Amid growing concerns about America's standing in the world, policy
makers and opinion leaders are starting to talk about Peace Corps-and
NPCA is playing an important role.
Next
month NPCA will convene a diverse gathering of thought leaders and
original Peace Corps architects to discuss the future of Peace Corps.
How might Peace Corps be enhanced in ways to improve its effectiveness
for its next 50 years? How can it better respond to demand from
countries who want Peace Corps programs and individuals who want to
serve? The resulting policy ideas and recommendations will be shared
with the major party Presidential candidates and the broader Peace
Corps and international community.
The fall issue of WorldView magazine will also focus on the future of Peace Corps and include a range of viewpoints.
Meanwhile Peace Corps critic Robert L. Strauss has once again stirred controversy, this time with a pointed opinion piece on the Foreign Policy Web site. Yale professor and development blogger Chris Blattman offered his thoughts, as did countless bloggers and commentors, pro and con. And don't forget a recent story about Peace Corps in the Christian Science Monitor.
Stay tuned! There's sure to be lots more discussion!
Having been both a Peace Corps Volunteer, and, after graduate school, a professional in agricultural research and development in Africa for 10 years, I believe we need both Peace Corps Classic (cultural interchange and education for Americans), and a Technical Corps of experienced international professionals, with term options longer than the current two-year assignments. The latter would be paid a modest salary ($30-40,000)and have access to some funding for work support. They would serve as real trainers of host country professionals and carry out technical projects with them. They would also be potential post-secondary education instructors.
Posted by: Les Everett | May 15, 2008 at 06:55 PM