(L to R) Former Senator Harris Wofford and Congressman Tom Petri were panelists at the Peace Corps 50th Anniversary event hosted by the Center for Strategic and International Studies.

Even though the anniversary is technically over, The Center for Strategic & International Studies celebrated fifty years of Peace Corps this week with a panel discussion on the successes and challenges facing the agency. The panel included Peace Corps architect and former Pennsylvania Senator Harris Wofford, current Peace Corps Director Aaron Williams, as well as Congressmen Sam Farr (D-CA) and Tom Petri (R-WI).

One of the topics discussed was the formative nature of international service. For Senator Wofford, the Peace Corps is an important tool towards ensuring better governance: “JFK was right, Americans need to understand the world to inform better foreign policy.”

Aside from creating engaged citizens, the program is also instrumental in encouraging a more favorable perception of the US abroad. Williams, Farr and Petri – all being Returned Peace Corps Volunteers – recounted how delighted they were when their service revealed ample amounts of admiration for the United States.  Congressman Petri stressed that “Peace Corps volunteers represent the American people, not the American government. This has been an important element of their success.” It has been an important element that though difficult to replicate, “embraces

Advocacy Intern Alejandro Castano with Congressman Farr (D-CA).

the highest ambitions of the US and our belief in what is possible.”

The Peace Corps’ success has been visible. “The international development world is now headed in the direction that the Peace Corps has always been,” remarked Senator Wofford.” Similarly, the Peace Corps is working more directly with the business community. According to Director Williams, “Corporate leaders want the skills Peace Corps volunteers develop, like “cultural agility.” Williams added closer cooperation with local organizations is also being developed in order to increase the sustainability of Peace Corps projects. “We want to build up global partnerships with international organizations working on development.”

On the other hand, budgetary concerns are making advocates weary of possible cuts to funding. “We need to capture the spirit and imagination of our people and in order to do that we need the resources,” admits Williams.  “If we want to sell ideas [like freedom and democracy] we have to speak the language of the buyer” added Congressman Farr. “Host country demand is the best market survey of the Peace Corps, and it’s always increasing.” But, said Williams, even if funding were increased, the demand is so high, it would be difficult to meet.

Congressman Petri suggested the agency could adjust to new budgetary priorities through innovative programs, such as linking volunteers with organizations that need them on shorter assignments, without as much organizational investment. However, with 2012 elections approaching, Congressman Farr offered an alternative proposal: “Don’t elect anyone who isn’t willing to double funding to the Peace Corps.”

The Peace Corps has become so respected worldwide that it now serves as a model for new agencies around the world. Japan, South Korea, the African Union and others are organizing volunteer efforts along similar lines. This appreciation has lead to new collaborations. The Peace Corps and its Korean equivalent are discussing ways to collaborate on a shared project in Nepal. “The Peace Corps is the Gold Standard for volunteer corps,” said Williams.

Thanks to Alejandro Castano for preparing this update.

Sara Jacobson, Ilidio and Diana Sacramento, Sinu Nutakki, Nancy Ponting, George McLaughlin, and Sarah Medvitz at brunch

RPCVs have amazing stories to share, whether it’s on the impact of their work in service, the traditions and foods they encountered, the people they met or the never-ending toilet or tropical disease stories. So, any time you get a group together – even those who have never before met – the conversation never lags. Such was the case when 15 RPCVs and former staff met with me over brunch in Orlando this month.

Jessica Schendeman, Kevin Freer, Maritza Carmona and Jodi Kiely

Jessica Schwendeman (Niger 2010-2011) had been home exactly one year to the day. As Jessica recalled her evacuation from Niger, Jodi Kiely (Kyrgyzstan 2000-2001) could relate to her similar removal from Kyrgyzstan in 2001. Diana Sacramento (Gabon 1982-1984) and her husband Ilidio talked excitedly about their Third Goal projects when they were part of the Cincinnati Area Returned Volunteers – and that resonated with Sinu Nutakki’s (Guatemala 1992-1994) experience with Minnesota Returned Peace Corps Volunteers. Others had group leadership experience as well: George McLaughlin (Malawi 1986-1988 and Lesotho 1989-1990) was one of the founders of the Southeast Michigan RPCVs (SEMI RPCVs) and Kevin Freer (Lesotho 1976-1978) is the current president of Friends of Lesotho.

