You Never Know Who You'll Meet on Amtrak

Life is full of serendipity.

NPCA President Kevin Quigley was en route this morning to the ServiceNation Summit in New York City and he happened to sit next to John Bridgeland, co-organizer of the Service Nation Summit, former Director, U.S. Freedom Corps

Taking advantage of this, Quigley asked Bridgeland a few questions:

How does the Peace Corps fit into the Service Nation Summit?

Bridgeland:  First, the citizens petition from students that was sent to President Kennedy saying that they would join his Peace Corps is the model for the Service Nation Declaration of Service. We want millions of Americans to sign. Second, our Service Nation Policy Plan calls for the doubling of the Peace Corps to enable more Americans to share their compassion and skills in countries around the world.

And third, Peace Corps officials and the President of NPCA will be with us for the President's Forum and the Summit.

What do you want to see coming out of the Summit?

Bridgeland:  ServiceNation Summit is an action-forcing forum, giving the Presidential candidates a platform to share their visions and plans for a renewed culture of service, Senators the chance to announce the introduction of new legislation and highlight existing bills, including the expansion of the PeaceCorps, and leaders across the country to make their commitments to service and plot their next steps.

What is one thing you would like every member of the Peace Corps community to do?

Bridgeland:  Work in partnership with the ServiceNation Coalition, of which NPCA is a key part, sign the Declaration of Service, and urge policymakers and leaders at all levels to follow through to implement their plans.