Frequently Asked Questions

National Peace Corps Association

Donation FAQs

Thank you very much for considering a donation to NPCA. We could not have the success we have been having without your generous support.

Why should I give a gift to NPCA?

Why should I make a gift to NPCA above and beyond my membership?

Can I designate NPCA as a recipient to gifts from a party/life milestone?

What if I didn’t serve in the Peace Corps, or was not a member of the Peace Corps staff? Should I still make a gift to NPCA?

I work for a corporation that might be willing to get involved with NPCA. What are some of the possible opportunities?

I know of a foundation which may be interested in awarding NPCA a grant and would like to invite you to submit a LOI. To whom do I direct this information?

Is the Peace Corps still around?

Yes, around the world with more than 7,600 volunteers working in schools, fishing villages, crowded barrios, and desert communities in 76 countries. Since John Kennedy created a small federal agency to recruit, train and send volunteers overseas for two years of citizen service, nearly 200,000 Americans have worked and lived at ground level in 139 developing nations. To learn more, visit the Peace Corps website.

How do I join the Peace Corps?

Imagine life where there is no hot and cold running water, where the kids play soccer and call it football, where health is a daily pursuit, where there are people whose lives can be improved by something you know, where the night sky shows you more stars than you could ever imagine, and the oldest resident of the village could be your mentor. Visit the Peace Corps Website or call 1-800-424-8580; (choose option 1 to reach your local recruiting office) and see how you can become a Peace Corps volunteer. Your future may start in Uzbekistan, Guatemala, or Botswana. We did it and it changed our lives.

What’s an RPCV?

“RPCV” stands for Returned Peace Corps Volunteer. (We do like our acronyms in the Peace Corps!) It’s someone who spent a couple of years living in a yurt on the steppes of Mongolia, in a woven-grass tukul in the highlands of Ethiopia, or in a stilt house overlooking the Pacific. A neighbor, friend, relative, co-worker…who did it. Who traveled to the other side of the world to help a community in one of 139 nations where Peace Corps volunteers have served. And who has now returned to the States—but not retired.

Because RPCVS continue to serve, continue to share what they learned about life overseas, here at home. Enriching and strengthening our communities.

If you know a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer, tell him or her about the National Peace Corps Association, and show them this website.

If you are an RPCV, join us.

What’s the “Third Goal?”

On March 1, 1961, President Kennedy signed an executive order establishing the Peace Corps. On September 22, 1961, Congress approved the legislation that formally authorized the Peace Corps. Goals of the Peace Corps included:

helping the people of interested countries and areas meet their needs for trained workers;
helping promote a better understanding of Americans in countries where volunteers served; and
helping promote a better understanding of peoples of other nations on the part of Americans.

This third goal is sometimes described as “bringing the world home” and it’s the focus of the work of the National Peace Corps Association. When Volunteers, Returned Peace Corps Volunteers and friends of the Peace Corps support and engage in Third Goal activities, they create a more peaceful world shaped by greater cross-cultural understanding and lifelong engagement at home and abroad.

Peace Corps and the National Peace Corps Association. What’s the difference?

First you join the Peace Corps. Go to work for a couple of years in a developing community in Africa, Latin America, the Pacific Islands, Asia, Eastern Europe or the Middle East. It is a life-changing experience and, as they say, “The Toughest Job You’ll Ever Love.” When you come home, join the National Peace Corps Association and help your U.S. neighbors to value the communities where we all served. (Free membership in your first year back!) As U.S. citizens building your careers and your families here at home, you also become constituents for the country where you served, teach your friends and neighbors about the cultures and economics of distant places, build bridges through conflict, and find better ways to reduce poverty, disease, and war in an ever-changing world.

How can I get information about other countries?

The National Peace Corps Association offers you two ways to become familiar with the parts of the world often called the South, the less-industrialized, the turbulent, the poorest, the less-developed, the most fascinating places on earth. Many of our members also belong to country of service groups, such as Friends of Kenya, or Friends of Colombia. See here for a list of our country of service groups and follow the links to groups with their own web sites. Our magazine, WorldView, includes news and commentary from nations around the globe.

What does NPCA do with my information?

NPCA does not release any of the information we collect from membership applications, merchandise sales, donor cards, the internet, or any other source, except in restricted situations for the benefit of NPCA.

