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Welcome to NPCA

The Hub of the Peace Corps Community

Mission & Goals

National Peace Corps Association (NPCA) is a mission-driven social impact organization that encourages and celebrates lifelong commitment to Peace Corps ideals. NPCA supports a united and vibrant Peace Corps community, including current and returned Peace Corps volunteers, current and former staff, host country nationals, family and friends in our efforts to create a better world. NPCA exists to fulfill three specific goals:

  1. Help the Peace Corps be the best it can be
  2. Empower members and affiliate groups to thrive
  3. Amplify the Peace Corps community’s global social impact

The bylaws, which were first established in July 1983 and later amended in June 2015, guide the work of NPCA’s dedicated board of directors and professional staff. NPCA operates on a hybrid revenue model balancing tax deductible donations from generous community members and corporate sponsors with income-generating activities that ensure financial sustainability.

In 2019, NPCA is celebrating its 40th anniversary with a vibrant community of over 230,000 individuals and more than 180 affiliate groups.

NPCA & Peace Corps — What’s the Difference?

Peace Corps is a U.S. government agency created on March 1, 1961 via Executive Order 10924 issued by President John F. Kennedy. Peace Corps promotes world peace and friendship by fulfilling three goals:

  1. Help the people of interested countries in meeting their need for trained men and women
  2. Help promote a better understanding of Americans on the part of the peoples served
  3. Help promote a better understanding of other peoples on the part of Americans.

As of 2017, Peace Corps had about 7,000 Volunteers and trainees spread across 63 countries and an annual budget of $410 million.

NPCA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that serves the entire Peace Corps community, encouraging and celebrating their lifelong commitment to Peace Corps ideals and building their capacity to make a profound difference in the world. By design, Peace Corps and NPCA have a close and cordial relationship that fosters mutual respect and understanding. Yet, at appropriate times and when compelled by the community, NPCA exercises its independence and challenges the Peace Corps, publicly and privately, to reform its policies and procedures. This dynamic fosters a spirit of healthy debate and democratic disruption that betters Peace Corps, NPCA, and the community at large.

Join

From perks like access to global jobs to connecting with others who share a passion for making an impact, there are countless benefits to being a part of the NPCA network. Best yet, it’s free.

Free Membership

Everyone in the Peace Corps community, including currently serving and returned Peace Corps Volunteers, current and former Peace Corps staff, host country nationals, family and friends, and anyone who shares the Peace Corps ideals can join for free. Joining NPCA assures voting rights, access to myriad benefits and resources, communication on important issues and events, and pride in being a part of a growing movement.

Supporters

Check out special programs and opportunities our partners offer Returned Peace Corps Volunteers and National Peace Corps Association members!