Why Peace Corps Matters

“If the president proposed a program today that was cost-effective, inspired public service, trained Americans for 21st century jobs, strengthened our interests abroad, countered anti-American propaganda and had bipartisan support, we would consider it miraculous. Yet, we already have a program that does all those things.”

- Kevin Quigley, National Peace Corps Association President, Huffington Post 3/1/11

The Peace Corps has withstood the test of time and sent 200,000 Americans into the world over five decades who have brought the world home and continued to have a positive impact on their families, communities, and countries.

But it’s not just the policies and the programs, it’s the stories that we all have from times in our service. When we first had a full conversation in a brand new language with our neighbor. The smile a little kid gave us when we taught him to say an English word. The business cooperative that we helped to start with the women in our town. The student we taught in high school who became the first in his family to graduate from college. These are just some of the stories of why Peace Corps matters.

Through July 30, the National Peace Corps Association is running an essay contest to capture and highlight the best Enterprise Solutions to Poverty reduction that come from Peace Corps volunteers in the business community and beyond. NPCA also awards its annual Sargeant Shriver Award to outstanding Returned Peace Corps Volunteers who matter in their communities in a big way.

It matters when we listen to our coworkers instead of shout out the answers. When we are using our patience to wait for the bus at the stop that is running 24 minutes late. When we introduce ourselves to a crowd of strangers. When we can make good use of the smallest amount of resources. When we apply for a job to live overseas and state, been there, done that.

These are just some of the ways that Peace Corps matters. Share with us why it matters to you.

Why Peace Corps Matters – In the News

“There are very few programs today that can bring both parties together, yet the Peace Corps is popular with both Republicans and Democrats and enjoys bipartisan support in Congress. It’s also been touted by Presidents Ronald Reagan and Lyndon Johnson, George W. Bush and Barack Obama.”

- Kevin Quigley

Peace Corps: A Program for the 21st Century (Huffington Post)

Sarge, Sarge, Sarge (Huffington Post)

How the Peace Corps Trains Business Leaders

Sharing the Business Pursuits of RPCVs