Please click here to read our full privacy policy.

How do I locate someone who served with the Peace Corps in the past?

The first place to look should be in the Social Network managed by NPCA. *Please note that to search that list, individuals must first sign up and create their own profile.

If that search does not help to locate the person, you could try contacting the “Friends of” group or other groups for that person’s country of Peace Corps service.

NPCA last published a directory of the Peace Corps Community in December 2008. Information in that directory is accessible only to those individuals and NPCA member groups who purchased the directory. NPCA does not otherwise share information on individuals from its database, except as outlined in its privacy policy.

How do I find other RPCVs in my area?

NPCA member groups are in communities across the United States, so the first step is to check for such geographic groups in your area here. You can also use those links to connect with NPCA member groups based on countries of Peace Corps service here.

If there is no geographic group in your area or if you are outside the United States, you may do a search on members in our Social Network. Please note that to search that list, individuals must first create their own profile in the system.

Another idea: Buy some Peace Corps logo merchandise from our online store and wear it when you attend events in your community. You’ll be surprised how many people approach you and share their Peace Corps connection!

My child is serving in the Peace Corps. Should I become a member of NPCA?

Yes! Joining the National Peace Corps Association is a great way to stay in touch with what is happening with Peace Corps volunteers in your child’s country of service and get connected to others who have family serving overseas. We have special items in our online store that you might want to purchase as great keepsakes, too.

Peace Corps Connect and NPCA Social Network – What’s the difference?

Peace Corps Connect is a site full of information about the National Peace Corps Association itself and its activities. Our Social Network is an online community where you can create a user profile and begin reaching out to other people who have profiles on the site. This is site for people in the Peace Corps community, so it’s a great place to connect with others who share your Peace Corps values. You can find out what different regional and country of service groups are doing on this site by searching for them under the “Groups” tab.

How can I find out what’s happening in my area for the 50th Anniversary of Peace Corps from 2010 to 2011?

For all 50th Anniversary related information go to our 50th Page.

Do NPCA’s advocacy efforts on behalf of Peace Corps really make a difference?

Absolutely. In 2009 NPCA helped secure a $60 million Peace Corps funding increase – the largest single year dollar increase in Peace Corps history. You can learn more about our advocacy efforts here.

I want to talk about my Peace Corps service with others in my community. Where should I find resources?

There are a lot of ways to give back to your community groups, schools, and other organizations who are interested in Peace Corps service. One of the best ways to find out about people who are interested in hearing your stories is through your local NPCA Member Group. We also have places on our website to talk about your service.

What is the difference between Africa Rural Connect and Peace Corps Connect?

Africa Rural Connect is a program that is supported by NPCA to give people who served in Africa an opportunity to share their experiences by discussing ideas with the African Diaspora, other development workers, and leaders. It focuses on agricultural development in Sub-Saharan Africa and awards seed funding to the best ideas. Your Africa Rural Connect profile is different from your profile on NPCA’s Ning Community, since they are two different sites.

Membership FAQs

How Do I Join NPCA?

Everyone is welcome to join NPCA! We welcome Returned Peace Corps Volunteers, current and former Peace Corps Staff, as well as families of RPCVs, families of serving volunteers and other friends of the Peace Corps. We particularly encourage newly-returning PCVs and anyone who has never before been a member of the National Peace Corps Association to take advantage of their first year of membership free!

You may join by following the instructions here.

Or print and fill out Membership Form 2012 and mail it to:

National Peace Corps Association

1900 L Street, NW

Suite 610

Washington, DC 20036

If you have any questions, please send an email to Membership Coordinator, Emily Bello.

How Do I Join NPCA Member Groups?

Many of NPCA’s member groups offer a dues-paying membership option. Interested individuals may pay those dues through NPCA here or directly through the member group here. Most NPCA member groups also provide a social networking option via NPCA’s Social Network.

If I have a profile on NPCA’s Social Network am I a member of NPCA?

No. In order to become a member of NPCA you must follow the instructions under “How Do I Join NPCA?” above.

Communications FAQs

Who publishes WorldView magazine?

