WorldView Magazine: Continuation of Service
Made in America
Charlie Clifford (Peru 1967–69) is the founder of Tumi Inc., a global travel luggage brand, as well as Roam Luggage. He spoke with WorldView editor Robert Nolan about how Peace Corps helps develop entrepreneurial skills and gives RPCVs the tools and confidence to start their own business ventures.
“Bigger Than Peace Corps”
California Service Corps is the largest state-based service program in the U.S. , with more than 10,000 volunteers across the state in 2025. California’s Governor Gavin Newsom proudly calls the program “bigger than the Peace Corps.”
Signal Boost
The digital world is awash in voices seeking monetary reward or improved social status, as the online acronym goes, IRL (in real life). There are, however, some that have dedicated their time, effort, and social media platforms to those who are in most need of the spotlight. Not surprisingly, these voices include several Returned Peace Corps Volunteers.
Garden of Refuge
As part of our commitment to continued service, the Seattle Peace Corps Association (SEAPAX) is partnering with World Relief Western Washington to support a refugee community garden. For the last five years, teams of SEAPAX Volunteers have worked in the garden, clearing weeds in the spring to ready the beds for the planting season and planting cover crops in the fall to prepare them for winter.
Show Up, Stand Up
For now, at least, Peace Corps remains one of the last vestiges of America’s position at the vanguard of soft power, leadership, and international cooperation. NPCA President Dan Baker on why now is the time to stand up for service.
What the Peace Corps’ 2024 State Rankings Tell Us About American Service, and Why It Still Matters
https://www.peacecorps.gov/about-the-agency/media-center/news/peace-corps-announces-2024-top-volunteer-producing-states/ The Peace Corps has released its 2024 list of the top volunteer-producing states, offering more than just a snapshot of where its recruits come from, it reveals something deeper about the enduring draw of public service and the quiet ways Americans contribute to international peace and prosperity. Leading the list is California, which sent 361 volunteers abroad this year. Not far behind are Texas (181), New York (177), Virginia (172), and Florida (171). The numbers may look small compared to state populations, but the impact of these volunteers on both the communities they serve and on the United States itself...
Rallying Point
Peace Corps service instills an ethos of growth through giving back that still drives Returned Peace Corps Volunteers today. Volunteerism is declining across the United States, according to Philanthropy News Digest, but RPCVs understand the personal enrichment that comes from service done right. We have firsthand experience of the profound fulfillment offered by meaningful volunteer opportunities with visible community impact, versus passive acts such as signing petitions or donating money. In the current social and political climate, we must keep this distinctive spark of service alive by engaging in actions that have purpose beyond ourselves. That doesn’t mean preaching morals;...
Engineered for Consumption
Most people in the developed world would agree with the statement “Water is life.” After all, our hands, lips, food, clothing, and household surfaces come in contact with clean, safe water multiple times a day. How could we exist without it and still be healthy enough to maintain our daily activities? We couldn’t. Most of us have never needed to try. Poor-quality water equates to a suboptimal life, one at significant risk of poor health, poverty, and hopelessness. Water Engineers for the Americas and Africa (WEFTA) is intent on reducing that risk by working with rural and Indigenous com- munities...
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