Peace Corps Polyglot

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

United We Serve - The Peace Corps Community

The Peace Corps community has been invited to join in President Obama's summer service initiative - United We Serve - challenging all Americans to help lay a new foundation for growth in this country by engaging in sustained, meaningful community service this summer.  The initiative will be led by the Corporation for National and Community Service, the federal agency dedicated to fostering service in communities across the country.  Peace Corps community is a natural ally in this effort and recently Acting Peace Corps Director Jody Olsen released this statement:

Dear Returned Peace Corps Volunteers:

I am proud to invite you to join President Obama's summer service initiative - United We Serve - a call to all Americans to join a volunteer effort this summer and be part of building a new foundation for America, one community at a time.

United We Serve officially starts on June 22 and runs through the National Day of Service and Remembrance on September 11. Since his inauguration, the President has called on all Americans to serve their communities and be a part of building a better future for our country.

At nearly 200,000 strong, returned Peace Corps Volunteers (RPCVs) have a tradition of making a difference in their communities by selflessly contributing their skills and experience through their dedication to service. Across America, individual RPCVs and RPCV groups are engaged in grassroots projects like restoring hiking trails in Denver, providing assistance and education opportunities to refugees in San Francisco, and offering volunteer translation services for families with medical emergencies in St. Louis.

The President believes that America's new foundation will be built one community at a time, through an ethic of service and volunteerism and the personal commitment of individuals willing to give of themselves to build a better future. This is a commitment that is well understood by everyone in the Peace Corps community.

When volunteers commit to long-term service projects in their communities, they build expertise and strengthen their community's capacity to meet its challenges.  In many places, community-based organizations' capacity is strained, so we are calling on all RPCVs to take a leadership role in recruiting and organizing their friends, family, and neighbors to bring about the change that is needed. Maybe that is organizing a neighborhood to rebuild a playground, creating a clothing drive, or volunteering to refurbish a local school.

I encourage you to visit www.serve.gov, to find service opportunities near you and to post your own projects. Throughout the summer, the Obama administration will look to highlight examples of exemplary service - both in existing programs and new ones - that meet the President's call by building a community's capacity to address our most pressing problems. These stories of service will lay the groundwork for future efforts.

You can learn more about RPCV United We Serve participation and share your own story of service by visiting www.peacecorps.gov/unitedweserve.

I intend to contribute to United We Serve in my local community. I hope you will consider completing a project in yours.

Sincerely,

Jody K. Olsen
Acting Director

The National Peace Corps Association joins with the Peace Corps in supporting greater community involvement and sharing stories about the many ways that we continue to serve.

(Photo courtesy of Returned Peace Corps Volunteers of Phoenix, AZ)

RPCV Road Trip for Climate Awareness, Action

We are excited to share with you the upcoming trip of RPCV activist Paul Thompson (Malaysia 1970-73). Paul is a dedicated advocate who has connected his passion for health and wellness with an urgency to protect the climate. Paul will be traveling through 10 cities in July, with stops along the way to connect with local RPCVs about this critical moment for U.S. policy on climate change.  Paul has generously given of his time to create this trip, which we hope you can be a part of. There are still lots of details being worked out but read below to see the cities that Paul will be visiting.

RPCV Climate Conversations Itinerary

• Friday, July 3rd Rockford, IL
• Friday, July 3rd Indianapolis, IN

Event details: Come join Paul at Panera Bread from 5 pm- 7 pm

(Try to come at 5 but make it anytime before 7)
6055 N Keystone Avenue
Indianapolis, Indiana  46220 

• Saturday, July 4th Bowling Green, KY
• Wednesday, July 8th Jacksonville, FL
• Monday, July 13th Beaufort, SC
• Tuesday, July 14th Columbia, SC
• Wednesday, July 15th Winston-Salem, NC
• Monday, July 20th Pittsburgh, PA

Event details: Come meet with Paul at Panera Bread 6 pm- 8 pm
(Try to come at 6 but make it anytime before 8)
1711 Murray Avenue
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania  15217

• Tuesday, July 21st Columbus, OH
• Wednesday, July 22nd South Bend, IN

Event details:  Location to be announced, from 6 pm -8 pm
Contact Chris LeMaire, (574-243-1150), clemaire2@gmail.com

• Thursday, July 23rd Milwaukee, WI

If you have any questions, please contact Paul at ptflydisc@aol.com or Jonathan Pearson at jonathan@peacecorpsconnect.org

House Appropriations Subcommittee Votes $450 Million for Peace Corps

Despite limited funds to work with, the House Appropriations Subcommittee for State, Foreign Operations and Related Programs today took a major step forward to provide the resources for a bigger, better and bolder Peace Corps.  In its "mark up" of programs within the International Affairs budget for Fiscal Year 2010, the subcommittee agreed to recommend a $450 Million appropriation for the Peace Corps.  This decision was announced last night on MSNBC's Hardball with Chris Matthews by Subcommittee Chairwoman Nita Lowey.  Click here to watch the program.

