Advocacy Coordinators

Ukraine 2010-2012

Affiliate Group: Greater Birmingham RPCVs

Panama 2012 - 2014

Why NPCA Advocacy is Important: The whole world benefits when we better understand and care about each other. The Peace Corps helps promote this across the globe, and the NPCA helps promote the Peace Corps. This support has never been more important.

Fun Fact: In Panama I once tried to eat an entire pineapple by myself and promptly vomited. Lesson learned that pineapples are for sharing!

Jamaica 1970 - 1972; Benin 2012 - 2014

Affiliate Group: Sacramento RPCVs

Why NPCA Advocacy is Important:  We need to help Americans know about the value of the international development work which has been going on for over 50 years, how it has benefited our country in the past, and how it will continue to do so in the future. Also, we need to support our current volunteers and RPCVs who face challenges during and after their service. 

Share an Advocacy Success Story: During both of my tours, I successfully advocated with Peace Corps staff for better site selection so that my service could be put to the best use on behalf of my host communities.  

Fun Fact: I am a foster kitten mom for the local animal shelter.

·  Why is NPCA Advocacy important?

I want to ensure that the Peace Corps will continue to promote peaceful relations along with greater understanding, acceptance and respect between the United States and the rest of the world. The valuable work that Peace Corps Volunteers do on the ground is important for so many reasons, but it is essential to let our legislators know just how important that work is for returned, current and prospective volunteers so that we can keep the program alive and well.

·  Share an advocacy success story

When I graduated from college in 2001, I moved to the DC area to take on an internship where I got to lobby for environmental issues. That is when I learned the power of advocacy and how just one meeting with a congressional staff member can make all the difference in a vote that can change the course of history. People really do have the power to make changes – even on a federal level! I also learned how to navigate the house and senate chambers pretty quickly since the interns were charged with passing out fact sheets to each member of Congress on the night before or morning of a vote that was important to us!

·  Share a fun fact

I have lived in 9 states (Iowa, Minnesota, Florida, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Washington, Virginia, & California) and have set foot in 45 of the 50 states. I still need to visit Arkansas, Mississippi, Tennessee, West Virginia and Alaska!!

Mongolia 2005-2007

Why NPCA Advocacy is Important: Members of Congress are representing the interests of everyone in the U.S. Advocating on the importance of Peace Corps, including funding for the program, lets them know what we are interested in and what we think is important for the US to spend money, time and effort around.

Share an Advocacy Success Story: In 2014, the Returned Peace Corps Volunteers (RPCVs) of Colorado decided to invite members of Congress to our long term service project, a vegetable garden in the center of the city that we maintain and donate all produce from to a local day shelter for homeless, impoverished or transient women and children. Though the member of Congress was unable to meet with us, we were able to show off the garden and the work of Peace Corps and RPCVs to Congressional staff.

Fun Fact: In Mongolia I learned a traditional dance and when the organization I worked for found out they made me perform it at the company New Year party, which included both coworkers and key partners for the organization. Though I still remember parts of the dance, I won’t be performing it for any more holiday parties.

Based in Guilford. Kenya 1969-72

St. Vincent & the Grenadines 1969-1971

Why NPCA Advocacy is Important: One of many ways to continue giving after Peace Corps service is to ensure that others have the opportunity to serve in the Peace Corps AND for people throughout the world to get to know Americans one-on one.

Advocacy Success Story: At the 50th Anniversary celebration I walked the halls of Congress all day long, a very invigorating, exciting day. And then I got to visit with Rep. Allan West from Florida who, to my surprise, was a charming individual. He even made a commitment to our request.

Fun Fact: I love to host the Returned Peace Corps of South Florida Holiday Party at my home and have done so for the past 8 years!

Based in Fort Wayne. Botswana 1986-1988

Why NPCA Advocacy is Important: Being an advocate for Peace Corps is a small way I can stay connected to the Peace Corps community as well as a way I can hopefully improve conditions for current Volunteers in the field.

Share an Advocacy Success Story: After a spring blizzard shuttered most congressional offices on Advocacy Day on March 5, 2015, I was able to reschedule two meetings for the next day before my train left D.C.

Fun Fact: We have not had a TV in our house since 1986. We raised two intelligent daughters, now young adults, without it!

Entire State (based in Fort Wayne). Botswana 1986-1988

Why NPCA Advocacy is Important: Spreading the message of peace requires constant work from people who have been volunteers for peace.

