2009: A Record Funding Increase for Peace Corps

In 2008, NPCA launched the “More Peace Corps Campaign”, a major effort to bring added exposure to the importance of the Peace Corps, with a goal of doubling the size of the Peace Corps by the 50th anniversary year and promoting initiatives to improve and embolden the agency.

The campaign helped engage thousands of members of the Peace Corps community.  Thousands signed an online petition to President-elect Obama urging him to follow through on his pledge to double the Peace Corps.  House parties were held to bring the community together and build momentum for action.  Media exposure and grassroots activism on Capitol Hill were all among the intensified efforts that took place during the campaign.  Lawmakers such as RPCV champion Sam Farr (D-CA) were instrumental in making the case for a bigger, better and bolder Peace Corps.

A major boost to the agency came late in 2009 when Congressman Farr announced that final agreement on the Fiscal Year 2010 federal budget would result in $400 million for the Peace Corps.  This $60 million increase in funding marked the largest single-year dollar increase for the agency in its nearly fifty year history.

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