Peace Corps Polyglot

Ten Years...$165,000!

Peace Corps volunteers don’t end their community service efforts with the end of their time abroad. As we know, many volunteers bring that spirit of service back to their own communities, and groups of returned Peace Corps volunteers often continue to serve their communities in various ways.

One such group is the Inland-Northwest Peace Corps Association. The group’s recent activities included volunteering with the local public television station, KSPS Public Television/Friends of Seven, which serves the Inland Northwest and Canada. According to longtime group member Sue Bracken, group members (pictured here at KSPS) have answered phones at the television station’s pledge drives for the past ten years.

The group’s support is very much appreciated by the television station. Dawn Bayman, the Membership Director at KSPS, says that members of the group come one or two times a year to volunteer and that “over the years they’ve answered almost 1,300 phone calls with pledge contributions totaling more than $165,000!” Bayman says that what she appreciates most about these volunteers “is the sense of service and integrity that they bring to their work. That always shines through in their conversations with our members – they go out of their way to be helpful and represent KSPS very well.”

Congratulations to the Inland-Northwest Peace Corps Association for ten years of service to KSPS as part of serving their community in the spirit that the Peace Corps seeks to foster.

NPCA Honors Senate Peace Corps Champions

The annual Capitol Hill gathering of NPCA's Director's Circle provided an opportunity to recognize two retiring Senators who have been strong voices for the importance of the Peace Corps.

NPCA recognized Missouri Senator Kit Bond (above, standing) for his strong support for increased Peace Corps funding as an important element of "smart power" in our outreach to the world. During the program, we read a letter of congratulations sent by the St. Louis Peace Corps Association which said in part, "We thank Senator Bond for his persistence in calling for an expansion of the Peace Corps to put greater numbers of Americans into vitally important countries around the world, changing minds about America one small village at a time."

 We also recognized Connecticut Senator and Dominican Republic RPCV Chris Dodd (above, center) for his lifetime commitment to service and his many contributions to the Peace Corps community. In presenting an award to Senator Dodd, former  Senator Harris Wofford (above, left) said "We have been made richer for the so many things you have done. The loss to the Senate will be a gain to the whole citizen sector of this republic." 

Romance and politics – Director’s Circle Weekend 2010

Earlier this month, Returned Peace Corps Volunteers, former staff staff and other members of the Peace Corps community arrived in Washington, DC from across the country to participate in NPCA’s annual Director’s Circle Weekend.

The weekend included events such as special recognition of Senators Kit Bond and Christopher Dodd for their great support of the Peace Corps community, remarks from Peace Corps Director Aaron Williams and former Peace Corps Director Kevin O’Donnell, a special tour of the African Art Museum given by RPCV docent, Bonnie Gottlieb (Cote D’Ivoire 72-74) and many opportunities to share stories about how the community continues to serve after Peace Corps. The weekend will be remembered for the stories of Peace Corps romances (!), African dancing and the lively session on Peace Corps’ role in U.S. foreign policy.

Among the attendees, NPCA was happy to welcome its newest members Peter Laugharn (Morocco 82-84), David Lockshin (Costa Rica 81-84) and Kathleen Harnig (Bulgaria 98-00) as well as many members of the NPCA Board of Directors and Advisory Council. Special thanks to Frances Holliday Alford (Republic of Korea 78-80), Chair of the Director’s Circle, Tom Scanlon (Chile 61-63) our host for Friday evening’s reception and everyone who helped to make this a fantastic weekend. 

To learn more about the Director's Circle, and how you can join, click here.

[Top photo:  Tom Scanlon, NPCA board member David Magnani and Sen. Harris Wofford.  Bottom photo:  Kevin O'Donnell, NPCA Advisory Council member Ginny Kirkwood and Helen Lowman.]

Solidarity Amidst Mourning in Haiti

One month after the devastating earthquake in Haiti, thousands upon thousands of Haitians have gathered around the National Palace to observe a National Day of Mourning.

For members of the Peace Corps community, we are collecting messages of solidarity and condolence that will be delivered to the Embassy of Haiti in Washington.  Follow this link to leave your message (it is okay to simply leave your name as well).  Then, please forward this link to other members of the Peace Corps community.

Thank you.

Returned Peace Corps Volunteers in Washington Raise $1,000 for Haiti

(l to r: RPCVs Bryan Schaaf of Haiti Innovation and Lenny Teh, President of Friends of Haiti, speak at last night's RPCV Happy Hour/Haiti Fundraiser in Washington DC)

In his remarks to an overflow crowd at the monthly Happy Hour hosted by the RPCVs of Washington DC, Bryan Schaaf (Haiti 00-02) referred to a proverb he learned as a volunteer: “Haiti has teeth.  It bites onto you.  It doesn’t let you go.”

That connection and commitment to the country was in evidence as numerous Haiti RPCVs, including Leslie Koo (00-02), Josh Kunin-Goldsmith (01-04), Christine Fontecchio (03-04) and Lenny Teh (97-00) turned out as the Happy Hour was quickly transformed into a Haiti relief fundraiser that collected $1,023 for the Red Cross.