Share an Advocacy Success Story: I represent community organizations in the process of civil discourse and decision-making.

Fun Fact: I play snare drums in a Scottish pipe and drum band.

Kazakhstan 1998-200

Why NPCA Advocacy is Important: We advocate through the NPCA to help ensure that the Peace Corps exists and thrives as an example of the best ideals of America, and to ensure that Americans return from the Peace Corps to share with other Americans about their inter-cultural experiences and friendships.  It is as important as ever to continue to serve others and build trust, peace and friendships throughout the world.

Advocacy Success Story:  I am the advocacy coordinator for the the Kansas City Area Peace Corps Association, which holds the proud and unique distinction of serving both Kansas and Missouri.

Fun Fact: I play the handbells, piano and clarinet and have served as an AmeriCorps VISTA in Kentucky, prior to the Peace Corps. 

Cover entire State (based in Lexington). Indonesia 2012-14.

Without the connection between the funding and policy decision-makers with RPCVs, the narrative of Peace Corps is just data. Bringing RPCVs and their Members of Congress together allows for a deeper understanding and appreciation of what Peace Corps Volunteers are doing around the world. NPCA does that and makes possible the continued success of this incredible 50 year program.

In just our first year being involved with the Kentucky RPCVs, we’ve witnessed the incredible relationships that many of our members have with our Congressional delegation. There are some surprising supporters of Peace Corps among the delegation.

Amy and Will grew up 45 minutes apart in Kentucky, but met while working for their Congressman in Washington, DC. Eight years later (including two in the Peace Corps in Indonesia), they have moved back to central Kentucky and recently had their first child, Eliza.

Senegal PCV 1990-1992

Why is NPCA Advocacy Important? The NPCA can assist in maintaining and growing support for the Peace Corps. The NPCA furthers the mission of the Peace Corps by exposing Americans to other countries and cultures. The NPCA connects the RPCV community with the Peace Corps and with affiliate groups all over the United States.

Share an Advocacy Success Story: The Maine Peace Corps Association, in collaboration with a Peace Corps Field Recruiter, hosted an informational session on the Peace Corps. As a result, a local paper wrote a highly positive article about the Peace Corps, using several quotes from Maine based RPCVs. The Maine Peace Corps Association will bring this article to advocacy meetings with state legislators.

Fun Fact?  My Peace Corps service continued after being a Volunteer:

Thies, Senegal Pre-Service Technical Trainer 1993
Vladivostok, Russia Pre-Service Technical Trainer 1995
Peace Corps headquarters staff (Country Desk Officer Africa Region, Planning and Programming Specialist, Small Project Assistance Program Manager) 2006-2014
Maine Peace Corps Association Board Member 2016-present

Covers entire State (based in Worcester). Jamaica 1991-92

Why NPCA Advocacy is Important: It supports the future of Peace Corps; it supports Returned Peace Corps Volunteers; and it promotes what is best about our country – our people – to the entire world.

Advocacy Success Story: Connecting to and with the entire Massachusetts delegation such that they have ALL supported legislation, or ALL signed the “Dear Peace Corps’ letter, or ALL have joined the Peace Corps caucus. 

Fun Fact 1: In Jamaica I physically helped to build a library; I am now part of an initiative here in Worcester MA called “One City One Library” that builds libraries in schools (that do not yet have libraries).

Fun Fact 2: Our daughter Meghan will start a year of service in Jamaica this July with Passionist Volunteers International.

Covers Southeast Michigan. Philippines VII 1962-1964

Why NPCA Advocacy is Important: Peace Corps provides needed services at the most cost-effective level to communities around the world. Peace Corps trains and gives American PCVs an in depth understanding of the peoples  of the world and gives the peoples of the world an understanding of Americans and American values.

Advocacy Success Story: I’ve helped educate via full scholarships for tuition, books, living expenses and transportation grants over the past 50 years, about 10 non-family Filipinos from the school where I taught, who were poor and the top in their elementary school graduating class,  paying for high school and then college. They are my “anchors” and they have each supported three to five students through high school and college.

Fun Fact: After 50 years I’ve been re-engaged with my school for the past few years, helping with a computer teaching lab – remotely connected via wireless phone connections, new books for their library and hopefully will begin a nutrition program for children in the school, and an adult literacy program soon – in cooperation with the Kiwanis Club of Davao City – which is 75 kilometers away.