Sara Jacobson with Ilidio and Diana Sacramento

Each person had a different story as to how they were in Orlando, but none went back as far as that of Roger Wangsness and Janet and Mark Line. Roger, Janet and Mark all went to the same high school in South Dakota in the 1950s. (Yes, you read that right!) Roger joined Peace Corps first, volunteering in East Pakistan (now Bangladesh 1962-1964), then working on staff in Pakistan (1966-1967) and Iran (1967-1971). It was at that last posting that he met Genna, who was a PCV (Iran 1965-1967) and is now his wife. Fast forward thirty years, when Janet and Mark served in Slovakia (1997-1999). Best friends for years, both couples are now reunited in central Florida.

Janet and Mark Line with Roger Wangsness

Thank you, Sarah Medvitz (Nigeria 1967-1969), for coordinating our brunch. Everyone had a great time and wants to stay connected! Watch for future updates from Central Florida (and perhaps the stories of the rest of the attendees!).

Have a story to share of your group meeting? Send it along with a photo!

RPCVs go with the flow. NPCA Vice President Anne Baker improvises before the move.

Our lease is up, but we’re not moving far.

Tomorrow, January 24, we’ll be moving upstairs in our current building. Our new address will be: National Peace Corps Association, 1900 L Street N.W., Suite 610, Washington, DC  20036. The only thing that is changing is our suite number; our phone numbers and email addresses remain the same.  Our new space will have a conference area as well as a “lounge” for current and returned RPCVs to stop by.  Same size, better layout, more windows. We’re excited!

Due to the move, we will be off-line on Tuesday.  Thank you in advance for your patience.

UPDATE: As of 10:00 am this morning (1/23), the NPCA phones are NOT working.  To reach us, please rely on email or social media.

]]> http://www.peacecorpsconnect.org/2012/01/were-moving/feed/ 1 http://www.peacecorpsconnect.org/2012/01/ride-for-your-life-costa-rica/ http://www.peacecorpsconnect.org/2012/01/ride-for-your-life-costa-rica/#comments Wed, 18 Jan 2012 22:01:55 +0000 Guest Contributor http://www.peacecorpsconnect.org/?p=16193

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Ten Costa Rican Peace Corps Volunteers and four Peace Corps staff met in San José de Upala the evening of January. 5, 2012 and prepared for a 5-day, 375 km. bike ride that would take them from the Nicaraguan border, through the center of the country, and then down to the Panama border along the Caribbean coast. Along the way, Volunteers planned to give talks in their communities on living healthy lifestyles, getting exercise, and eating right.

Thanks to the support from their Country Director, Steve Dorsey, they had two support vehicles that shadowed the two different groups, one with biking experience and one without.

The first day, they biked from the Nicaragua border, through Upala to Monterrey. It was an intense ride, as many bikers had never experienced the intensity of the hills and the constant wind and rain. All made it safely late in the afternoon and prepared for the 2^nd day, a trip that would take them to Venecia. On day 3, they rode down windy roads through beautiful towns to Guápiles at which point, for safety reasons, Volunteers were loaded onto a bus to Limón. Staff then loaded all 12 bikes into the cars and headed to Limón to meet the Volunteers a few hours later.

Day 4, the bikers left Limón and biked a short 50 kms. to Cahuita. Day 5, they biked from Cahuita to Sixaola, the town that bordered Panama.

From a safety and security perspective, it was a very successful trip with only one flat tire, a few bruises, and many aches and pains. It was great to have arrived at the Panama border with 10 Volunteers and 4 Peace Corps staff, all of who were grateful for the opportunity to have ridden for their lives in order to promote a healthy lifestyle.

Participants: (Peace Corps staff) Allegra Troiano, Alonso Quesada, José Cerdas, & Natalia Mora

Peace Corps Volunteers: Beth Dove, Katherine Kreuger, Julia Riddell, Ken Farrell, Kristin Lucas, Nicole Budzius, Eric Smith, Carmen Lavit, Allen Wang, Peter Plaas, Marissa Strniste and Julia Lockamy, (the two organizers)

Thanks to former NPCA board member Allegra Troiano (Senegal 80-82) for contributing this post.

