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National Peace Corps Association > News > Advocacy > Day of Action Reflections
Day of Action Reflections
By Jonathan Pearson on Tuesday, March 19th, 2013
Ethiopia RPCV and California Congressman John Garamendi (c), with NPCA President Glenn Blumhorst (l) and Board Chair Tony Barclay (r) at the kick off session for the 2013 National Day of Action
As one of the more than 90 advocates who participated in the Capitol Hill portion of this year’s National Day of Action put it:
“I enjoyed learning more about my elected officials, as well as advocating for the best job I ever loved. “
With key follow-up action on Peace Corps funding coming (be on the lookout for more details very soon) and Peace Corps Commemorative legislation introduced, we wanted to take one last look back at the day.
Follow this link for our photo album, or check out this video:
Here’s what some of the other participants said when asked to summarize their experience:
“Peace Corps is the program that works, that has worked for the past 52 years and it is important that our Senators and Representatives know it works and support it.”
Richard Roderick – Wells River Vermont (Jamaica 1974-77)
“RPCVs continued to make a difference by telling our story to congressional offices. Hopefully, our comments will give them a better understanding of the long term beneficial impact of the Peace Corps.”
Paul Murphy – Sherwood Forest Maryland (Malaysia 1971-73)
“We came with a sense of surrealism planning to ask for funding for Peace Corps from beleaguered staff trying to cope with draconian cuts brought on by sequester – and we found surprisingly friendly, supportive listeners to our pitch!”
Ann and Mike Moore – Evergreen Colorado (Togo 1962-64)
“It is encouraging and inspirational to see the bipartisan support for Peace Corps among our legislators and to see the deep commitment to Peace Corps among RPCVs of all decades. Peace Corps matters!”
Barbara Kelly – Kinnelon New Jersey (Senegal 1971-73)
“Great to talk about the issues and to feel that Peace Corps can-do spirit!”
Sharon Keld – Port Washington New York (Morocco/Philippines/Armenia 2006-11)
Tremendous thanks to the many advocates, volunteers and interns who helped us prepare and carry out the Capitol Hill portion of the Day of Action. Together, they provided well over 1,000 hours of volunteer service to the effort!
We hope you make plans to join us in 2014, when we hold our 10th Annual National Day of Action.
