Martin Luther King Jr. and the Peace Corps
By Mike Roman, Kiribati 00-02 In the early 1960s, as the world trembled between hope and fear, Martin Luther King Jr. spoke not only to America, but to humanity. He spoke of a beloved community—a world bound together not by power, but by justice, dignity, and mutual care. While his voice echoed through churches, city streets, and the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, another idea was taking shape alongside his dream: the belief that peace could be built through service. When the Peace Corps was founded in 1961, it carried a quiet kinship with King’s vision. Young Americans were asked...
New Grad School Programs for RPCVs
Call to Attention By Ty Dávila, Research Contributor at the New Lines Institute Over the last few months, the University of Maine and Michigan State University have launched initiatives benefiting former Peace Corps volunteers who served in any part of the world. These programs recognize the valuable skills and perspectives that returned volunteers bring from their international service. Below are details about each program. These new fellowships include embedded professional development opportunities and networking events tailored to the unique experiences of RPCVs. By participating, former volunteers can leverage their service to advance their careers or further their education while staying connected to...
From the Peace Corps to the boardroom: Humana CEO Jim Rechtin on listening and leading
By Ty Dávila, Research Contributor at the New Lines Institute The Peace Corps instills values that extend far beyond volunteers' years of service, providing them with a mental framework to tackle life's biggest challenges. This transformative experience continues to shape volunteers long after they return home, as demonstrated by Jim Rechtin, a former volunteer who now serves as CEO of Humana. Rechtin's Peace Corps service in the Republic of Congo nearly ended after six months when he was ready to pack his bags and return home. Instead, he persevered through the challenging adjustment period, building latrines and fostering connections with local residents....
Spirit of Service
Insights from RPCVs Briana Nezbah, Dennis Felipe Jr., and Jonathan Clark via Peace Corps Blogs Service is one of the few things that asks something of every American and, in return, gives all of us a deeper “we.” That “we” must include the First Peoples of this land whose traditions of mutual care, knowledge-keeping, and stewardship predate the nation itself. Peace Corps has long benefited from Indigenous volunteers who carry those traditions into classrooms, clinics, and councils around the world—teaching, learning, and building relationships that honor both their Tribes and their host communities. People like Briana Nezbah Edmo (Navajo Nation;...
Peace Corps Iran: A Final Reunion, a Lasting Legacy
Peace Corps Iran Association's FINAL Gathering More than one hundred RPCVs reunited this weekend for the final gathering of the Peace Corps Iran Association at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library in Washington, D.C. The group will cease to exist in June 2026, it's only fitting that they end in a high note, a finale to their journey. The event marked a meaningful conclusion to decades of reconnections among those who served in Iran before the 1979 revolution, offering a space to honor their shared legacy and reflect on how their experiences shaped lives and careers across generations. Though...
M34 Volunteers in Mongolia Earn Special Recognition from Ambassador Buangan
By Ty Dávila, Research Contributor at New Lines Institute Peace Corps volunteers from Mongolia's M34 group recently received special recognition from Ambassador Richard L. Buangan, a State Department official. His commendation highlighted the volunteers' dedication and positive impact on local communities, underscoring their role in fostering international goodwill between the United States and Mongolia. Most importantly, the volunteers' presence has strengthened bilateral relations while demonstrating American values abroad. The ambassador's praise stands as testament to the valuable contributions Peace Corps makes in promoting cultural exchange and mutual understanding. Their passion and enthusiasm have left a lasting impression, deepening respect and...
Celebrating Global Diversity Awareness Month
By NPCA DEIA Committee Each October, Global Diversity Awareness Month invites us to reflect on the rich tapestry of cultures, perspectives, and identities that shape our world—and our Peace Corps community. For the National Peace Corps Association (NPCA), this month is a powerful reminder of our commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility, both in principle and in practice. As returned Peace Corps Volunteers (RPCVs), we have witnessed firsthand the beauty of global cultures and the transformative power of cross-cultural exchange. Global Diversity Awareness Month challenges us to bring those lessons home—to listen deeply, uplift underrepresented voices, and foster belonging...
Carla Brown Named Next President and CEO of National Peace Corps Association
National Peace Corps Association (NPCA) announced today that Carla Brown has been selected as its next President and Chief Executive Officer, effective January 1, 2026. The NPCA Board of Directors confirmed Brown’s appointment after a rigorous four-month selection process that engaged the Returned Peace Corps Volunteer (RPCV) community and affirmed the association’s commitment to openness, equity, and transparency. She will succeed Dan Baker, who has served as NPCA’s President and CEO since 2022, and is departing the role at the end of the year. Said NPCA Board Chair, John Lee Evans: “I am pleased that the Board of Directors has...
The Toughest Job I’ve Ever Loved: Why the Peace Corps Still Matters
By Ty Dávila, Research Contributor at the New Lines Institute The Peace Corps, originating on March 1, 1961, has always been more than the name itself. There is a unified calling that many Americans face: representing American democracy and strengthening global impact. More than 240,000 people have contributed their passion, coming back more grown into their calling. Although it is beyond rewarding, no one ever mentioned that it was easy. For two years at a time, volunteers leave behind family, friends, and loved ones to contribute to something larger than themselves. This is where Peace Corps veteran Jill Tucker describes her experience:...
Salute to Advocacy Coordinators and New Legislation
As September got underway, there was some big news on pending legislation in the House of Representatives and the role played by past and present National Peace Corps Association (NPCA) advocacy leaders. Meanwhile, new legislation has been introduced. One bill that would provide a number of benefits to serving volunteers. Another, raises serious concerns about Peace Corps independence and autonomy. All of this as we are less than two weeks from a new federal fiscal year, and the threat of a government shutdown. The success of NPCA's advocacy program is only as good as the engagement of our community members....