WorldView magazine is published by NPCA and is a benefit of NPCA membership. Serving Peace Corps Volunteers receive WorldView courtesy of the U.S. Peace Corps. We welcome written submissions and photos covering people, events, or issues that impact communities where Peace Corps Volunteers have served, as well as stories about how Peace Corps and the ethos of volunteerism continue to make a difference at home and around the world. Click here for submission guidelines. Send letters to the editor to Erica Burman.

How do I share a personal career or community service achievement?

We love to hear about recent professional and community service activities by returned Peace Corps Volunteers and former Peace Corps staff! Include country and years of service and an e-mail or phone contact for confirmation. Send with ACHIEVE in the subject line to alumninews@peacecorpsconnect.org.

I have a film, book, product or service with a connection to the Peace Corps that I would like NPCA to promote to the Peace Corps Community. How can NPCA help me or promote my product/service?

NPCA recognizes the impressive range of products and services the community produces. There are a number of ways that you can tell the Peace Corps community about your product or service. One use NPCA’s social media sites to promote your work. Those outlets include our Social Network, LinkedIn, Facebook page, and Twitter as well as online and print online advertising options.

I have a story idea for your News section. What should I do?

If you have a story about a reunion, member group activity, or other Returned Peace Corps-related newsworthy person or happening, contact Director of Communications, Erica Burman. We will work with you to craft a short article to post to NPCA’s Polyglot blog. To get a sense of the style of the blog please read some past posts. Submitted text should be approximately 250-400 words long. Include at least one sharp photo, horizontal orientation, with a width of at least 580 pixels.

How do I get a back issue of WorldView magazine?

If you would like to read a back issue of WorldView, check the archives listing on the WorldView magazine page. If you would like to purchase a back issue, we have very limited numbers of hard copies in our office. Please email news@peacecorpsconnect.org with your request. If the issue you are seeking is available, send a check for $8.00 to National Peace Corps Association, 1900 L Street, NW. Suite 610, Washington, DC 20036 or email emily@peacecorpsconnect.org to arrange a credit card payment.

Where is the media coverage for Peace Corps and the NPCA? Do they get local or national press attention?

NPCA and Peace Corps are constantly mentioned in the mainstream media. NPCA keeps a list of all of its media hits on the Press page here. Additionally, all major media hits are posted to the NPCA Facebook and Twitter pages. Follow these resources for instant updates.

Donation FAQs

Thank you very much for considering a donation to NPCA. We could not have the success we have been having without your generous support.

Why should I give a gift to NPCA

We understand that making a gift is an intensely personal decision; however, there are many reasons to give to NPCA and we are grateful that you are considering making an investment in our programs. The overriding reason why you should make a gift is that your gift will advance activities and programs embodying the spirit of the Peace Corps and help the entire community by bringing the Third Goal to life.

Why should I make a gift to NPCA above and beyond my membership?

NPCA strives to add continuously engaging programming to the community and this additional support allows us to achieve this goal. Your membership dues of $35 only cover your subscription to WorldView. Enriching and engaging programming, such as Africa Rural Connect, Advocacy, Global Education, and future global community projects) require additional funds beyond your dues. By becoming a member and making a donation you help to strengthen NPCA and enrich the whole community.

Can I designate NPCA as a recipient to gifts from a party/life milestone?

Yes, NPCA will gladly accept gifts on behalf of many major life milestones such as weddings, birthdays, anniversary, graduations, memorials and births.

What if I didn’t serve in the Peace Corps, or was not a member of the Peace Corps staff? Should I still make a gift to NPCA?

Yes, the activities of NPCA are not limited to people directly affiliated with the Peace Corps. The mission of serving others, learning about new cultures and sharing those experiences with those around you is universal. Given the global nature of our community we can all embrace the spirit of these activities and everyone who values the Peace Corps is welcome to contribute.

I work for a corporation that might be willing to get involved with NPCA. What are some of the possible opportunities?

You can always ask your company to match your annual fund donation to NPCA. Your company can also consider purchasing advertising space in WorldView magazine or on the website or enewsletter. The Next Step Job Finder offers an opportunity for your company to post job announcements. Additionally, NPCA has sponsorship opportunities for its Annual Gathering. For more information regarding corporate activity please contact Anne Baker.

I know of a foundation which may be interested in awarding NPCA a grant and would like to invite you to submit a LOI To whom do I direct this information?

Please submit these requests to Anne Baker.