Greetings!
Our thanks to those who took action earlier this week to remind lawmakers of the importance of strong Peace Corps funding. With final resolution of Fiscal Year 2012 funding possible in the coming days, you can still take action that is both timely and important.
A Peace Corps funding action highlights our December monthly advocacy update. There's also ongoing action for a Peace Corps commemorative. And, congratulations are in order for those who worked so hard to win passage of the Kate Puzey Peace Corps Volunteer Protection Act.
Please read on for the latest details.
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 Action Alert: Remind Congress to Support Peace Corps and International Affairs Funding
Congress is one week away from another deadline. By December 16th, the Senate and House must act on the Fiscal Year 2012 budget.
While another continuing resolution to temporarily fund the government is a possibility, negotiators are trying to finalize agreement on funding for a number of appropriations bills, including State/Foreign Operations, the portion of the budget that funds international affairs programs including the Peace Corps.
Take Action: It is important to continue to remind lawmakers there is a strong constituency that supports strong funding for the Peace Corps and other international affairs programs. This is especially important if your lawmaker is a member of the Senate and House Appropriations Committees.
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Senate Floor Next Stop for Peace Corps Commemorative
Peace Corps Commemorative legislation was unanimously approved by the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee on November 10th. Meanwhile, the number of co-sponsors of the legislation has climbed to 14, with Senators Scott Brown (R-MA) and Micheal Bennet (D-CO) being the most recent additions.
The legislation (S. 1421) would authorize a commemorative work near the National Mall to mark the lasting historical significance of the founding of the Peace Corps in 1961 and the values that Peace Corps represents.
In the House 129 Democrats and 18 Republicans are current co-sponsors of companion legislation (H.R. 854).
We need you to continue reaching out to help secure more co-sponsors for this legislation in the Senate and House! Please follow this link, take action, and ask other friends and neighbors to do the same.
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Kate Puzey Peace Corps Volunteer Protection Act Becomes Law President Obama signed the Kate Puzey Peace Corps Volunteer Protection Act of 2011into law on November 21.
The legislation codifies procedures aimed at improving sexual assault training and support for volunteers who are subjected to physical and sexual violence. it also codifies the establishment of an office within Peace Corps to advocate for victims of violence, and creates a sexual assault advisory council. For more details check-out the advocacy blog and the bill information page.
Congratulations to all advocates who made their voice heard. Congratulations to the leadership of the Congress and the Peace Corps for working through various versions of the legislation to find common ground. Finally and especially, congratulations to the members of the groups First Response Action and Kate's Voice, for their steadfast and passionate work which led to passage of this landmark legislation.
Be sure to contact President Obama and your lawmakers to thank them for supporting this legislation. (photo above: President Barack Obama looks at a photograph of Kate Puzey as he greets her brother, David Puzey, and other guests in the Oval Office, Nov. 21, 2011. Official White House Photo by Pete Souza.)
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 National Day of Action Preview:
March 1st, 2012
Save the date for NPCA's 8th Annual National Day of Action! It's the one day of the year when we ask all members of the Peace Corps community to take a few minutes to contact their lawmakers on Capitol Hill. More details will be coming soon but until then tell others you know to mark their calendars. Find "Save the Date" fliers for your state here.
If you would like to advocate in DC or organize an event in your state contact us at advocacy@peacecorpsconnect.org for assistance.
(photo above: These Virginia RPCVs did not have to travel far to participate in the 50th Anniversary Advocacy Day in September. The National Day of Action is an opportunity for those unable to travel to DC to make an impact with their lawmakers.)
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Profiles on Senators and Reps Now Available
Ever wanted to know a lawmaker's position on the Peace Corps but didn't know where to look?
Check-out the newly updated Advocacy State Resources page here and begin advocating with even more confidence! The resources include detailed information of lawmakers' support on Peace Corps initiatives as well as key biographical and contact information. Complementing the state resources are other advocacy pages that provide more detailed information on key issues.
We hope these resources will support your efforts when contacting your elected representatives about supporting the Peace Corps.
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Your End-of-Year Donation Supports NPCA Advocacy
Successful advocacy on Peace Corps and other issues of global concern requires your participation. We thank you for all actions taken during 2011.
Our advocacy program also requires your financial support. Please see the list of recent contributors on the side of this newsletter.
We need you to join the ranks. Step number one: Become a member of the NPCA. Already a member? Make a special donation to our advocacy program.
Here's why you should not delay: The longer you put off making a donation, the more time we have to spend reaching out for the funds we need. And that time takes us away from Capitol Hill advocacy and other efforts to keep you up-to-date with key information and action alerts.
Please don't delay. Give what you can today! |

Featured Advocates: Joanne and Earl Morse
In the aftermath of the September 22nd 50th Anniversary Capitol Hill Advocacy Day, there has been some great follow-up conducted by members of the Peace Corps community all around the country. Just one couple who exemplify that important and meaningful follow-up are Joanne and Earl Morse of Waterford Maine. Perhaps one of their motivations was a concern they have which we too often confront: The Tanzania RPCVs learned there were people in their community who did not know the Peace Corps still existed!
(photo above (L to R): Joanne Morse (Tanzania 64-66), Congresswoman Chellie Pingree, Dorothy Hassfeld (Nigeria 61-63), and Earl Morse (Tanzania 64-66). |
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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 Advocates...
Joanne and Earl Morse
(Tanzania 64-66)
Waterford, ME
Read More Below
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SUBSCRIBE TO NPCA ADVOCACY NEWS

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We Need Your Financial Support to Advance Key Advocacy Initiatives

Please help support our ongoing advocacy work by making a gift to NPCA's Advocacy Program today. It's up to you to help advance initiatives for a bigger, better and bolder Peace Corps.
The National Peace Corps Association is recognized by Charity Navigator as a Four Star Charity, the highest rating given by this independent evaluator which analyses the financial health and efficiencies of non-profit organizations.
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Find the perfect gift for your favorite RPCVs this holiday season!
Check out our 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. Thank you!
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50th Advocacy Day Photos
Thanks to all of the advocates who have (so far) forwarded images from the 50th Anniversary Advocacy Day. The day featured many face-to-face meetings with lawmakers. It also produced results! In the above photo, Edward Frankel (India 66-68) and his wife Susan met with Congresswoman Carolyn McCarthy (D-NY). Following the meeting, Congresswoman McCarthy became a
co-sponsor of Peace Corps Commemorative legislation!
Follow this link to view our growing 50th Advocacy Day photo album. And, keep those images coming!
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Who Is Number One?
What states and cities lead the nation in sending citizens into the Peace Corps? Check out the latest statistics.
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THANK YOU TO OUR RECENT SUPPORTERS!
They have answered the call to keep NPCA's advocacy program operating with a recent donation to the cause. We are extremely grateful to the following individuals for their generosity and support during our advocacy appeals in the past several weeks!
Terry AmRhein Bruce Anderson Tony Barclay William Brenneman James Buston Marilyn Charles Willie Clayborn Susanne Cooper Daniel Fitts Albert Flaig Natalie Hall Diane Hibino Khalisa Jacobs Darryl Johnson Barbara Junge Thomas Kirchberg Richard MacIntyre Nancy McCune David Miron Jonathan Pearson Kevin Quigley Margaret Shannon Snoeren Sara Wilson |
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