Connect with older members through a press release

Your press release may pack a bigger punch if you combine a recruitment pitch with a human interest story about an older member. That AmeriCorps members over 55 can give their Segal AmeriCorps Education Awards to a child, grandchild, or foster child provides an added incentive for retirees to serve (this benefit is not available to VISTAs).

This sample release was adapted from interviews with members of the ESD 112's Washington Reading Corps (Vancouver, WA). Some things to remember about creating your own release are:

• Include clear contact information
• Use active voice
• Describe a person or job that would interest your target audience