 

Eighteen months ago, the National Peace Corps Association launched the MorePeaceCorps Campaign anticipating an opportunity but realizing that a coordinated and sustained effort was necessary, Inspired by the indefatigable spirit of Peace Corps pioneer Harris Wofford, led by the enormous energy of our Campaign Coordinator Rajeev Goyal (Nepal 01-03) supported by Donald Ross (Nigeria 65-67) and his team at M+R Associates and fueled by the countless contributions of volunteer advocates across the nation, we all went to work:  writing letters, making phone calls, hosting MorePeaceCorps House Parties, organizing constituent meetings with lawmakers, submitting letters to the editor and op/eds, taking part in a National Day of Action, marching in parades, attending rallies and much, much more.. 

 

It is very important to recognize that much more work remains, But today's action is an historic step forward!  It is your historic step forward.  Congratulations!

 

Take Action Now! - Say Thank You to Key Lawmakers

 

FOR ALL ADVOCATES:

 

Express HUGE thanks to the following four lawmakers for their superb leadership.  (We encourage you to send brief emails, although some offices may only allow messages from constituents) 

 

Congresswoman Nita Lowey (NY)

Email Link (only constituents can use this email link)

Phone: 202-225-6506

(As Chair of the key Subcommittee, Congresswoman Lowey played an absolutely critical role in including $450 Million in today's mark up.  She should be thanked for her leadership)

Congressman Sam Farr (CA)

Email Link (only constituents can use this email link)

Phone: 202-225-2861

(The lead author of the Peace Corps Expansion Act of 2009, RPCV Congressman Farr has led the charge throughout the year for significant Peace Corps funding)

 

Congresswoman Betty McCollum (MN)

Email Link (only constituents can use this email link)

Phone: 202-225-6631

(Congresswoman McCollum has been a longstanding champion of the Peace Corps and has been a leading voice for funding within the Subcommittee)

 

Congressman Howard Berman (CA)

Email Link (only constituents can use this email link)

Phone: 202-225-4695

(As Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Congressman Berman agreed to include $450 Million in comprehensive foreign assistance legislation)

 

 IF ONE OF THESE LAWMAKERS (BELOW) IS YOUR REPRESENTATIVE:  

Below are the other members of the State, Foreign Operations Subcommittee.  If you are a constituent, contact them today to express your thanks for their support of $450 Million for Peace Corps.  Tell them how pleased you are with this decision and urge them to continue to be a strong voice for the Peace Corps.

 

House Appropriations Subcommittee for State, Foreign Operations and Related Programs:

 

Subcommittee Ranking Member

Congresswoman Kay Granger (R-TX)

Map of District

Email Link

Phone: 202-225-5071

 

Congressman Jesse Jackson Jr. (D-IL)

Map of District

Email Link

Phone: 202-225-0773

Congressman Adam Schiff (D-CA)

Map of District

Email Link

Phone: 202-225-4176

Congressman Steve Israel (D-NY)

Map of District

Email Link

Phone: 202-225-3335

Congressman Ben Chandler (D-KY)

Map of District

Email Link

Phone: 202-225-4706

Congressman Steven R. Rothman (D-NJ)

Map of District

Email Link

Phone: 202-225-5061

Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA)

Map of District

Email Link

Phone: 202-225-2661

 

Congressman Mark Steven Kirk (R-IL)

Map of District

Email Link

Phone: 202-225-4835

Congressman Ander Crenshaw (R-FL)

Map of District

Email Link

Phone: 202-225-2501

Congressman Dennis R. Rehberg (R-MT)
(Congressman Rehberg represents all of Montana)

Email Link

Phone: 202-225-3211

 

Thanks for taking action.   You make all the difference. 

Lowey Says $450 Million for Peace Corps!

A short while ago, Congresswoman Nita Lowey, appearing on Hardball with Chris Matthews, announced that the House Appropriations Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations and Related Programs, will recommend $450 Million in funding for Peace Corps for Fiscal Year 2010.

 

Follow this link to watch the interview, which also features Vanity Fair Special Correspondent and Colombia RPCV Maureen Orth.

 

Formal action is expected tomorrow morning when the subcommittee officially holds its "mark up" for the international affairs budget.

 

Stay tuned tomorrow morning for word on formal approval and a special thank you action to key lawmakers.

