NORVA-Northern Ohio Returned Volunteer Association

07/23/2026

July's East Side Ice Cream Social Meet-Up. Thank you to George for organizing. It was fun to meet everyone's +1s 😁

07/17/2026

Thank you for coming out last night to our monthly cultural dinner at Pupuseria La Bendicion. A big thanks to Becca for selecting the spot, setting up our non-reservation reservation 😁 and managing RSVPs. Another big thanks to Christy and Jared for their suggestions and guidance on menu picks. A final thanks to Sara for sharing the picture.

Hope to see you at the next NORVA event!

07/15/2026

UPDATE: The Perry amendment was withdrawn from House Bill 8595. Good news!!!!

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ALERT: Representatives Need to Hear from You Today

The House of Representatives is scheduled to begin floor debate and votes today on the National Security, Department of State and Related Programs appropriations bill for Fiscal Year 2027, House Bill 8595 (H.R. 8595). Activity will include brief debates and eventual roll call votes on as many as 29 amendments, including Pennsylvania Representative Scott Perry's amendment calling for the elimination of ALL $410.5 million proposed for the Peace Corps in FY 2027.

Please visit NPCA's Action Center, and reach out to Congress today, expressing strong opposition to the Perry amendment. Nearly 8,000 messages have been sent so far. Send another message, and follow up with a call (you can find your Representatives' phone numbers by entering your address in the Action Center under "Find Your Local Officials").

The House is scheduled to begin its session at 11:00 AM Eastern. You can watch proceedings on C-Span here: https://live.house.gov/

Now is not the time to wait and see what happens. Make your voices heard today!

Contact your Representatives: https://www.peacecorpsconnect.org/npca-advocacy/email-congress/

07/01/2026

Apart from the ice cream melting a minute after stepping outside, it was a perfect night for this month's ice cream social. Thanks all for coming out!

06/29/2026

Thank you to everyone who came out to Re:Source to serve a community meal. The weather was great and we had a lot of conversation and connection.

Looking forward to seeing people tomorrow at the June ice cream social - 7pm, Mason's Creamery, 4401 Bridge Ave. on the westside of Cleveland.

06/26/2026

ADVOCACY UPDATE from the National Peace Corps Association

On Thursday at 1pm EDT, the leadership of the House of Representatives announced the cancellation of votes on several bills, including the international affairs appropriations bill (H.R. 8595). Debate on the bill was slated to include consideration and a floor vote on Representative Scott Perry's (PA) amendment ( #137), which calls for eliminating all funding for the Peace Corps in Fiscal Year 2027.

This decision followed a news conference held by members of the House Freedom Caucus, who stated their opposition to advancing legislation until Congress passes the SAVE America Act, regarding voting regulations. The Senate is currently scheduled to be out of town for the next two weeks, and while the House may return to floor work on Monday, it is possible they will be in recess through July 11.

Please continue reaching out to Congress using the action below, as the Perry amendment will still be expected to be debated and voted on when the international appropriations bill is eventually considered.

https://www.peacecorpsconnect.org/npca-advocacy/email-congress/. (Note: messages are not being sent to Senators; this amendment is only in the House).

06/25/2026

UPDATED (6/24): ‼️A critical threat to Peace Corps funding is moving through the House of Representatives right now. Rep. Scott Perry (R-PA) has filed Amendment #137, which would eliminate the Peace Corps' entire $410.5 million appropriation.

The House Rules Committee has included the amendment in the bill going to the House floor, which we anticipate will be up for a consideration on Thursday, June 25th.

Contact your Representatives today and ask them to oppose any effort to eliminate funding for the Peace Corps.

Click here to take action now: bit.ly/take-action-2026

UPDATED (6/24): ‼️A critical threat to Peace Corps funding is moving through the House of Representatives right now. As the House prepares to consider H.R. 8595, the FY27 National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs (NSRP) appropriations bill, Rep. Scott Perry (R-PA) has filed Amendment #137, which would eliminate the Peace Corps' entire $410.5 million appropriation.

The House Rules Committee has included the amendment in the bill going to the House floor, which we anticipate will be up for a consideration on Thursday, June 25th.

Contact your Representatives today and ask them to oppose any effort to eliminate funding for the Peace Corps. (Note: This legislation is currently only in the House; there is no action currently in the Senate). Help us pass 5,000 letters sent by Thursday.

Click here to take action now: bit.ly/take-action-2026

05/15/2026

We hope to see you at our Annual Meeting this Saturday, May 16 at 3pm at Goldhorn in Cleveland!

Join us for NORVA’s annual meeting and nomination party on Saturday, May 16 at Goldhorn Brewery located at 1361 East 55th Street in Cleveland. NORVA will elect new board members and provide updates on upcoming events and financials. Tentative schedule below: 3pm-4pm: Annual Meeting 4pm-6pm: Nomina...

04/21/2026

We are saddened to share this tragic loss in our RPCV community. Madeline and Harlen served together in Peace Corps Ukraine. This article includes details on calling hours and ways to support the family: https://www.cantonrep.com/story/news/local/2026/04/19/vigil-sam-rife-green-boy-son-of-pastor/89691245007/?utm_campaign=trueanthem&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook #

Sam Rife, who died Saturday, was the son of J. Harlen Rife, pastor of the Greensburg United Methodist Church, and his wife Madeline.