Volunteers Still Needed as NPCA Prepares for 7th Annual National Day of Action in Support of the Peace Corps  

>>Read More

Peace Corps Funding Figures Coming 

President Obama is scheduled to release his Fiscal Year 2012 budget request to Congress next week.  Meanwhile, final decisions on the current Fiscal Year 2011 budget are yet to be finalized.  Now entering the fifth month of the current fiscal year, Peace Corps (and other federal agencies) continue to operate under a continuing resolution that funds the agency at last year's level of $400 million.

In the House, there is significant movement to reduce the International Affairs Budget which could likely result in reduced Peace Corps funding for the remainder of the current fiscal year. Groups like the US Global Leadership Coalition have reacted to the House proposals with concern.  The House Appropriations Committee is expected to release funding figures shortly, with votes possible next week.

As work on the federal budgets continue, Congress continues to reorganize its new committees.  The key Senate Appropriations Subcommittee for Peace Corps - the State/Foreign Operations Subcommittee - includes several newcomers including Senators Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Mark Kirk (R-IL), and Ranking Member Lindsey Graham (R-SC).  In the House, the State/Foreign Operations Subcommittee now includes newcomers Frank Wolf (R-VA), Charles Dent (R-PA), Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL) and Steve Austria (R-OH). Leadership roles also switch as Kay Granger (R-TX) will now serve as the Chair of the Subcommittee, while Nita Lowey (D-NY) will serve as the Ranking Member.

138 in House Ask

President Obama to Issue Peace Corps 50th Proclamation

As many NPCA members and groups are at work securing Peace Corps 50th proclamations at the local and state level, many NPCA advocates assisted with the effort of RPCV Congressman Sam Farr to have President Obama issue a similar proclamation.  Supported by RPCV colleagues Tom Petri, Mike Honda and John Garamendi, the House letter making this request was signed by 134 of their fellow Congressmen/women from more than 30 states.

>>Did Your Rep Sign?  Read More

50th Global House Parties Will Feature Oxfam, Service World Offerings

While Peace Corps' 50th anniversary will provide wonderful opportunities to reflect and reminisce, we want the events to be forward-looking as well.

While hundreds of March 1st House Parties around the world will no doubt feature delicious food, we hope the gatherings will devote some time to considering the growing alarm over global food security.

And, while March 1st will celebrate the accomplishments of returned Peace Corps volunteers, we also want you to help build momentum for future international service opportunities.

NPCA is teaming up with Oxfam America to provide House Party resources on food security.  Future action opportunities including upcoming Oxfam hunger banquets are being planned all around the country.

Party organizers will also be provided with links and information so people can sign an important online declaration to demonstrate support for expanding Peace Corps and other international service opportunities through the Service World Initiative.

Is there a House Party Near You?  With parties planned in all fifty states and 73 nations, there's a good chance you are not far from connecting in on this massive celebration.

>>Find a House Party Near You

See You in September? 

It's Not Too Early to Register

Have you registered for the September 2011 50th anniversary events in Washington, More than 500 people have already registered for the September 21 - 25 weekend.That includes about 300 who have already registered for Capitol Hill advocacy activities!

NPCA will post a list of the current registrants in the coming weeks. Don't miss out on your chance to share your memories with the community and plan for the future.  

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, please consider making your lodging 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.

Featured Advocates: Idaho RPCVs

 From Alaska to New York, members of the Peace Corps community are at work at the local and state level to help secure government resolutions and proclamations marking the 50th anniversary of the Peace Corps.

Residents of the Gem State - The Idaho RPCVs,are one of the groups involved in this effort.  They assisted in securing a unanimous vote in the Idaho House of Representatives supporting a 50th anniversary proclamation.  More than simply symbolic, this advocacy provided a meaningful opportunity to bring the world home and raise exposure to the Peace Corps and the ongoing work of returned Peace Corps volunteers.  Group leader Kevin Laughlin (Belize 79-81), was one of seven RPCVs who attended an hour-long hearing before a House Committee to consider the proclamation.  Kevin testified along with John Hooper (Niger 84-86) and Sharon Bixby (Jamaica 68-70).

"The committee members were interested in our testimonies and asked relevant questions", said Bixby.  "In addition to telling a little about our work in Jamaica, I stressed the volunteer work done by RPCVs after we returned home."

Laughlin says continued service here at home is particularly compelling and important to emphasize, adding that the three individuals who testified donated an impressive 1,500 hours of service during 2010.

That service goes far beyond helping to pass proclamations.  For example, the group is also preparing for the opening of a Peace Corps exhibit at the Idaho History Museum.

Congratulations to the Idaho RPCVs and so many others who are bringing the world back to city halls, legislative chambers and governor's mansions.