Peace Corps Polyglot

Mixed Day in Congress for Peace Corps Funding

Funding for the Peace Corps had an important victory today in the House of Representatives, but a setback in the Senate.

In the House of Representatives, lawmakers defeated an amendment offered by Congressman Cliff Stearns (R-FL) to reduce Peace Corps funding from the $450 Million recommended by the House Appropriations Committee, to $373.4 Million, the level proposed in President Obama's Fiscal Year 2010 budget request. 

 

The vote was 172 in favor of the amendment, and 259 opposed.  Thanks to everyone who took quick and effective action!

(Hyperlinks in this section to C-SPAN transcript and video.)

 

Congressman Stearns cited the President's request, the struggling economy, and the need to be creating jobs in the U.S. rather than overseas as reasons for offering his amendment. (Additional remarks here and here.)

 

Those speaking in support of the $450 Million included Nita Lowey (D-NY) who noted that she and her colleagues have heard from thousands of RPCVs, serving volunteers and others in support of the higher funding.  RPCV Congressmen Sam Farr (D-CA) and Steve Driehaus (D-OH), and Congresswoman Betty McCollum (D-MN) also spoke forcefully about the benefits of the Peace Corps and the need for a $450 Million appropriation.

 

In the Senate, the full Appropriations Committee met to consider its version of the State/Foreign Operations bill.  The Committee unanimously passed a bill that includes a $373.4 Million recommendation for Peace Corps. 

 

Senator Kit Bond (R-MO) cited the importance of Peace Corps as a "smart power" investment, and made positive reference to the need for higher funding levels.  State/Operations Subcommittee Chairman Patrick Leahy (D-VT) noted the funding represents the largest percentage increase since 1993 and said he decided to add $33 Million on the hope there would be better leadership.  Language included in the report states that a new Director with a new vision who recognizes the need for reform, supports transparency and a constructive relationship with Congress is urgently needed.  

 

While today's results were mixed, all of your phone calls, emails, meetings and events have positioned the prospects for Peace Corps funding in a better place than has been seen in quite some time.  Where we stand tonight is a point where the President's request for increased Peace Corps funding is serving not as the ceiling in the ongoing debate, but rather the floor.  Congratulations to MorePeaceCorps Campaign Coordinator Rajeev Goyal and the many, many supporters of the campaign for your efforts to date.

 

Stay tuned!

Capitol Hill Hullabaloo

Congress is in a very critical and busy period this week on advocacy related to Peace Corps funding and the MorePeaceCorps Campaign.  Please be on the lookout for updates in both the House and Senate, forward those actions to others you know, and continue to take action. 

Look for updates throughout the day via the MorePeaceCorps Campaign and Peace Corps Connect

Below is the next action that requires your attention.

Oppose House Cutting Amendments to Peace Corps, International Affairs

The House of Representatives is preparing to take final action on an appropriations bill (H.R.3081) which covers the State Department, Foreign Operations and Related Programs.( For a summary of this funding read the document provided by the US Global Leadership Campaign.)  This bill includes a recommendation of $450 million for the Peace Corps in Fiscal Year 2010.

Update

Last night the House Rules Committee finalized plans for  debate on the bill.  While several threatening amendments were removed two still remain.

• Peace Corps Reduction:  An amendment by Florida Congressman Cliff Stearns would reduce the amount appropriated in H.R. 3081 for the Peace Corps by $76.5 million, to match the President's request of approximately $373.5 million.
• 5% Reduction in Discretionary Funding: An amendment by Georgia Congressman Paul Broun would reduce discretionary funding in the bill by 5% (likely impacting a variety of overseas development and assistance programs, including - possibly - Peace Corps).
  

Follow this link for a summary of last night's decisions by the Rules Committee.

Take Action with Your Congressman/woman!

(this is an action only for the U.S. House of Representatives)

 

1. Connect to the office of your Congressman/woman using this toll-free number:  877-851-6437.  If you want to send an email follow this link.

2. Send this message: "As the House takes up H.R. 3081, the State/Foreign Operations Appropriations bill, I strongly urge you to oppose the Stearns amendment to reduce funding for the Peace Corps.  I also urge you to oppose the Broun amendement to reduce funding for our nation's foreign assistance programs." 

Not sure who your Congressman/woman is?  Go to www.house.gov and go to the "Find Your Representative" section in the upper left-hand corner.

 The Peace Corps Appropriations Bill in the Senate

This afternoon, the full Senate Appropriations Committee is expected to mark up its version of the State/Foreign Operations bill.  We continue to ask that senators champion a $450 million Peace Corps appropriation for fiscal year 2010.

Take Action with Your Senator!

