Celebrate Universal Human Rights Month & World AIDS Day (12/1)!

National Peace Corps Association is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and does not speak for or necessarily represent the views of the Peace Corps. 

At NPCA, diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility are fundamental to our mission.

The National Peace Corps Association reaffirms its unwavering commitment to its mission, which is rooted in the values of service, cultural exchange, and global citizenship. These principles demand inclusivity, fairness, and recognition of the diverse perspectives that strengthen our community.

We stand firm in advocating for an equitable and inclusive society that is stronger, safer, and more prosperous for all. We acknowledge that our service experience has historically reflected disparities, and we remain committed to addressing systemic inequities within our community and the broader international service movement. We want to ensure service fosters meaningful change and more significant opportunities for everyone.

We stand in solidarity with those working to uphold the values of justice and inclusion; our commitment remains steadfast: to build a global community where all voices are heard, all contributions are valued, and all individuals can thrive. We invite our members and allies to join us in ensuring that the spirit of service and inclusivity remains at the heart of our work, now and in the future.

We must stand together—our strength lies in showing up for one another. The spirit of service and inclusivity must remain at the heart of our mission, now and in the future. Our diversity is our strength—we lead with it.

Defining Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility

We define diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility as ensuring all people from different social and ethnic backgrounds, races, genders, ages, religions, sexual orientations, and abilities are seen, heard, respected, and valued.

Creating and Reinforcing Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility in Our Community

We commit to fostering diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility in all facets of our organization and community, from staffing and board membership to programming and community engagement. 

Through our work, we will uphold our commitment by:

  • Providing a platform for potential volunteers to connect with RPCVs and learn more about pre-service experiences.
  • Offering spaces to market related affinity groups and their events.
  • Featuring opinion pieces on related issues to foster dialogue and understanding.
  • Providing tools and resources that promote inclusion and accessibility.

Our website comes equipped with ADA-inclusive accessibility tools.

The Right to Care: Health and Humanity Amid War in Ukraine

By Yana Panfilova & Helen Petrozzola

“December is Universal Human Rights Month and reminds us that health is not a privilege or a service extended out of goodwill—it is a universal right. Yet in war-torn Ukraine, that right is being tested daily. Frequent power outages, attacks on critical infrastructure, and the ongoing displacement of millions have made even basic healthcare a struggle to sustain.” Read more.

 

 

 

 

 

How Peace Corps and HIV Wove our Lives Together

By Helen Petrozzola

“I didn’t know where the Peace Corps would send me — only that it would be somewhere I needed to be. That was the unspoken pact: trust the process, step into the unknown, and give everything you can to the people and place you meet. Ukraine became my home, and the people I met there became my family in every sense of the word.” Read more.

 

 

 

 

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.” Read more.

 

 

 

 

Join Us in Building an Inclusive Community

Explore our Affiliate groups dedicated to the mission of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Join one today and play an active role in advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. Together, we can make a difference and ensure every voice is heard and valued.

2025 News Articles

January

Addressing poverty requires solutions like living wages, affordable healthcare, education access, and housing support

February

A Reflection on my Peace Corps Experience

The Mongolian Lunar New Year Celebration

March

Celebrate Women’s History Month with Women of Peace Corps Legacy

Beyond Borders: Women of the Peace Corps

April

Intergenerational Environmental Action

Shifting the Narrative

Water as Far as the Eye can See

May

From Island Dreams

Pictures Worth a Thousand Words

In Honor of the Fallen

June

Pride in Service: An LGBTQI+ Peace Corps Story

Across the Waters: Juneteenth and the Ties That Bind the Black Diaspora

July

Reimagining Belonging in the Peace Corps

September

The Question That Changed My Life: A Peace Corps Story to Raise Deaf Awareness

Lost in Translation: Found in Service

October

Global Diversity Awareness Month

November

Spirit of Service

December

How Peace Corps and HIV Wove Our Lives Together

The Right to Care: Health and Humanity Amid War in Ukraine


 

The Right to Care: Health and Humanity Amid War in Ukraine

By Yana Panfilova & Helen Petrozzola December is Universal Human Rights Month and reminds us that health is not a privilege or a service extended out of goodwill—it is a universal right. Yet in war-torn Ukraine, that right is being...

How Peace Corps and HIV Wove Our Lives Together 

By Helen Petrozzola I didn’t know where the Peace Corps would send me — only that it would be somewhere I needed to be. That was the unspoken pact: trust the process, step into the unknown, and give everything you...

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