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Bernard F. Blanche (65-67) recently published the book, Bonefish Bob: A Tribute, a tall tale biography of legendary fly fisherman, Robert E. Berger, which is available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble. Blanche is also the author of Iracema’s Footprint, and is working on a third book, Black Dad/White Dad.

CHINA, MONGOLIA, THAILAND

The San Marcos Education Foundation and the San Marcos High School Alumni Association recently honored Helen Lowman (Thailand 88-91) as a distinguished alumni. In addition to her Peace Corps service in Thailand, she has served as country director and associate director of the Peace Corps in China and as the acting country director in Mongolia. Lowman is currently the regional director for Peace Corps programs in the Europe, Mediterranean and Asia regions, which means she oversees programs in 22 countries. She has also worked for the Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission. Lowman has a master’s degree from the University of Denver.

ECUADOR

Sue Fritzke (82-85) has been named deputy superintendent for the East Bay national parks near San Francisco. These include Eugene O’Neill National Historic Site, John Muir National Historic Site, Port Chicago Naval Magazine National Monument and Rosie the Riveter/World War II National Historic Park. She began her National Park Service career in 1985 at Yosemite National Park. Fritzke has also worked at Mount Rainier National Park, Redwood National Park and Golden Gate National Recreation Area.

ECUADOR, HONDURAS

Richard Allen (Ecuador 64-66, Honduras 99-00) is on a mission to donate used bikes to day laborers in his town so they can get around town easier. He is a former sales engineer in the construction industry and has worked in commercial real estate. Allen has participated in numerous volunteer projects in Honduras, Nicaragua and post-Katrina New Orleans.

ETHIOPIA

Thomas Weck (65-67) is writing a series of children’s books with his son, Peter Weck. The books are about Lima Bear and his friends. Three books–The Megasaurus, The Cave Monster and How Back-Back Got His Name–are completed, though ten books are planned for the series. Each book includes information on how to extend the educational component of the book’s message and related activities. Thomas Weck is the former president of Louis Berger & Associates, a consulting firm. He is a graduate of Harvard Business School.

GABON

Bonnie Lee Black’s (96-98) book How to Cook a Crocodile: A Memoir with Recipes, received three awards from Gourmand International in the categories of Food Literature, African Cuisine (Gabon) and Charity and Community (North America). Black is an instructor at the University of New Mexico-Taos.

GUATEMALA

Niki Woodard (01-03) recently opened her own public relations and marketing firm, Spiral-PR, which offers a full suite of communication services. Prior to going into business for herself, Woodard was the communications and development director for Sequoia Riverlands Trust, a research associate with The Pew Research Center: Project for Excellence in Journalism, a research assistant at Georgetown University, an intern with Media Access Project and a news intern at the San Francisco Bay Guardian. She has a bachelor’s degree from the University of California, Berkeley, and a master’s degree from Georgetown University.

GUYANA, PAPUA NEW GUINEA, TANZANIA

Earl M. Brown, Jr. (Tanzania 64-66, 92-94; Guyana 02-04) has been hired by Livingstone College to establish the N.C. Study Abroad/Global Engagement, a consortium of North Carolina’s historically black colleges and universities meant to ensure more African American students study abroad and more faculty members spend time teaching outside the United States. He has worked in various capacities on four continents including positions as senior development planner for the Research Triangle Institute, director of the Office of Program and Field Operations for the African Development Foundation and country director for the Peace Corps in Guyana and Papua New Guinea. Brown worked at Elizabeth City State University from 1988 to 1998, where he helped design and implement a study abroad consortium. He has written several articles and authored a chapter in International Handbook on Land Use Planning. Brown has a master’s degree from Hunter College CUNTY and has done doctoral study as the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

NIGERIA

Floyd Sandford (64-66) recently hiked 56 miles in five days in northern England; 48 of those miles were along Hadrian’s Wall. The retired Coe College professor hiked alone from west to east. He is currently planning a hike along the Superior Trail from Duluth, Minn., to the Canadian border. Sandford is the author of African Odyssey.