Go here to find out what actions you can take with your senator.

 

MorePeaceCorps Showdown in the Senate: Three Quick Actions Needed

We need you to take three quick actions!

With big support in the House of Representatives for a $450 million appropriation for the Peace Corps, the challenge remains in the U.S. Senate where a key critical vote is a day or two away.

Action is needed NOW

by all who support a bigger, better and bolder Peace Corps:

Action 1:

Call the office of Senator Patrick Leahy (202-224-4242), chair of the all-important Appropriations Subcommittee for State/Foreign Operations.  Say you support the House action to provide $450 million for Peace Corps in Fiscal Year 2010, and ask him to champion this effort in the Senate.  Follow this link and take similar action if one of your Senators is a  member of the subcommittee.

Action 2:

Support the RPCVs of Hawaii in advance of their meeting with staff of Senator Daniel Inouye, Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee.  Sign and send a message about the importance of Peace Corps via the group’s online petition.

Action 3:

Contact your Senators and ask them to co-sponsor Senate Bill 1382 the Peace Corps Improvement and Expansion Act, introduced by RPCV Senator Chris Dodd (Note: Senators Kennedy of Massachusetts and Durbin of Illinois are the first two co-sponsors of this legislation).

Thank you!

Tim Shriver Presents 2009 Shriver Award to John Hatch

This year’s recipient of the Sargent Shriver Award for Outstanding Humanitarian Service is John K. Hatch, founder of the non-profit microfinance organization FINCA International.  To celebrate his achievements and highlight our community's ongoing commitment to Peace Corps's Third Goal, NPCA hosted a reception and ceremony in his honor on Friday, June 26^th.

Among those in attendance were Hatch family members and friends, Rupert Scofield (President of FINCA), Sam Daley-Harris (President and Founder of RESULTS), Timothy Shriver (son of Peace Corps founder Sargent Shriver and Chair of Special Olympics International), Senator Harris Wofford, NPCA board members, Group Leaders, Director’s Circle members and NPCA and Peace Corps staff.  

Kevin Quigley, president of NPCA, gave a warm welcoming speech and was followed by NPCA staffer Molly Mattessich, who offered a "sneak peek" of the soon-to-be launched Africa Rural Connect initiative. Rupert Scofield offered remarks in praise of Hatch and read a letter from Hatch's brother.  He was followed by Tim Shriver, who gave an engaging introduction of Hatch. Shriver touched upon the importance of the Award and the reasons why it was so fitting that Hatch be honored.  He told Hatch,

"You get this award with strings attached. [laughter]  He (Hatch) told me he retired.  C'mon!  Retired!  My father left the office for the last time at the age of 89 probably four years after he'd been diagnosed with Alzheimers', still trying to get into the office to write a few more letters to members of Congress in pursuit of a bolder and better peace Corps...so you have no chance of being able to make retirement into a reason for not continue to grow the work you're doing and fulfill the vision that you've brought to life in such a dramatic and powerful way.  So if he were here today, he would say that the future would be a heck of a lot better if we followed the example of Dr. John Hatch.

John Hatch, accompanied by his wife and seated beside his 94 year old mother, was visibly honored and pleased with receiving the Award. He spoke fondly of his Peace Corps service, recalling it with a familiarity that made one forget he had served decades, not just years, ago. During the speech, Hatch connected his volunteer service with what he ended up doing for a living: helping the poor and underprivileged gain better access and advantages through means of microcredit and entrepreneurship. 

The night ended with an exclusive screening of “Youssou N’Dour: I Bring What I Love,” a recently released documentary chronicling the musical journey of Senegalese world music star Youssou N'Dour.  The film's production company and NPCA’s are partnering to further promote the values of tolerance and mutual understanding. 

You can see photos from the evening on our Facebook Fan Page, on Flickr, or on our website.

Many thanks to the Academy for Educational Development for providing a wonderful venue for this event, and to GEICO, who helped underwrite the reception.

Annd...He's Off! Climate Activist Starts Tour to Connect with Fellow RPCVs

Minnesota RPCV Paul Thompson (Malaysia 70-73) cares deeply about the need for U.S. leadership and global action on climate change. 

An avid Flying Disc enthusiast, Paul is on his way to Jacksonville for the World Flying Disc Federation Championships, and then to Washington for a regional competition.  He wanted to put his stops along the way to good use and thus, a "Climate Conversations" tour was launched.

Starting Friday in Rockford Illinois and ending July 23rd in Milwaukee, Paul will be hosting a series of informal gatherings that are being planned to connect with RPCVs and others who are concerned about the need to address the climate crisis.  Climate conversations will be held in the states of Indiana, Kentucky, Florida, South Carolina, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Ohio, and in the District of Columbia.  Check out the itinerary and forward it to others - RPCVs or otherwise!

