Changing the Peace Corps for a Changing World

NPCA President Kevin Quigley and Lex Rieffel brought the discussion about national service, global citizenship, and the role of the Peace Corps in the wake of 9/11 to The Globalist Online Magazine yesterday. 

They wrote an editorial that notes that although both Democratic and Republican parties recognize the Peace Corps is one of the essential ways to address the international challenges facing the nation, the current government is falling short of its promises to expand the Corps.  They point out that an evaluation of the vision, funding model, and even organizational form of the Peace Corps is necessary in the face of falling government revenues and the slowing U.S. economy. 

However, they also emphasize that a new model can help the Peace Corps stay in tune with the realities of a changing world, offering opportunities for more effective volunteerism and a broader sense of global citizenship.  They suggest four main ideas for potential change:

• Coordinate volunteer exchange with other countries.  For example, exchanging volunteers with countries like China and Brazil would help all the volunteers learn about each other's cultures and help the world's poorest and most underpriviledged, no matter their home nation. 
• Reevaluate the way Peace Corps volunteers are funded.  Create a system based on cost sharing that includes state and local governments, or that includes NGOs.
• Create a management model that is ready for the Peace Corps' growth.  Quigley and Rieffel suggest a Corporation for International Study and Service, similar to the Corporation for National Community Service in charge of AmeriCorps and other national service programs. 
• Offer programs beyond the 27 month commitment, such as a post-high school "gap year" program or a six-month renewable program for retirees. 

Their message is one of reform. With it comes with the powerful sense that a mission as important as being responsible citizens of the world is one that can inspire us to make the changes we need to address the challenges ahead.

Read the full editorial here.