Advocate’s Guide to AmeriCorps & Appropriations FY2027
Your outreach helped secure FY26 funding for AmeriCorps – thank you for standing up for national service and the communities it serves. Because of strong engagement from programs, partners, alumni, and supporters across the country, Congress once again rejected efforts to eliminate AmeriCorps and maintained critical funding.
Now, Congress is beginning work on FY27 appropriations – and lawmakers need to hear directly from the people and communities who see the impact of AmeriCorps every day.
Voices for National Service is urging Congress to support at least $1.291 billion for AmeriCorps in FY27 to meet growing demand, restore capacity, and expand opportunities to serve.
If AmeriCorps has made a difference in your community, now is the time to share your story with your Members of Congress.
FY27 Resources to Share with Lawmakers (Updated Regularly)
Use these tools to communicate the impact of AmeriCorps and the importance of continued investment:
- Email Congress Tool – Send a message directly to your members of Congress; this tool includes pre-drafted language you can personalize with your experience and connection to AmeriCorps
- FY27 Appropriations One-Pager – Access a concise, shareable overview of our FY27 request and key messages; this resource is designed to be used in meetings with congressional offices
- Talking Points – We recommend using both sets of messages together – start with general impact and reinforce with current FY27 priorities
- General Talking Points – Use these to describe AmeriCorps’ impact, outcomes, and value across communities and issue areas.
- FY27 Talking Points – Use these when discussing current funding decisions, including the FY27 request and appropriations process. (Coming soon!)
- Social Media Toolkit – Ready-to-use posts to highlight impact and encourage continued support
How to Engage with Congress
These resources can help you effectively connect with lawmakers and share the value of AmeriCorps:
- Meet with Congress – Tips for scheduling and preparing for meetings in Washington or in your state/district
- Host a Service Site Visit – Invite your lawmakers to see AmeriCorps in action in your community
- Write a Letter-to-the-Editor (LTE) – Highlight local impact and recognize congressional support
- Write an Op-Ed – Share a broader perspective on why AmeriCorps matters
- Engage Locally – Build relationships and share impact stories in your community
This page is your “Advocate’s Guide to AmeriCorps and Appropriations.” It will be updated with new and refreshed resources and opportunities throughout the appropriations process.
If you have any questions or would like to discuss key messages or engagement opportunities, please contact Shanelle Oliver, Director of Advocacy & Outreach, at soliver2@cityyear.org.