News
In Memoriam – January 2020
In the early Peace Corps days, some Volunteer assignments included developing and expanding sports programs. Among the many achievements of community members who recently passed away, sports played a central role in their professional careers. Michael R. Hebert (1944-2019) played volleyball at the University of California, Santa Barbara, but upon graduation his connection with the sport was just beginning. First, however, he decided to join the Peace Corps, serving in Nigeria from 1966-1967. Following his service, Mike earned a Ph.D. in Educational Philosophy at Indiana University. Then it was back to volleyball. He coached both men’s and women’s volleyball at the University of Pittsburgh...
Global Issues Survey – The Peace Corps Community Takes Action
What global issues do you care most about? What global issues do you think the Peace Corps Community nationwide is in the best position to address and affect real change? These are among the critical questions we are asking in a short survey that represents proactive leadership by National Peace Corps Association. The results will likely shape our future efforts in helping our members pursue the Third Goal of the Peace Corps. Your input will help us identify the global issues our community cares about most and the actions we might take together to address them. By completing the survey, you...
Former Directors Defend Peace Corps’ Independence
A bi-partisan group of ten former Peace Corps directors are unified in their opposition to Senate legislation that would place Peace Corps operations under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Department of State, ending the agency’s independent status. “The independence of the Peace Corps has been carefully protected by Presidents, Secretaries of State, and Congress for the past 58 years,” said the letter addressed to the Chairman and Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and signed by ten former directors. “Part of the reason (for this independence) is to ensure that Volunteers would not be confused with those carrying out day-to-day...
Take a Look at Our Social Impact in 2019
From our 15th annual National Days of Action and our interactive Peace Corps Connect Conference to our continuing and renewed partnerships, this year National Peace Corps Association mobilized the Peace Corps community like never before: we advocated for Peace Corps at all levels, advanced Third Goal efforts, and empowered our affiliate groups to thrive. As we reflect on an amazing 40th anniversary year, we are grateful for our community of supporters that help us achieve our mission. This giving season, we exceeded our $10,000 Giving Tuesday goal to advance advocacy efforts to protect Peace Corps and received donations from thousands of...
Community Achievements – January 2020
Community News - Achievements of RPCVs Author: Peter Deekle January 2020 BELIZE Nancy Heil Knor (1989-1991) has published WOVEN, a book filled with letters, journal entries, and spiritual reflections from her two years in Belize. GHANA Zack Moore received a month-long Fulbright international exchange award, teaching science and technology at Ghana-Lebanon Islamic School. Caitlin Wilson (2017-2019) recently completed her Peace Corps service as an agricultural extension agent and is now pursuing a Masters of Science degree at West Virginia University. She plans to work in the field of natural resource management upon graduation. KENYA Terry Severson (1984-1986) is the forest...
We’re a Force for Good
Founded by and for RPCVs and former staff, NPCA truly is a community-driven social impact organization, championing lifelong commitment to Peace Corps ideals. Membership is voluntary and absolutely free, making us a more diverse and inclusive organization working together toward common goals. Together, we are: • Ensuring the future of the Peace Corps. In Congress, we’ve prevailed in maintaining Peace Corps funding at $410 million and passing important health care reform legislation for Peace Corps Volunteers and alumni. Yet, in recent months, 110 members of the House voted for an amendment to defund the Peace Corps in fiscal year 2020,...
In Memoriam – December 2019
As the year comes to a close and we reflect, we remember the sacrifice, generosity, and benevolence of many within our Peace Corps community who recently passed away. Dr. Pamela York Klainer (1945-2019) attended The College of St. Elizabeth, followed by a Peace Corps assignment in rural Panama. She received a Doctorate of Education from the University of Rochester. Pam was known as an adventurous spirit, lifelong philanthropist, entrepreneur, author, blogger, and loving friend, mother, and grandmother. From her first visit to Panama in the 1960s, Pam built lifelong friendships with her 'family of the heart,' returning to Panama regularly with friends and family....
Level Peace Corps Funding Approved for FY2020
After weeks of negotiations, Congress approved and President Trump signed a $1.4 trillion federal spending bill for the current fiscal year (FY 2020) that includes level funding of $410.5 million for Peace Corps. The House of Representatives approved the spending package on December 17th, while the Senate ratified the package on December 19th. President Trump signed the legislation on December 20th, the day when a continuing resolution to keep the government operating was set to expire. “While we realize our lawmakers have many difficult decisions before them when putting together our federal budget, it is disappointing they chose to flat fund Peace Corps once...
Winrock Farmer-to-Farmer Regional Meeting in West Africa
NPCA's International Programs Coordinator Bethany Leech recently attended Winrock's Farmer-to-Farmer West Africa Regional Meeting in Senegal. She shares her experience below. As an RPCV, I love opportunities that allow me to get back “in the field,” connecting with people on the ground in other countries: exchanging knowledge, building relationships, and collaborating on projects. I was fortunate to be able to do just that in my role as NPCA's International Programs Coordinator in November 2019 when I attended the Winrock Farmer-to-Farmer West Africa Regional Meeting in Senegal. Being a new NPCA staff member, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect, but in true Peace Corps fashion, with an open mind and...
Community Achievements – December 2019
Community News - Achievements of RPCVs Author: Peter Deekle December 2019 ARMENIA Liz Barron (2017-2019) has been chronicling her experiences and observations pertaining to her Peace Corps service through her blog marigoldmoment.com. Read her everyday adventures in Armenia and elsewhere. COLOMBIA Vicky Ramakka (1972-1974) is a a published academic writer who is now writing for popular publications. She recently published her first novel, The Cactus Plot, through Artemesia Publishing. This environmental mystery is set in northwest New Mexico, featuring a botanist dealing with conflicting uses of public land. ECUADOR Andrea Erickson-Quiroz (1988-1990) is currently the managing director for water security at The Nature Conservancy, a charitable...