PERU

Mosaicist Isaiah Zagar (64-67) created folk art all around Philadelphia when he returned from the Peace Corps. One of his projects involved taking a rowhouse on South Street and covering it with mosaics—more than 3,000 square feet worth—including pieces of mirror and original poetry. This is now known as Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens, which was noted by The New York Times as one of the top five attractions in the city.

THAILAND

Thomas Rhoden (05-07) is the most recent author to research and write a travel guide for the new publishing house, Other Places Publishing. Writing under the pen name T.F. Rhoden, he has published five Southeast Asia-inspired books including his most recent, Chiang Mai and Northern Thailand. One of his books is on the Thai language and another is on the Burmese language. Rhoden also has an edited collection of letters from Burmese refugees and a book of literary fiction entitled The Village. He is currently pursuing his doctorate degree at Northern Illinois University and hopes to establish a career in academia. Rhoden currently resides outside of Chicago.

NPCA Advocates met Congressman Russ Carnahan (D-MO) during last year's National Day of Action

It’s becoming a rite of spring.  Just as sure as the Cherry Blossoms will soon return in Washington, advocates of the National Peace Corps Association will return to Capitol Hill this March 1st during Peace Corps Week.

But that’s only half the story and – depending on you – the smaller half of the story behind the 8th Annual National Day of Action in Support of the Peace Corps.

The Day of Action is designed so that even if you can’t join us in Washington, you can still take part.  On Thursday March 1st, we want all supporters of the Peace Corps community to take five or ten minutes to make a phone call, write a letter, send an email, send a fax.  We will provide you with the key action items and materials you will need to take quick, effective action.

And while you are taking action from home, dozens of advocates will be visiting every congressional office to reinforce the messages you are sending.

Last year, we had 50 advocates on Capitol Hill, participating in more than 100 formal meetings and lots of informal, face-to-face interactions with Senators, Congressmen/women and their staff.

Can we get 75 advocates to the Hill this March 1st?

If you can join us in Washington, your first step is to contact  advocacy@peacecorpsconnect.org to let us know you can attend (Note:  the Day of Action will start early in the morning and run throughout the day).

March is an important time to make your voice heard.  It will mark the start of the Fiscal Year 2013 consideration of Peace Corps funding.  And, we will want to continue on the great work from last year and pass Peace Corps commemorative legislation.

Check out this video from last year’s Day of Action.

Stay up to date by joining our National Day of Action Group on NPCA’s  social network, Connected Peace Corps.

Save the date and get ready to take action on March 1st!

Ambassador Sharma center, signs the Memorandum of Understanding while USAID Assistant Administrator for Asia Nisha Desai Biswal and Peace Corps Director Aaron Williams look on. (photo credit: Peace Corps)

January 10 was a “great day for the Peace Corps and the nation of Nepal,” according to Peace Corps Director Aaron Williams (Dominican Republic 67-70). The agency hosted a reception at Peace Corps headquarters to celebrate its re-entry into Nepal. Since the program’s start in 1962, over 4,000 Peace Corps Volunteers had served there, making it one of the leading countries for Peace Corps involvement. The program was suspended in 2004 for security reasons, but since that time the country has undergone a great deal of political change and stabilization, and is now delighted to welcome back Volunteers.

“All Nepal RPCVs are thrilled that the Peace Corps is returning to Nepal.” says Aaron Rome.  “It is especially gratifying for Friends of Nepal, the association of RPCVs who served in Nepal, because for the past 7 years our members have worked tirelessly to help make this day possible.” Rome leads the Friends of Nepal group.

Malcolm Odell (credit: Peace Corps)

Among the distinguished guests at the morning reception were Former U.S. Representative Jim Walsh (R-N.Y.)(Nepal 70-72), Nepali Ambassador Dr. Shankar P. Sharma, National Peace Corps Association President Kevin Quigley (Thailand 76-79), and many Returned Peace Corps Volunteers (RPCVs) who served in Nepal during its 42-year long program, including Malcolm J. Odell (Nepal, 62-64), a member of the first group to volunteer in the country in 1962. Also in attendance was Senator Harris Wofford, one of the original architects of the Peace Corps, and long-time supporter of the Nepal program.