Teh, who serves as President of the Friends of Haiti RPCV Group, fought back tears as he told the audience one-third of the country’s population was impacted by the massive earthquake that struck on Tuesday.  Those affected included Teh's sponsor family in Port-au-Prince.  While all are safe, children in Teh's family were in a house that collapsed during the quake.  “They are now living in the street, and they are scared.”

The Haiti RPCVs we spoke with shared common thoughts and reactions to the crisis.  There is worry as they seek to learn the fate of friends.  There is frustration over the distance and limits they face in responding to the crisis.   There is unanimity in the need for an infusion of cash donations to support established organizations moving in to offer relief.  And they say there will be the need over the long term for skilled RPCVs to stay engaged and volunteer for Haiti after the immediate crisis has stabilized.

There is also a belief in the resilience of the Haitian people. Schaaf is one of the founders of Haiti Innovation, an organization created by RPCVs to bring attention to the many positive initiatives and developments in Haiti.  Saddened because the earthquake is a massive setback after a year of positive economic and social development, Schaaf noted there is tremendous suffering.  But, he added, “I worry that the (media) footage makes Haitians look helpless.  They are not.”  As is the case with citizens elsewhere, “It is the local communities and local people that are first in responding to the crisis.”

Former NPCA Staffer on the Ground in Haiti for Red Cross

When National Peace Corps Association staff heard about the earthquake in Haiti late Tuesday afternoon, our thoughts immediately went to our former colleague, Matt Marek.  Matt served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Haiti from 2000 to 2002* and worked for NPCA as our Operations Manager for two years.  He was and is passionate about Haiti, and with fellow Haiti RPCVs founded Haiti Innovation, an all-volunteer, non-profit consultancy offering technical expertise and in depth knowledge of Haitian developmental challenges and solutions. 

Matt returned to Haiti and most recently has been working as Head of Programs for Haiti American Red Cross International Services.  He now finds himself in the midst of a disaster of unimaginable proportions.  (You can read more about his work on the Red Cross website.  Read an update here.)

We got word from Haiti Innovation's Bryan Schaaf that "Matt is ok." He continued, "Responders, including Red Cross, are overwhelmed.  Please encourage members to make cash contributions to provides who are already on the ground.  This includes WFP, UNICEF, Care, Save the Children, and many others.  Thank you!"  [People interested in making contributions to aid Haiti may wish to visit Charity Navigator, an independent charity evaluator.] 

Meanwhile, Returned Peace Corps Volunteers of Washington DC has just announced that this evening’s already scheduled Happy Hour will be a fundraiser for Haiti earthquake relief efforts. The Friends of Haiti RPCV group will be in attendance to share what information they have been able to uncover regarding the situation and relief efforts.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Haiti, as well as with the RPCVs who served there and have lost friends and loved ones.

[*Peace Corps does not currently have a program in Haiti, but was in the country during the periods 1982-87, 1990-91 and 1996-2005.]

UPDATE:  See Matt interviewed by Anderson Cooper on CNN about coordinating earthquake relief.

Celebrating 30 Years of Women's Rights

December 18th marks the 30th anniversary of global adoption of CEDAW – the Convention for the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women.

Rosemary Straley (RPCV Ghana 62-64; Country Director Cameroon 78-79) has been active in CEDAW advocacy ever since attending the 4th UN World Conference on Women in 1995 where she learned that the U.S. had not ratified the treaty.  Unfortunately, Straley and other women’s advocates are still waiting.  While 96% of the world’s nations have now ratified the treaty, the U.S. remains among a handful of nations that have yet to take action.

According to Straley, “CEDAW provisions guarantee that women, who hold up ‘half the sky’, will have access to basic human rights by exposing discriminatory practices.”  She says experience demonstrates that empowering women by increasing their opportunities leads to greater investments in families, education and economic security.

Follow this link to learn more about CEDAW and its 30 years of advancement and success.

Ratification of international treaties requires a two-thirds vote of the United States Senate, so Straley urges supporters to contact their Senators to urge ratification.  And, she notes, a CEDAW National Day of Action is already in the works for next March 8th – International Women’s Day.

National Peace Corps Association Closes an Historic Year

Dear Peace Corps Community Members,

2009 was a remarkable year for NPCA and the Peace Corps Community.  Memorable bookends include an historic role marching in the inaugural parade and helping secure the highest appropriation in the history of the Peace Corps.  The $400 million appropriation was $60 million more than last year, and nearly $30 million more than the President requested.  This success directly results from the work of thousands in the community who mobilized to secure congressional support. 

In 2009, we lost two dedicated RPCVs in the House of Representatives—Jim Walsh and Chris Shays, but gained two new outstanding members—Steve Driehaus and John Garamendi.  In Congress, Sam Farr was a remarkably energetic and effective champion. 

