Bon Voyage, David

If you've served as a Peace Corps volunteer in the past 14 years, chances are you've read WorldView magazine while at your post.  I know I did. In a place where the printed word was rare, WorldView was like a cold drink on a hot day.  Not just straight news, like our Peace Corps-provided Newsweek, it offered profiles, and book reviews and stunning photos, and stories that spoke to me directly.  As the masthead says:  "A magazine of news and comment about the Peace Corps world." 

The driving force behind the magazine for all these years has been my colleague, David Arnold.  Last week David informed our board that he's embarking on a new adventure and is taking a position with the Voice of America.  It's been such a privilege to work with him.   When I joined NPCA I was astonished to discover that he more or less produced the magazine single-handedly, in addition to all his other responsibilities.  His knowledge of NPCA and the Peace Corps community is unrivaled.  His commitment to the ideals of Peace Corps is as unwavering as when he and his new bride Courtney landed as volunteers in Ethiopia in 1964.  Beneath his calm, professorial demeanor is an incisive intellect, and creative soul and a wicked sense of humor.  I can scarcely fathom NPCA without him.

Following is the message which David sent out today to our affiliate group leaders:

It is with sadness and excitement that I write to you of my decision to accept an offer to become international supervisor of the Horn of Africa broadcasting service for Voice of America.  After 14 years as editor of WorldView magazine the decision to change did not come easily.  However, I am thrilled to start work after the holidays with a staff of Ethiopian and Eritrean broadcasters providing news from a building on Independence Avenue to millions in two fascinating African countries I first discovered as a Peace Corps volunteer.

I hope you have enjoyed WorldView and that it will grow and adapt to the changing needs of its readership.  I have agreed to complete work on the spring, 2008 issue, in order to give the staff time to make decisions regarding new leadership for WorldView. 

Over the years, it has been a privilege producing a magazine about the rest of the world for the larger Peace Corps community.  I was lucky as a journalist to find a magazine to work for that I could care so much about. 

As I said when I wrote the other day to the board of directors of my decision, one of my regrets is that my decision comes at a time when I believe the NPCA is about to become a greater voice for Peace Corps and for public service.   It’s a goal I’ve heard expressed by four NPCA presidents.  It is what we have always worked for.  I believe that Kevin and our very talented staff are about to make that happen.  I am sorry that I won’t be here to share future success, but I will cheer with you all when it occurs.

I wish you all the best in your efforts to build this community.

Warmly,

David Arnold

Comments

[Nancy Sathre-Vogel]

The VOA is indeed fortunately to have David. Although I admit to being sad to see him leave WorldView, I'm thrilled that he will heading to Ethiopia. I had the opportunity to live in Ethiopia for seven years teaching at the American School there - it's a fabulous country!

[Ted Vestal, PC Staff 1963-1966]

David Arnold was an excellent Peace Corps Volunteer teacher in Ethiopia and brought his drive for excellence home with him when his PCV service ended in 1966. As a journalist he brought the spirit of the Peace Corps to life for readers on both coasts of the United States. The VOA will be fortunate to have him working in its Horn of Africa program. David personifies the 3rd goal of the Peace Corps at its best.