We hope to connect with RPCVs and others who are interested in taking action including:

• working with other international based groups planning local meetings with congressional leaders to urge that climate legislation include adequate support for impoverished nations.
• making plans to organize events October 24th in connection with 350.org 

If you are not in the vicinity of these climate conversations but want to find out how you can help, contact advocacy@peacecorpsconnect.org or join our group on Peace Corps Connect. 

Wanted: Senate Champions for the Peace Corps

In building the foundation for a 21st century Peace Corps, there are many members of the House of Representatives one can point to as champions.  The four RPCV Congressmen (Sam Farr, Mike Honda, Tom Petri and Steve Driehaus),  Appropriations Subcommittee Chairwoman Nita Lowey, Subcommittee member Betty McCollum, and Foreign Affairs Chairman Howard Berman are among the many who immediately come to mind.

But...Then there's the Senate, where members of the Appropriations Subcommittee on State/Foreign Operations are scheduled to meet next week to make recommendations on funding for Peace Corps and other international programs.  In recent years, the Senate has regularly recommended less Peace Corps funding than the House.

The Senate needs a champion to advance the call for a $450 Million Peace Corps appropriation for Fiscal Year 2010.  RPCV Senator Chris Dodd (D-CT), has set the wheels in motion, introducing the Peace Corps Improvement and Expansion Act (S. 1382)  But he's not on the subcommittee that will take the first action on funding.  Kit Bond (R-MO) is on that subcommittee.  His powerful commentary on Newsmax.com is a demonstration of his leadership.  But he will need a majority Democrat to help advance the cause.

The United States Senate needs more Peace Corps champions.

Action:  Contact your Senators today and ask them to be champions for the Peace Corps. 

• Follow this link for an action to key members of the subcommittee.
• If one/both of your Senators is not on the subcommittee, ask them to co-sponsor S. 1382, the Peace Corps Improvement and Expansion Act.

Your voice is needed now.  Take action now.

"I Bring What I Love" Opening In Los Angeles with Director Q&A

In June the new Youssou N'Dour documentary,"Youssou N'Dour I Bring What I Love," opened on three screens in New York City--and was even held over.  (That's Youssou (center) and the  director, Chai (far right), with some New York-area RPCVs.) Now the film is coming to the West Coast!

The film Opens Friday, July 3 in Los Angeles and Orange County.  Director/Producer Chai Vasarhelyi will appear in person for Q&A on Opening Weekend!

Here's the schedule: 

Director/Producer CHAI VASARHELYI at Laemmle's Sunset 5 for Q&A on Opening Weekend
• Fri, July 3 following the 7:00 show; will intro the 9:45 show.
• Sat, July 4 following the 7:00 show; will intro the 9:45 show.
• Sun, July 5 following the 4:10 matinee.

Film opens on Friday, July 3 (for minimum of one week) in Los Angeles and Orange County:

LAEMMLE'S SUNSET 5
8000 Sunset Blvd. • West Hollywood, CA   90046
323-848-3500 • www.laemmle.com
Showtimes July 3-July 9:   1:30, 4:10, 7:00, 9:45
Tickets On Sale:   $10.00 (General), $8.50 (Students w/ID), $7.00 (Seniors 62+/Children under 12)
Group Rate: $8.50 (Fri-Sat)/$6.00(Sun-Thur) for 25 or more, details at http://www.laemmle.com/group_sales.php

EDWARDS UNIVERSITY TOWN CENTER 6
4245 Campus Drive • Irvine, CA   92612
949-854-8818 • www.regmovies.com
Showtimes and Tickets available on Monday, June 29

YOUSSOU N'DOUR: I BRING WHAT I LOVE has won multiple awards worldwide including the Circle Audience Award - Film Fest DC, Impact of Music Award - Nashville Film Festival, Special Jury Prize - Middle East International Film Festival, Audience Award and Spirit of Freedom Award - Bahamas International Film Festival.

What have the critics said?

"A singer with a voice so extraordinary that the history of Africa seems locked inside it." - Rolling Stone

"A stirring story of an artist and a hero." - NBC/Reel Talk

"A beautiful meditation on faith, Islam and music." - The Huffington Post

YOUSSOU N'DOUR: I BRING WHAT I LOVE, is a music-infused cinematic journey about the power of one man's voice to inspire change. The film chronicles Africa's pop sensation Youssou N'dour, a devout Muslim, as he releases a deeply personal and religious album called Egypt in the hope of promoting a tolerant face of Islam. While the record received international acclaim and a Grammy, it was denounced as blasphemy in his native Senegal. Director Chai Vasarhelyi followed Youssou N'dour for over two years - filming in Africa, Europe, and America - to tell the story of how he faced these challenges and eventually won over audiences both at home and abroad.