Aaron Williams was named as the 18th Director and Carrie Hessler-Radelet the deputy director nominee. Both Aaron and Carrie are RPCVS and former NPCA Board members, who have extensive experience in international development and management and bring a bold new vision for re-invigorating the Peace Corps. 

We launched two new websites:  Peace Corps Connect (www.peacecorpsconnect.org) and Africa Rural Connect (www.arc.peacecorpsconnect.org). More than 17,000 community members have posted their profiles on Peace Corps Connect since January. 

NPCA also helped launch the Service World campaign to significantly expand opportunities for Americans to volunteer overseas and increase the impact they have.  And despite the global financial crisis, NPCA had the strongest financial success in its 30-year history.  All of these successes could not have been possible without your support and engagement.  Thank you.  2010, the start of the 50th Anniversary celebrations, promises to be another remarkable year. 

With gratitude and very best wishes for a joyous holidays and a more peaceful 2010.
 
Kevin F. F. Quigley

President

National Peace Corps Association

Benin RPCVs Start Girls' Camp Fund in Honor of Kate Puzey

The death of a Peace Corps Volunteer is always devastating, not least for the Volunteer community left behind. In the case of Kate Puzey, a TEFL Volunteer in Benin who was murdered in March 2009, several of her fellow Volunteers are stepping forward to create a meaningful remembrance of her life. On the eve of Thanksgiving, we’re sharing their message with you.

Our names are Megan Grann, Jordan Steiner and Carly Loehrke. We served as TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) volunteers in Benin, 2007-2009. In March 2009, Kate Puzey, a fellow TEFL volunteer, was tragically murdered in her village of service. Kate was an exemplary Volunteer, a true beacon of positivity and advocate for justice. Throughout her service, she was actively involved in projects that benefited youth and women, in particular young girls. In Kate’s honor, we have started the Kate Puzey Girls’ Camp Commemorative Fund.

Kate was involved in the organization and implementation of several girls’ camps during her time in Benin. Girls’ camps are a popular way for volunteers in Benin, in conjunction with host country nationals, to promote the empowerment of Beninese girls. Sessions often include encouraging girls in school, health, women and children’s rights, HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention, and other issues specific to Beninese life and society. These camps give girls an opportunity to share, learn and play in a safe environment.

Our fund works in cooperation with SIN-DO, a Beninese NGO dedicated to promoting and protecting women and girls, to financially support girls’ camps with grants of up to approximately $200. Last year, 179 girls participated in four camps across the country. Our hope is that with this fund, more girls each year will have the opportunity to attend a camp.

As RPCVs, you know the challenges of empowering youth, young girls in particular. But you also know the rewards - seeing previously shy girls blossom into leaders. Your contribution to the Kate Puzey Girls’ Camp Commemorative Fund will help a new generation of Volunteers and young women to reap those rewards while honoring Kate and her dedication to service and to a brighter future.

Contributions can be made online through the Peace Corps's Benin Country Fund. Click on "Donate" in the right sidebar. In the comments section it is IMPERATIVE to specify “Kate Puzey Girls’ Camp Commemorative Fund” in order for your donation to be routed to the appropriate account. The donation process is anonymous. However, if you’d like, you can email us at [email protected] after you’ve donated and we will send an annual report once the camps have finished. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask!

Thank you very much for your support.

Sincerely,

Megan Grann (Dallas, TX and NYC areas) Jordan Steiner (San Francisco, CA and NYC areas) Carly Loehrke (Chicago, IL area)

RPCV Visionary Brings Innovative Eyewear to Liberia

This photo may bring back nightmarish memories of those Peace Corps replacement glasses volunteers used to receive!  But in fact, it represents a potential dream come true for up to a billion people.

One billion is the estimated number of people with poor vision in rural communities around the world who don't have access to eyecare services.  But RPCV Nancy Wallace of Annapolis, Maryland is involved in an innovative enterprise to address the challenge.

It all began in Liberia, where Nancy served as a Peace Corps Response volunteer from 2008 - 2009.  A friend connected her with Kevin White, the Executive Director of Global Vision 2020, an international organization working to prevent avoidable blindness.  One of the organization's projects involves the distribution of self-adjusting eyeglasses.  The glasses are designed to allow users to turn a dial on the side of each lens to correct their own vision in regions that do not have access to eye care professionals.

With the hope that glasses could be distributed through existing local networks, Nancy jumped at the invitation when White asked her if a pilot project could be launched at the Kakata Rural Teacher Training Institute.  In September, a training was held for 40 volunteers to distribute glasses.  An initial scanning of 1,200 teachers, students and market women revealed that 700 were in need of (and received) glasses to correct their vision.

Featured above with NPCA Advocacy Coordinator Jonathan Pearson (l) and Tom Jacobs (r), host of the annual Maryland RPCV summer picnic, Nancy attended the gathering to share the experience of trying on the spectacles and urge fellow RPCVs to help with the initiative.  "It's incredible to watch", she says.  "For people in other countries who don't even know they need glasses, and to see their reaction when the world around them comes into focus.  It's exciting!"