R. Sargent "Sarge" Shriver: 1915 - 2011
On Monday, January 18, the Peace Corps community was deeply saddened to learn that Robert Sargent "Sarge" Shriver, Jr., beloved founder of the Peace Corps, had passed away. He was 95 years old.
"The Peace Corps has not only lost its founder, but our country has lost one of its most inspiring leaders of the twentieth century," said Kevin Quigley, President of the National Peace Corps Association. "Long before the term was invented, Sargent Shriver was a social entrepreneur, creating innovative institutions and programs that made a real difference in the lives of tens of millions at home and abroad." [Bio, links to articles, resources here.]
Members of the Peace Corps community are encouraged to offer condolences to the Shriver family here.
A public wake will be held in Washington this Friday, January 21st, from 4 - 8 PM at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, 1325 36th Street, NW in Washington, D.C. Click here for more details.
To honor Sarge's endless commitment to service, the National Peace Corps Association is urging all members of the Peace Corps community and other supporters to "Serve for Sarge!" Between now and March 1st (Peace Corps Day), take action individually or collectively in remembrance of this beloved American hero. By posting a photo of your activity, we'll create a visual record of volunteerism in action.
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Response to the ABC News 20/20 segment
Last week, the ABC News program 20/20 aired a segment titled "Scandal Inside the Peace Corps" which raised serious concerns about Peace Corps Volunteer safety and the agency's response. The events described on the program were tragic and troubling. As an organization made up almost entirely of Returned Peace Corps Volunteers, it pains us deeply when Volunteers are harmed while serving their country overseas.
The NPCA Board Chair Jan Guifarro and NPCA President Kevin Quigley have sent a letter to Peace Corps Director Aaron Williams asking for information on specific actions that are being taken to address the issues in this area. Once we receive a response from Peace Corps we will publish it, along with other information and resources, on our website.
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Host a House Party to Celebrate the Peace Corps
Is there a Global House Party happening near you? Find out here to see all of the registered Global House Parties. If there is not one organized near you, why don't you plan one yourself?
NPCA is celebrating Peace Corps' "Birthday" by coordinating Global House Parties around the world. Large or small, elaborate or simple, we encourage the entire Peace Corps community to have a gathering that is meaningful to them. As we celebrate 50 years of Peace Corps together on March 1, we all can all take part in something bigger than ourselves.
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Register for September Anniversary Events
Have you registered for the September 2011 events? Over 475 people have already registered for the September 21st - 25th weekend. NPCA will post a list of the current registrants in the following weeks.
Don't miss out on your chance to share your memories with the community and plan for the future, register here. For more information on the September events, visit the NPCA 50th resources page. Additional information will be added to the events page each month. If you are planning to join us in Washington, D.C., please consider making your travel arrangements soon. There are several major conferences in the area and hotel blocks are filling fast. You can find suggested lodging information here. For questions about the events please contact Khalisa Jacobs.
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Sarge, Peace Corps and the State of the Union
It is the most anticipated and most watched speech a president gives each year: The State of the Union. President Obama is scheduled to deliver his address on Tuesday, January 25th.
Our request: Please say a few words about the Peace Corps. [Read NPCA President Kevin Quigley's recent commentary on the upcoming State of the Union.] This year the Peace Corps is celebrating its 50th anniversary and it seems only appropriate to mark the occasion in the State of the Union address and recognize the 200,000 Volunteers who have served and the 8,600 who are currently serving. This recognition is all the more appropriate in light of the recent passing of Peace Corps' founding director, Sargent Shriver, and the many contributions he made to our nation. Take action and contact the President. Thank him for his past mentions of the Peace Corps and service to our nation, and ask him to remember the Peace Corps on Tuesday.