For more information about NPCA's partnership with the film, click here.

For more information about the film contact Karen O'Hara at karenoh@aol.com or 520-326-0813.  

Dodd Introduces Legislation to Improve, Expand Peace Corps

Thursday evening, Connecticut RPCV Senator Chris Dodd (Dominican Republic 66-68) introduced Senate Bill 1382, legislation that proposes a doubling of funds for the Peace Corps over the next three years and calls upon the agency to undertake "a thorough assessment of the Peace Corps and develop a comprehensive strategic plan for reforming and revitalizing the organization."

 

Follow this link to read the legislation. 

"Senator Chris Dodd is again demonstrating his leadership skill and commitment to the Peace Corps by today introducing the Peace Corps Improvement and Expansion Act," said NPCA President Kevin Quigley.

 

Stay tuned for further updates and action opportunities related to this legislation.

Part One: Part Two:

Trees, Water and People Non-Profit Wins Big

 One million dollars is a huge amount of money. For a relatively young non-profit, a million dollars is even bigger.

On June 9,  at an economic conference in Montreal, the non-profit organization Colorado-based Trees, Water and People (TWP) was awarded the Rio Tinto Prize for Sustainability.  Rio Tinto, a leading mining group based in the UK, awards the $1 million dollar Rio Tinto Prize annually in an effort to recognize and reward non-profit, civil society and non-government organizations for their significant contributions towards economic, environmental and social sustainability.

TWP focuses on preserving the North and South American natural reserves and wetlands through education and reforestation. TWP also deals with watershed protection and renewable energy to help maintain the wildlife and vegetation in these Central American and American West areas.

Not surprisingly, there's a Peace Corps connection to this story.  In fact, three! 

• Before co-founding TWP, International Director Stuart Conway (pcitured) worked in the Peace Corps and served for eight years as the Director of the Washington D.C.-based New Forests Project. During that time, Stuart initiated reforestation and watershed protection projects in Central America, Africa, and the Philippines.
• Director of Watershed Protection Jim Webster joined TWP in 2007. He received his undergraduate degree from Duke University and worked for the Peace Corps in Mali, West Africa and for the World Wildlife Fund in Madagascar and Washington, D.C.  Most recently he provided technical assistance to the Western Center for Environmental Decision Making.
• And Assistant International Director Allison Shaw worked in the Peace Corps as a municipal agroforestry extension agent in Guatemala, completed a preserve stewardship internship with The Nature Conservancy, and interned with the National Park Service to provide ecological monitoring and data management before joining TWP.

“We are absolutely thankful, delighted and overwhelmed with gratitude at being announced the 2008 Prize winner." said Conway.  "We now have the opportunity to expand our community reforestation and improved cook stove programs in Honduras, Nicaragua, and Haiti. In particular, we will look to use the Prize to leverage additional sources of funding, and increasingly share the work we are doing with other interested organizations."

>> Trees, Water, People (Website)

>> Trees, Water, People Blog, Sustainable Change that Works

"I Bring What I Love" Opening in New York

NPCA recently announced its partnership with Shadow Distribution around the documentary film "I Bring What I Love," a portrait of Senegalese musician Youssou N'Dour.  Here's a report of how the film's opening went in last weekend:

Hi Anne, Erica and Molly,

YOUSSOU N'DOUR: I BRING WHAT I LOVE had a fabulous opening weekend in New York City.   It is being held over by The Paris and BAM Rose Cinemas, and starts at the Village East Cinema on Friday.

The main show on opening night, June 12 at the IFC Center sold out and was very exciting.   It was attended by Janet Duncan, President, RPCVs of Greater NY, and a small group of RPCVs.   Youssou D'Nour and director Chai Vasarhelyi did a lively Q&A following the screening.  

At the Paris Theatre on Wednesday night, June 17, Amie Kabia, an RPCV who served in Madagascar and is currently a Peace Corps recruiter, introduced the film and mentioned our partnership.   She also brought Peace Corps literature for display in theater.   Her mother is from The Gambia, her father is African, and she grew up listening to Youssou's music.   A Q&A with the director followed the screening....

Major cities coming up that we need your support with include Los Angeles (7/3), Santa Barbara (7/17), Santa Fe (7/24), Atlanta (7/31), Austin (8/14), Dallas (8/21), Houston (8/28), San Diego (9/4).   We don't have a Washington DC date yet but will soon....  

Onward!

Best,
Karen