Entire State (based in Oxford). Nicaragua 1999-01

Why NPCA Advocacy is Important: We never really stop being Peace Corps Volunteers.  Peace Corps’ Third Goal is to share our experiences when we return home and our legislators are no exception!  I think people get intimidated by advocacy, but really it’s just about sharing your story.  Tell your member of Congress how Peace Corps has impacted you and by extension, your community and your state.  That’s all it takes to be an advocate!

Fun Fact: In addition to a wonderful full-time job at the University of Mississippi, I also volunteer at a regional free health clinic as the volunteer coordinator, grants manager, and a translator.  In my free time, I like to go camping or to hear live music with my husband and son.

Mali 1996-98

Why NPCA Advocacy is Important: I want to give back to the Peace Corps because I believe in the power of international service. I have been lobbying for years in Washington, DC and in-district, and I feel that it is an essential part of being an engaged citizen. My wish is that recently returned RPCV’s would take action because we need their collective voices to ensure a bright future for the Peace Corps.

Success Story: Every meeting I schedule is a success to me. Missouri can be a conservative state so every little bit sends a message that what we do is important.

Fun Fact: I love travelling and I have lived in Maine, France, Illinois, Ohio, Iowa, Mali, Washington, DC, Vermont, and now Missouri (where I was born).

Paraguay 1998-2000. 

Why NPCA Advocacy is Important: I served in Paraguay in the Peace Corps from 1998-2000 in the Urban Youth Development program. My time in the Peace Corps taught me the value of stewardship and advocacy.  I have continued to pursue community involvement and championing accessibility since my return. Shortly afterwards, I taught ESL for a summer in Poland as well as at a night program for residents of Morris County, NJ for several years. 

Advocacy Success Story: My full-time career is a high school special needs teachers where I work to help match the curriculum to the student’s needs. Additionally, I own and operate a CrossFit gym with my husband.  Through our gym, I have begun to advocate for adaptive athletes. At the high school where I teach, I run the Spring weight room where I work with a student who uses a wheelchair to learn how to modify equipment for his own strength and conditioning program. At the facility that my husband and I run we set up a companion coach for athletes that require direct instruction so that they can participate in mainstream classes. 

Ethiopia 1966-1969

Advocacy Success Story: I don’t have a specific advocacy success story, but participating in the 2016 National Day of Action gave me the opportunity of meeting, although briefly, with the two Long Island Congressmen.  I felt a sense of accomplishment that I was able to advocate for the Peace Corps that day. 

 I also visited several congressional offices in 2015 when accompanying the 2015 Harris Wofford Award recipient, Berhane Daba of Ethiopia.  At that time, I realized how important it is to remind Congress of how much of what the Peace Corps has done and continues to do has lasting, important, global effects. 

Fun Fact: has nothing to do with Peace Corps, but did you know that ancestors of  horseshoe crabs date back to before the dinosaurs?  They are not true crabs, but are more closely related to arachnids (spiders).  They are my  favorite to find on beaches when I am teaching a seashore program on the bays of the south shore of Long Island!  Holding a horseshoe crab is having a living fossil in your hands.( I could go on and on about their habitat, physiology, etc., but I won’t)

Ghana from 2014-2016

Why Advocacy is Important: I advocate for Peace Corps because I believe it is one of America's strongest tools in preventative diplomacy and cross-cultural understanding. Grassroots community development in the face of globalization is not only critical, but invaluable.

Share an Advocacy Success Story: A successful highlight for me was in the past year, starting a cashew juice project with my counterpart Tom, from the other side of the world. Initially, we used crowd source funding for the seed money, but since then Tom has run for local leadership and received additional funding to support more farmers in his value addition efforts.

Fun Fact: I am an avid rollerblader, and pen pal. 

Brazil 1965 - 1967

Affiliate Group: Rhode Island RPCVs

Why NPCA Advocacy is Important: Advocacy is important because, from my perspective, all the wrong causes are being promoted by the current administration. I’m looking for moderation in temperament by all in government, an appreciation of other nations and their people in policy, and respect for all citizens of this nation in day to day operations.

Advocacy Success Story: We in Rhode Island have just begun to advocate. We took up three funding causes from NPCA: Peace Corps, International Affairs, and Peace Corps Health. We managed to get one of our Senators and one Congressman to meet with us face-to-face, and a staff person from our other senator had a serious discussion with us. Our other congressman tried, but after multiple cancellations, we are resorting to sending a summary of our positions to him. In the case of RI, our 2 senators and 2 representatives were already in our camp. We just wanted to let them know how strongly we feel about these issues. 