In his remarks, Ambassador Sharma expressed his delight at the Nepal RPCVs’ capacity as goodwill ambassadors on behalf of Nepal. The reception also included remarks from many other important players in the arrangement, including Director Williams, Jim Walsh, and Senator Wofford. Concluding the event, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed by the Director, Ambassador Sharma, and USAID Assistant Administrator for Asia Nisha Desai Biswal. A garland was then presented to Ambassador Sharma as a token of good will.

Chief of Staff Stacey Rhodes congratulates the Ambassador (credit: Peace Corps)

“There’s something different about Nepal, something special” said Director Williams. Somewhat serendipitously, the first group of Volunteers to serve in Nepal in over eight years will arrive in the fiftieth anniversary year of Peace Corps involvement in the Himalayan nation.

“Peace Corps had a proud history in Nepal, helping to train teachers, build water systems and provide assistance in other ways to one of the world’s poorest but most magnificent countries,” says David Jarmul (Nepal 77-79), associate vice president, news and communications, Duke University.  “Nepal’s civil unrest forced Peace Corps to withdraw, but those of us who had the privilege of working there never stopped hoping for its return. This is wonderful news for both countries.”

You can read the Peace Corps press release here.

Thanks to Swarthmore College extern Morgan Williams for this blog post.

Former Peace Corps Staff and Current U.S. Senator Jay Rockefeller (D-WV) meets with NPCA advocates last September 22nd - fifty years to the day of President Kennedy's signing the Peace Corps Act into law

As 2012 marks the beginning of the next fifty years of Peace Corps service, here’s a look back at National Peace Corps Association (NPCA) advocacy activities during the just completed 50th anniversary year.

We Remember Sarge:  The 50th anniversary year sadly began with the January 18th passing of Peace Corps’ founding Director and 20th century American icon Sargent Shriver.  NPCA collected messages of condolence from the Peace Corps community that were delivered to the Shriver family.

Hundreds of Advocacy Meetings:  Over the course of 2011, NPCA advocates and staff held well over 500 meetings with congressional offices.  The largest number of face-to-face meetings in many years were supported by several key initiaitives.

7th Annual National Day of Action:  This annual event promoting phone calls and

Northern California RPCVs meet with Congressman Mike Thompson last September

emails during Peace Corps Week was further supported by fifty-one advocates from 17 states who took part in 105 meetings on Capitol Hill.

August District Advocacy Days:  In NPCA’s first coordinated effort to mobilize for district based advocacy meetings, advocates in at least 14 states conducted at least 25 meetings with their members of Congress during the August recess.

50th Anniversary Capitol Hill Advocacy Day:  An estimated 500 advocates – representing virtually every state in the nation and all eras of Peace Corps service – converged on Capitol Hill fifty years to the day of final passage and signing of the 1961 Peace Corps Act into law.  Wearing buttons saying “Ask Me Why the Peace Corps Matters”, the advocates held more than 300 meetings asking lawmakers to honor the past, present and future of the Peace Corps.

Level Funding for Peace Corps:  Led by congressional champions and supported by advocates, Peace Corps funding was spared the worst of potential budget cuts during a difficult fiscal environment.  The agency did see its funding cut 6.8 percent in Fiscal Year 2011, but heavy advocacy helped prevent further cuts for the current Fiscal Year.

Passage of Kate Puzey Peace Corps Volunteer Protection Act:  RPCVs organized to strengthen Peace Corps’ response and support of volunteers subjected to sexual assault and other forms of violence.  They worked with lawmakers and agency officials to pass legislation designed to improve safety and security.  The legislation was one of the areas of focus during NPCA’s August District Advocacy Days and 50th Anniversary Capitol Hill Advocacy Day in September.

Advancing Peace Corps Commemorative Legislation:  For the second consecutive

Supporters of a Peace Corps Commemorative sign petitions in Raleigh, North Carolina

year, the House of Representatives made significant progress toward passage of legislation to authorize a commemorative work near the National Mall to mark the historic significance of the founding of the Peace Corps in 1961, and the ideals it represents.  For the first time, companion legislation was introduced in the Senate.  By year’s end, Senate legislation was ready for final consideration, while House legislation awaited action by the House Natural Resources Committee.

