News
Reimagining National Service: Building a Culture of Civic Commitment
Reimagining National Service: Building a Culture of Civic Commitment By Hayden Johnson, NPCA Communications Intern At this year’s Peace Corps Connect conference, a powerful and forward-looking panel tackled one of the most pressing questions for the service movement today: How can national service evolve to meet the needs of a changing world, while staying true to its mission of building community, equity, and civic purpose? Convened by the National Peace Corps Association (NPCA), the session welcomed Scott Beale, former Peace Corps Associate Director; Shirley Sagawa, former President and CEO of Service Year Alliance and founder of AmeriCorps; Julie Budkowski, Managing...
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....
From Vision to Wall: Celebrating the Peace Corps at UVM
New Mural Celebrates Peace Corps’ Global Impact at UVM By Ty Dávila, Research Contributor at the New Lines Institute The University of Vermont has long been recognized for its strong connection to the Peace Corps, consistently ranking among the nation’s top institutions for volunteer participation. In 2018, UVM achieved the No. 2 spot for Peace Corps involvement, and in 2025, the university was ranked third among medium-sized schools, reflecting a campus culture deeply committed to global service and supporting communities in need. This enduring dedication helps cultivate students who engage meaningfully with the world beyond Vermont. Since 1961, the Peace...
Hispanic Heritage Month: Lost in Translation—Found in Service
By Jeannette (Jenny) Sanchez, Mike Roman, and Orrin Luc Hispanic Heritage Month invites us to celebrate the rich diversity and complexity of identity—and what better way to do that than through the stories of three Returned Peace Corps Volunteers who challenged expectations and built bridges around the world. Two of our storytellers proudly identify as Mexican American—yet neither grew up speaking Spanish. One served as a Peace Corps Response Volunteer in Ukraine and Guyana, navigating cultures and climates far from their abuela’s kitchen. The other found themselves in the remote Pacific islands of Kiribati, where the language wasn’t Spanish, and...
The Question That Changed My Life: A Peace Corps Story to Raise Deaf Awareness
By Joshua Josa “How are you 25, finished your BA, and already a teacher? I’m older than you and in Class 8 for the fourth year.” When I first applied to the Peace Corps after finishing my BA at Cal State University, Northridge, I imagined two years of teaching, service, and adventure. I didn’t anticipate how profoundly the experience would change me—how the communities I served could show me so much value in sign languages and deaf ways of being. From 2009 to 2011, I served as a Deaf Education and Behavior Communication and Change Volunteer in Kenya. My time...