SOUTH KOREA 1968-69.  

Why NPCA Advocacy is Important: Peace Corps made a major difference in my career and life--to me it was an extra two years of my educational path.   The US should continue to make these opportunities available to far more students as it is even more imperative than the 60's to have educated students be given the opportunity to learn about living in another culture by helping others as a way to learn from others.

Fun fact: The youngest daughter in the family I lived with spent a year living with my parents in OR while the son set time with me at Central Michigan University getting his MBA.   We made it a true exchange.

Senegal 2002-2004

Affiliate Group: Seattle Area Peace Corps Association

Why is NPCA Advocacy Important: Peace Corps advocacy is important because the work of the agency and its volunteers - sharing skills and information, promoting cultural awareness and understanding, and encouraging friendship between Americans and host country citizens- contributes to world peace at a grassroots level and must be secured for the future.

Share an Advocacy Success Story: By pure coincidence, I was on the east coast during the PC Action Days on the Hill in early March and participated in the visits to the legislators organized by NPCA.  As the only Washingtonian, I was fortunate enough to meet with both of my senators and my congressman and share my experience in the Peace Corps and request their support for the 2018 International Affairs budget. What a wonderful experience and I am pleased to report they are on board! 

Fun Fact: I just adopted a 6 month old puppy from the Humane Society. In honor of Pope Francis and my hometown, San Francisco, I named him Francisco; Cisco for short.

Covers Madison Area. Sierra Leone 1964-67

Why NPCA Advocacy is Important: Some in Congress are always interested in cutting the PC budget which will cut programs and prevent PC from opening new programs. We need to convince them that this is not good policy.

Advocacy Success Story: Through Friends of Sierra Leone we advocated for the return of PC to Sierra Leone after the war and PC finally did return in 2010.

Fun Fact: I met my husband as a PCV in Sierra Leone and our daughter was also a PCV on Yap Island, Micronesia.

• I served in Ghana, 1971-73 and taught algebra, geometry, and calculus at Apam Secondary School. 

• Currently, I am working in legislative advocacy--lobbying to pass legislation on humanitarian and social causes. Much of my work involves advancing climate legislation sponsored by the Massachusetts Chapter of the Sierra Club. I also just received another graduate degree at Tufts University where I focused on public policy. 

• Our local NPCA advocacy team is critical to let our congressional rep know that the Peace Corps is important and needs his legislative support. Without us, many Peace Corps issues would not be prioritized. ​

• I served in Venezuela from 1973 to 75 as a part of the Peace Corps/Smithsonian Program.  My affiliate group is the Central Missouri Returned Peace Corps Group.​

• NPCA is important in fulfilling the third goal of the Peace Corps which is to bring the world back home.​

• We hosted an event in Bolivar, MO several years ago to honor the first Peace Corps volunteer to die in service to the Peace Corps and the USA.  It brought together individuals from across the country as well as local residents to pay tribute.​

• Fun Fact: I am an emeritus professor from the animal science department at the University of Missouri where I worked with cows and pigs for most of my career.  For the most part, it was fun.

• Burkina Faso, 2007-2009, Health Sector ​

• The NPCA advocates for so much more than just the Peace Corps - its advocacy promotes the values and goals of the Peace Corps and helps encourage a deeper understanding of others. It supports peace-building work around the world, and that is something in which I'm grateful to participate.  ​

• We've been very fortunate here in Baton Rouge to have had two meetings with Congressman Graves himself. The Congressman is a strong advocate of the Peace Corps, and this shows in his willingness to take time out of his schedule to meet with us - two times within less than a year! 

• Fun fact: I had actually been to Burkina Faso prior to my Peace Corps experience, prior to having even applied to the Peace Corps!

• RPCV Morocco 2016-2018 / Milwaukee Peace Corps Association.​

• The Peace Corps is a unique and powerful tool of understanding between our country and the world. Its uniqueness and mission make the organization something to be protected and enhanced.    ​

• The best is yet to come! We're excited to restart advocacy as an element of RPCV life here in Milwaukee.​

•  Fun fact: I spent time in a commune and learned the craft of making candles

 Rwanda 2016-2018

For many that look for formative experiences to learn how to best serve others intentionally and in a cross-cultural context, Peace Corps remains the most committed in providing that avenue. NPCA advocacy is important because it maintains that avenue by improving Peace Corps, strengthening its commitment to volunteers, and providing equitable services to the communities it partners with abroad.