Largest Ever Survey of the Peace Corps Community:  In collaboration with Civic Enterprises and Peter D. Hart Research Associates, NPCA conducted the largest ever independent survey of returned Peace Corps volunteers on their experiences, impact and other reflections.

Connecting in Your Communities:  NPCA Advocacy Coordinator Jonathan Pearson traveled to seventeen cities in six states during 2011, connecting directly with about 300

A seven-city swing through Texas in June 2011 included a stop to meet with San Antonio RPCVs

members of the Peace Corps community.

(These and other 2011 highlights – not to mention lots more photos and videos featuring our great advocates! – were sent to nearly 17,000 supporters who receive regular updates as members of our NPCA Advocacy Listserve. Contact us to sign up for this listserve today.  And, don’t forget to follow us on our social network, Facebook and/or Twitter for regular advocacy updates.)

The reception on Friday September 23rd, organized by Friends of Guatemala, was held at the Woodley Park residence of the newly appointed Guatemalan Ambassador to the US, His Excellency Julio Martini and Mrs Rosa Martini. We were fortunate to have several other special guests including former Ambassador Francisco Villagran, Carol Bellamy, a former Guatemala RPCV and the first RPCV to become Peace Corps Director, and Dr. Timothy Shriver, CEO of the Special Olympics and son of Peace Corps founding Director Sargent Shriver.

On behalf of the Embassy, former Ambassador Villagran thanked the assembled volunteers for their work in Guatemala that has touched and made a difference in so many people’s lives. He also acknowledged continuing efforts by RPCVs to help Guatemala develop. Ambassador Villagran serves on the Board of one such organization, Partner for Surgery.

Dr. Shriver recalled his father’s work in the early sixties to create an organization that believed in the power of big ideas to change the face of the world by addressing global poverty. Throughout his life, reunions of Peace Corps volunteers were among Sarge Shriver’s greatest joys.

Dr. Shriver told of the summer he and his cousin John spent as “junior” Peace Corps volunteers. Still in their teens, the young men studied Spanish and were sent to Rabinal to aid in reconstruction after the 1976 earthquake. Through this experience Dr Shriver came to understand the reciprocal nature of Peace Corps work. Volunteers may come to teach or work, but they leave with a greater knowledge gained from the people and countries where they have served.

Guatemala RPCVs collecting bicycles to be sent to Guatemala through Bikes for the World.

In concluding his remarks, Dr. Shriver noted that lately our country hasn’t been as effective at tapping into people’s desires to contribute to a better and more peaceful world. He urged the group to continue efforts to demand of our political leaders support and expansion of Peace Corps and to find ways to challenge our country to be its best again.

This piece was contributed by Margaret Rice (Guatemala 83-87).

The National Peace Corps Association, the nation’s leading 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization supporting Returned Peace Corps Volunteers and the Peace Corps community, is seeking to track down thousands of lost Peace Corps Volunteers in 2012.

“This New Year’s Eve, many of us will again hear the song ‘Auld Lang Syne,’ asking if old acquaintances should be forgotten,” said Kevin Quigley, president of the National Peace Corps Association. “For Returned Peace Corps Volunteers, we think the answer is a resolute ‘no.’ Next year, we’re making a resolution to find as many as 10,000 of our old Peace Corps friends and add them to our list.”

Because key government records were lost during the Nixon era, no one has a complete list of the 200,000 Americans who volunteered for the Peace Corps since its founding in 1961. NPCA, a private nonprofit organization, has independently found roughly 100,000 Returned Peace Corps Volunteers over the years, but many remain lost.

To make the process easier, NPCA has set up a page on its website, www.peacecorpsconnect.org/findthe250k, which allows former Volunteers to submit their information. The page also has tools to spread the word via email, Facebook, or even Twitter.

NPCA added more than 3,900 Returned Peace Corps Volunteers to its listings in 2011. Its goal is to identify an additional 10,000 RPCVs in 2012 and complete the database in full by 2016. “With all the holiday cards arriving in your mailbox, the end of the year is a great time to update your address book,” added Quigley. “NPCA is just trying to do the same thing with former Peace Corps Volunteers. If you know one, help us find them.”