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August 7, 2009                                                                 www.peacecorpsconnect.org
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Dear NPCA Advocates,
 
As the United States Senate winds down its Washington deliberations for the traditional August recess, we need you to wind up your advocacy in preparation for a busy - and potentially historic - September.
 
Find key action opportunities and the latest news in our August advocacy update.
 

US Capitol


 Williams Confirmed as 18th
Peace Corps Director


In one of its last actions before adjourning for the August recess, the United States Senate unanimously confirmed Aaron Williams to become the 18th Director of the Peace Corps.  Williams was one of approximately 60 nominees of President Obama confirmed on August 7th. 
 
The confirmation follows a July 29th hearing chaired by Senator Chris Dodd (D-CT) who expressed how excited he is at the prospect of working with Williams (pictured above at the hearing with friends and family) who, like Dodd, served as a Peace Corps volunteer in the Dominican Republic.
 

August Recess Action Resources  
 
Peace Corps funding for Fiscal Year 2010 is positioned to be anywhere between $373.4 million (President Obama's request and the current recommendation of the Senate Appropriations Committee) and $450 million (endorsed by the full House of Representatives and advocates of the MorePeaceCorps Campaign).
 
By supporting key Senate legislation, meeting with Senators (or their staff) back in your home state, writing op-eds or seeking meetings with newspapaer editorial boards, the intensity of your August advocacy can make the difference in advancing higher resources for the Peace Corps.
 
Your first step in making a difference is to check out our August Recess Action Resources.  Then, contact us at [email protected] and let us know what actions you are taking or how we can provide further assistance.
 
 
 


 

Senate: Increase Co-Sponsors of  "Peace Corps Improvement and Expansion Act"
 
 
Four Senators are current co-sponsors of Senate Bill 1382, the Peace Corps Improvement and Expansion Act, which was introduced several weeks ago by RPCV Senator Chris Dodd.
 
Early Senate co-sponsors of the bill include longtime Peace Corps champions Edward Kennedy (MA) and Richard Durbin (IL), and Senate newcomers Mark Begich (AK) and Tom Udall (NM).
 
We need your help to secure more co-sponsors for the legislation, which calls upon Peace Corps to conduct a wide ranging assessment of its operations and prepare one and five year strategic plans for improvement and growth.  The legislation also recommends significant funding increases for the agency over the next three years, including $450 Million in Fiscal Year 2010, the amount recommended by the House of Representatives. To read the legislation, click here.
 
Follow this link if you need contact information for your Senators.  Then, take action and urge others you know to do the same!
 


US Capitol

House:  Thank Lawmakers for Supporting State, Foreign Operations Funding


When the House of Representatives soundly defeated an amendment to reduce the recommended $450 million Fiscal Year 2010 appropriation for Peace Corps, it was one of several victories to prevent cutbacks to the $48.8 billion funding package that includes the State Department and various international development assistance and humanitarian relief programs.
 
The U.S. Global Leadership Coalition has posted a letter writing action so you can thank selected Congressmen/women who voted in favor of the State/Foreign Operations Bill.  It is an important action, because it allows you to say "thank you" and remind lawmakers that there are constituents who support our foreign assistance programs. 
 
The action also presents an opportunity for you to further express your support for the $450 million Peace Corps appropriation.  Your letter can include the following: "I was also very pleased when the full House upheld $450 million for the Peace Corps, by strongly defeating an amendment to scale back funding for the agency."
 
 
Countdown to 350!
An International Day of Climate Action 

So, what are you doing on October 24th?  In more than 1,000 communities in 100 nations, citizens who believe the time has come for serious action to combat global warming are planning an international day of climate action.

 
Under the coordination of 350.org, groups worldwide will host events to raise awareness about climate change. These events range from climate change festivals, to a group of school children in Bangladesh pledging to plant 350 trees. No action is too great or too small, however, it is vital that we get involved.
 
350 represents the parts per million of carbon dioxide in our atmosphere that many of the world's leading climate scientists assert as the maximum allowable upper limit for a long-term stable environment.  Current measurements already put carbon dioxide above that level - 390 parts per million and growing.  350.org events are coming at a critical time, as world leaders from around the globe will gather in Copenhagen to discuss a new climate treaty.
 
If you are interested in learning more about the International Day of Climate Action, visit the 350.org website for action tools and details for the events already being hosted in your area.
 
If you plan to organize or participate in an event, or want to connect with other RPCVs on a national action,  please let us know by emailing [email protected]


 

Introducing Our Updated Advocacy Website!  


By now, we trust you've been to NPCA's new website, and are among the nearly 14,000 individuals connecting with fellow members of the community through our social network, Connected Peace Corps

We have also begun the process of updating the Advocacy Section of our website.  Check it out!  Here's what you'll find:

After you have checked out these updated pages (and taken action!)  give us your feedback!  We are still in the process of updating, so we welcome your comments on what you like, what's missing and how we might make these pages more helpful to you.
 

Tom Katus
 
 

 
 
Featured Advocate:  
Tom Katus - Rapid City, SD 
  
 
Former State Senator Tom Katus (Tanzania 61-63) has led his state's effort to reach out to RPCVs for the MorePeaceCorps campaign. 
 
Tom recently coordinated efforts of South Dakota RPCVs to contact their representatives in Washington and urge them to champion the Peace Corps.  This has yielded results, including Congresswoman Stephanie Herseth-Sandlin's co-sponsorship of Peace Corps funding legislation, and positive dialouge with Senator Tim Johnson, a key member of the Appropriations Subcommittee for State/Foreign Operations.
 
On the community building front, Tom has coordinated with NPCA and other local RPCVs to strengthen a state database for outreach and mobilization.  He also hosted a 4th of July fireworks viewing at his home - in part - "to thank RPCVs for their (advocacy) efforts and help in sustaining communication."
 
Tom's advocacy and community building efforts extend beyond his passion for the MorePeaceCorps campaign.  He serves as vice president of the Dacotah Territory International Visitor Programs, one of 100 community groups that host major exchanges in conjunction with the State Department and National Council of International Visitors.  With the highest percentage of Native Americans of any state in the union, Tom also has been a longtime advocate on supporting positive relations between South Dakota's native and settler heritage peoples. 
IN THIS ISSUE
The Next Director of the Peace Corps

August Recess Action Resources

Co-Sponsors Needed for S. 1382

House Thank You Action

Big Happenings October 24th

New Advocacy Webpages

Featured Advocate: Tom Katus

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This Month's Featured Advocate:

Tom Katus
(Tanzania 61-63)
Rapid City, SD
 
Read More Below! 

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MorePeaceCorps Campaign 
 
 
Peace Corps Community News
 
 
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RPCV who served in Africa?
 
Check out Africa Rural Connect
 
 
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KEY ADVOCACY LINKS
 
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Use a Re-usable canvas Peace Corps tote.
 
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ORGANIZATIONS REFERENCED IN THIS MONTH'S ADVOCACY NEWS
 
 
US Global Leadership Coalition
 
 


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Climate Change, Trade Justice, Peace Corps Retirement Credit and More!


These are some of the advocacy related topics in which RPCVs are coming together on Connected Peace Corps, the social networking site for the Peace Corps community.
 
 
Join the nearly 14,000 individuals who are already signed up.
 
 
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