at every site for safety. Remember.

This is why people don't join. Politics and being heard. Why should I give money to a group who does not respect our service. Why?