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Greetings!
There are four - count 'em, four! - key ways you can connect with your lawmakers in the coming weeks and months.
Read the options below and plan to take action on at least one!
That's just part of the information included in our June advocacy update.
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Write...Right Now!
Reach out to Senate, House Appropriators
If your lawmaker is a member of the Senate or House Appropriations Committee, they need to hear from you!
Peace Corps and other international affairs programs are facing a very difficult funding cycle for the 2012 Fiscal Year. This follows a decision earlier this year to reduce current Peace Corps funding from $400 million to $374 million.
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June 30 - July 11
Coming to the Smithsonian Folklife Festival?
Don't Forget Capitol Hill Advocacy!
The Peace Corps and its 50th anniversary is one of the featured items at the Smithsonian Folklife Festival. For those of you headed to Washington to attend this annual event, why not make time to visit your lawmakers during your visit? We will be happy to help you make a difference.
Please let contact NPCA here to let us know about your plans or if you need some assistance/advice in scheduling a meeting.
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August 1 - 15
Be an Advocate in Your Own Backyard
Just like these Chicago NPCA advocates, you don't have to travel to Washington to have an impact.
There's no better time to take action than August, the traditional congressional recess - a time when many lawmakers are back home meeting with constituents.
During the first two weeks this August, let's make it a moment for our lawmakers to hear about the importance of Peace Corps in their own back yard.
Contact us as soon as possible and volunteer to help lead efforts by coordinating meetings in your state/region.
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 September 21 - 22
Major Advocacy Day Kicks off September 50th Celebration: Sign Up Now!
We will be on Capitol Hill on September 22nd, the 50th anniversary of final passage of the Peace Corps Act. We will come together on the night of September 21st for a very important orientation. These activities will mark the kickoff to major 50th anniversary activities in our nation's capital.
Nearly 400 people, representing 40 states and nearly 175 congressional districts, are already registered for our September 22nd Capitol Hill Advocacy Day.
You don't want to miss this!
Register today.
>>Sign Up Now for Advocacy and other 50th Events |
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Legislation Likely Following Peace Corps Hearing
Concern for the safety of past, present and future Peace Corps volunteers was the focus of a recent congressional hearing before the House Foreign Affairs Committee.
Witnesses had encouraging words for the support they are receiving from Peace Corps to address the issues, but added that legislation is needed, in part to fully address decades-long incidents of sexual and physical violence and also because of the regular turnover of Peace Corps staff.
>>Read More
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Oxfam Launches Grow Campaign to Combat Global Hunger
"[Starvation victims] go to bed hungry because of politics, and this must end," declared Oxfam America president Ray Offenheiser at the June 1st launch of the organization's new GROW campaign to end world hunger.
This campaign is Oxfam's latest response to the pending food crisis. The event was held in Washington at the Newseum and was led by a panel of six experts involved with working to address the global food crisis.
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Featured Advocate
Darryl Johnson
Seattle, WA
It is worthwhile and important to be in contact with your elected representatives. Darryl Johnson (Thailand 63-65) recently demonstrated this in his advocacy with his congressmen, Representative Adam Smith.
Darryl's relationship with his congressman grew out of unexpected encounters. The pair originally came together at a small gathering on the subject of global health. Darryl ran into Representative. Smith again at a program on foreign policy decision making at the University of Washington.
When Darryl assisted the Seattle RPCV group in putting together a program for the 50th anniversary at the Seattle Public Library, he was able to build on his recent contact and invite Representative Smith. Although the congressman Smith was out of the district, he invited Darryl to come see him upon his return.
Darryl called on the congressman at his Tacoma office. Their twenty minute discussion centered on the Peace Corps, its funding, and its future. Rep. Smith expressed his support for the funding proposal put forward by the Obama Administration. Darryl encouraged Representative Smith to sign a "Dear Colleague" letter circulating in the House of Representatives. Not only did Smith agree and sign the letter, he even went one step further writing his own personal letter of support.
Darryl has three pieces of valuable advice for his fellow advocates. The first is to "keep in touch with your elected officials, especially those who serve on the committees of jurisdiction and those from your state." The second is to contact them every few months and express your policy views. "They and their staffers will remember who called on which topics." Darryl also stresses that Peace Corps is a "real bargain", but arguments to increase Peace Corps funding from the coffers of the Defense budget can be counterproductive; "Nearly all Senators and Congress-people will vote for Defense appropriations...The argument for additional Peace Corps funding must be based on the merits of the work Peace Corps itself." Darryl is convinced that these merits are considerable, and his dedication to the cause is a testament to that conviction.
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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.
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This Month's Featured Advocate...
Darryl Johnson
Thailand
1963 - 1965
Seattle, WA
Read More Below
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SUBSCRIBE TO NPCA
ADVOCACY NEWS
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Calling All Texans! June 12 - 18 Road Trip NPCA Advocacy Coordinator Jonathan Pearson is about to hit the road with the hope of connecting with you! What to expect: A multi-stop swing through central and eastern Texas. . Join us and reconnect with other RPCVs in your area. Click here for more details about this trip. |
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Why Does Peace Corps Matter?
Watch and listen to fellow RPCVs responses during the 50th Anniversary Around the World Expo in Philadelphia that took place May 22.
Read more about the event on our blog!
Make plans to attend Expos in San Diego this Saturday and Santa Fe on July 7th.
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A New Online Store
With Lots of New Items!
Check out our new online store ! We offer a wide selection of Peace Corps and NPCA logo merchandise--from t-shirts and coffee mugs, to pins and license plate frames.
A portion of your purchase supports the efforts of the National Peace Corps Association.
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