News & Events

Jun 23, 2010

Peace Corps Releases Agency Assessment and Strategy Document

Adhering to a congressional mandate that accompanied last year's record funding increase, the Peace Corps has prepared a comprehensive assessment and strategy document that examines the full scope of agency operations.

The 200 page document is available for viewing by following this link.

"This is an important step to enhance the Peace Corps," said National Peace Corps Association President Kevin Quigley.  "This timely report includes many good ideas which - when implemented - will lead to a better and bolder Peace Corps."

Stay tuned for further updates and details about this report.

Jun 22, 2010

Peace Corps Deputy Director Confirmed by Senate

The Peace Corps has a new Deputy Director.

Carrie Hessler-Radelet, nominated by President Obama last November, was confirmed by the United States Senate today.

Follow this link to read more about Peace Corps' new Deputy Director.

Jun 08, 2010

Rep. Farr Writes that “The Sword Alone Will Not Bring Peace”

In his opinion piece in Politico, Rep. Sam Farr writes that securing peace does not depend on more military funding, but rather on greater diplomatic efforts before, during, and after a conflict.  He calls for a greater balance of funding between military efforts and diplomacy, saying that an increase in diplomatic efforts would both reduce the need for military funding and would increase our ability to create a lasting peace.  He cites the Peace Corps, saying, "Dollar for dollar, the Peace Corps is the single most effective diplomatic tool we have, yet we continue to underfund its operations."  This underfunding of the Peace Corps and other organizations like it, he says, is limiting our ability to use these important instruments to their fullest potential.  You can read the full article here. 

You can follow RPCV Congressman Sam Farr on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/SamFarr.

Jun 03, 2010

Volunteers Leave for Sierra Leone

A bigger Peace Corps means expanding opportunities to serve in additional countries around the globe. Today, 39 volunteers are the first group to go back to Sierra Leone. Read more about their exciting send-off!

May 27, 2010

37 Senators Sign Kerry-Lugar Letter

The Kerry-Lugar International Affairs funding letter has gained much support, with a total of 37 signatures.  This letter urges the Senate Appropriations Committee to allocate the President's full $58.8 billion request for the International Affairs Budget.  Allocating the full amount will greatly increase the likelihood that the Peace Corps will receive the funding it needs to expand and improve.  Additionally, it will help support other international assistance programs that help the United States to address problems around the world.  Please follow this link to see if your Senator has signed on to the letter, and if so, take a moment to say thank you!

May 21, 2010

Peace Corps in Senate Depends on International Affairs Allocation

The Senate Budget Committee recently recommended a $4 billion reduction in President Obama's original $58.8 billion International Affairs Budget request. If this recommendation is adopted, Peace Corps may not receive the increase in funding it needs to expand and improve. With final Senate action on a budget in doubt, the final determination would shift to the Senate Appropriations Committee, when it allocates binding overall funding levels for international assistance and other federal programs. 

You can help ensure that the Peace Corps and other important foreign assistance programs receive the funding they need! A Senate sign-on letter is circulating urging support for a funding allocation that meets or exceeds the President's full request.

Ask your Senators to sign the letter!

May 17, 2010

First Lady Makes Several Peace Corps References During GWU Commencement

First Lady Michelle Obama delivered the commencement address Sunday to the graduating class at George Washington University.  With a focus on public service, the First Lady had challenged the students by saying she would give the commencement address if they provided 100,000 hours of community service.  Students reportedly performed 163,000 hours of service, including some short-term service abroad projects in Ghana and several South American nations.

In noting the many global challenges the students have witnessed in the past decade, the First Lady said "No one would have blamed you had you chosen to hunker down and turn inward; if you had simply focused on making sure your own lives were secure.  But so many of you have done the exact opposite. Instead, you’ve dived in.  You’ve reached out.  You have volunteered and applied to organizations like Teach for America and the Peace Corps in record numbers.  In fact, this year is the second year in a row that GW led universities of this size in the number of undergraduate alumni serving in the Peace Corps."

Later in her remarks, Obama noted that her extraordinary experiences in travelling overseas as First Lady convinced her that it is in the nation's best interest to encourage more overseas engagement.  "Now, there are some things that government can do, and things that I’ll pursue as First Lady, to bring these opportunities within reach to more young people.  For example, my husband is committed to substantially increasing the number of volunteer opportunities within the Peace Corps."

The First Lady also noted Peace Corps service is for the young at heart, with the oldest current volunteer being 85 years old.

Follow this link to read or watch the First Lady's remarks.