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.