Must See TV Tonight, on Eve of Big Peace Corps Decision

Tomorrow morning, the House Appropriations Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations and Related Programs is expected to meet and finalize its funding recommendations for Peace Corps and other international affairs programs.

 

Tonight, the Chairwoman of the Subcommittee, Nita Lowey, is scheduled to appear on the MSNBC program "Hardball," hosted by Chris Matthews.  Also slated to appear is Vanity Fair Special Correspondent Maureen Orth.

 

Matthews and Orth are both RPCVs.  Matthews served in Swaziland from 1969 to 1971, while Orth served in Colombia from 1964 to 1966.

 

Check local listings for broadcast times for Hardball in your area.  And, look for news about Peace Corps funding tomorrow.

 

Please forward this message to all your friends and colleagues!

Supporters Rally For Peace Corps, March to White House

Yes, this rally came together quickly!  The people who gathered at Washington, DC’s Freedom Plaza on Saturday—Returned Peace Corps Volunteers, future Volunteers and those who simply support and believe in the mission and promise of the Peace Corps—were enthusiastic and vocal.  They were there to call on the President and Congress to provide the resources necessary to revitalize and build a bold new Peace Corps.

Under a blazing afternoon sky, they listened to speakers such as Peace Corps pioneer Senator Harris Wofford; Jamaican Ambassador Anthony Johnson; author and advocate Laurence Leamer; MorePeaceCorps Coordinator Rajeev Goyal; and National Peace Corps Association President Kevin Quigley. 

“Nearly fifty years ago President Kennedy called our country to service,” said Quigley.  “Now President Obama is calling us to serve again.  Tens of thousands of Americans want to--and more than 20 countries are requesting Peace Corps programs. This event is to encourage President Obama’s leadership and Congressional support for a bold new Peace Corps.  The world wants this and our country needs this.”

In between the speeches there were pulsating performances by local rock band Cairo Fred, all-female Afro-Brazilian drum group Batala Washington D.C, and Peruvian flute player Juan Cayrampoma.  A letter to President Obama and the First Lady in the form of a hundred foot scroll bisected the plaza and participants knelt down to write their heartfelt thoughts about the importance of Peace Corps. 

The program concluded with a rousing speech by Tim Shriver, Chairman of Special Olympics International and son of Peace Corps founder Sargent Shriver.  Then, chanting, he led the rally participants bearing Peace Corps banners and signs, on a three block march from Freedom Plaza to the front of the White House.

Links:

For pictures of the rally, see the NPCA Flickr photostream here.

For pictures of the letter to President Obama, click here.

John Hatch Named 2009 NPCA Sargent Shriver Award Recipient

The National Peace Corps Association today announced that John Hatch, founder of the microfinance organization FINCA International, is the 2009 recipient of the Sargent Shriver Award for Distinguished Humanitarian Service.

The Shriver Award is presented by the National Peace Corps Association to a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer who continues to make a sustained and distinguished contribution to humanitarian causes at home or abroad, or is an innovative social entrepreneur whose actions will bring about significant long-term change. Established in 1986, and with over 20 recipients to date, it honors the tremendous contributions of the first Peace Corps Director, Sargent Shriver, in the founding and development of the Peace Corps.

“John Hatch and his life’s work, beginning with the Peace Corps and continuing today, reflects Sargent Shriver’s hopes for all volunteers; that the Peace Corps service will lead to a life-time commitment to assisting the under-served,” said Kevin Quigley, NPCA president. “John’s pioneering role in Village Banking and creating FINCA are these hopes made real, and he is an inspirational example for the Peace Corps community.”

John Hatch began his service to the Peace Corps in 1962, as a community development volunteer in Colombia and later as a regional Peace Corps director in Peru.  After completing his Ph.D, Hatch founded the non-profit microfinance organization FINCA (Foundation for International Community Assistance) International, whose mission is to provide financial services to the world’s lowest-income entrepreneurs so they can create jobs, build assets and improve their families’ standard of living.  He developed a new microfinance methodology called Village Banking, which brings together ten to thirty people in a community—mostly women—who guarantee small business loans for each other, enabling them to create income-generating opportunities for themselves. FINCA operates in 21 countries of Africa, Eurasia, the Greater Middle East and Latin America, and is currently providing financial services to more than 750,000 people.

Timothy Shriver, son of Sargent Shriver and Chair of Special Olympics International, will present Hatch with the Award at NPCA's "Third Goal" Celebration on June 26th in Washington, D.C.

For additional information, or media interested in attending this event, please contact Erica Burman, Director of Communications, at news@peacecorpsconnect.org, Tel. 202.293.7728 ext 16.

>> Learn more about past Shriver Award recipients.
>> See NPCA press release.
>> Learn more about FINCA and village banking.