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Watch the National Day of Action Video
For the seventh consecutive year, supporters of the Peace Corps will be participating in a National Day of Action in Support of the Peace Corps. On Thursday, March 3rd, advocates will be visiting every congressional office with information on key issues. As this activity is happening on Capitol Hill, your phone calls, emails, and faxes will demonstrate the depth of support for the Peace Corps. Check out this two minute video about the Day of Action. Please post and share this video to help spread the word as we move toward March 3rd.
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Friends of Burkina Faso Group Celebrates Another 50th Anniversary
The 50th anniversary of the Peace Corps isn't the only milestone people are celebrating. Last month several representatives of the Friends of Burkina Faso group attended two wonderful events marking the 50th anniversary of Burkina Faso's Independence: a celebration hosted by the Embassy of Burkina Faso at the Washington Marriott, and a second celebration hosted by l'Association des Burkinab� de la R�gion de Washington, the association of people from Burkina living in the Washington, D.C. area....
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Save the Date: 50th Anniversary Expos
In 2011 the Peace Corps will commemorate 50 years of promoting peace and friendship around the world. The National Peace Corps Association, in conjunction with the Peace Corps Regional Recruitment Offices and select Member Groups, will be coordinating a series of Around the World Expos nationwide.
The first in this series of events takes place on February 27 in Jacksonville, Fla. Stay tuned for more details on this and other expos. Hope to see you there!
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The Stories Behind the Videos: "The Peace Corps Effect"
When NPCA conceived of the My Piece of the Peace Corps video contest, we really hoped we would receive submissions from host county nationals who had lived and worked alongside Peace Corps Volunteers. It's one thing to tell our own stories about the Peace Corps--but it's so much more powerful if others can speak to the Peace Corps' impact. We were not disappointed, as one of the very first submissions came from Moldova....
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You still want to make a difference.
Be a member to continue serving, connect with others, and support the legacy of the Peace Corps.
JOIN TODAY!
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FREE UPCOMING RPCV CAREER EVENT!
January 2011 Regional RPCV Career Event: San Francisco, CA
Attend Returned Volunteer Services' first-ever career event in San Francisco! Practice telling your professional Peace Corps story to a variety of audiences, connect with other returned Volunteers, and explore ways to get involved in Peace Corps activities with the San Francisco Regional Recruitment Office. Chat with local employers in the public, private, and nonprofit sector at the afternoon career fair.
First-year RPCVs with noncompetitive eligibility are especially encouraged to attend. Click here to register online! (Registration closes at midnight EST on Wednesday, January 26, 2011)
Click here for a full listing of RVS events for RPCVs.
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50th ANNIVERSARY
CALENDAR
Want to find an event near you for the 50th Anniversary of the Peace Corps? Need people to attend your event? Starting now, you can visit the NPCA / Peace Corps Calendar of Events to keep track of all of the exciting, meaningful, fun celebrations happening around the world during the Peace Corps 50th Anniversary year. You can find the site here: http://events.peacecorps50.org/ Don't forget to add your own events!
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SHARE YOUR PEACE CORPS EXPERIENCE
With the Peace Corps' Speakers Match program, elementary and secondary school teachers can enhance their students' learning through classroom presentations by returned Peace Corps Volunteers. Interested classroom teachers and returned Peace Corps Volunteers can enroll in the Peace Corps' Speakers Match program by clicking here.
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RPCV MENTORING
Sometimes the hardest thing about Peace Corps is adjusting to life back home. It can feel like being a fish out of water.
That's why the NPCA, in conjunction with the Peace Corps, created this unique program to help returning Volunteers link up with RPCV mentors.
For more information or to apply for the program, visit RPCVMentoring.org.
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with NPCA
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JOBS, JOBS, JOBS
The NPCA Career Center is a free privacy-protected service offered to the entire Peace Corps community. You can:
- See the newest job postings around the world listed below.
- Search types of jobs by regions of the world at Job Search. View specific postings and click to reply directly to any employer. Apply today.
- Register at Applicant Login to store cover letters and resume, manage and update your account and register your work/interests profile to have matching career opportunities emailed to you.
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