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Greetings!
We are less than three weeks away from the National Peace Corps Association's 9th Annual National Day of Action in Support of the Peace Corps!
Read our updates below and plan to take action (from near or far) during our mobilization on Thursday, February 28th.
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 Join Us on
Capitol Hill?
Registration Deadline is February 22nd
While everyone can play an important role during the National Day of Action (see more below), we will also have a robust presence on Capitol Hill on February 28th. More than 60 individuals representing 19 states are registered to be on Capitol Hill.
You can still join us! Contact advocacy@peacecorpsconnect.org if you can join us in Washington.
We are especially looking for additional Hill advocates who are registered to vote from the following states: DE, KY, MA, ME, NC, NH, OH, PA, RI, SC, TN and WV.
A reminder that Friday, February 22nd is the deadline to register, in order to ensure that we provide you with an advocacy packet and schedule meetings with your elected representatives. |
 Adopt a Capitol Hill Advocate!
Our Peace Corps advocacy success requires your support!
For those coming to the Capitol, we want to provide them with the support they deserve on February 28th (preparation materials, Day of Action promotional pins, leave behind packets for congressional offices, and of course some morning coffee to keep them going!)
Won't you adopt one of our Day of Action Capitol Hill advocates? We estimate a $25 donation will support the material and supply costs to carry out the day. A $50 donation will go a long way to support all the necessary planning and preparation to make the day successful.
Take Action Now: Follow this link to make an online donation (when prompted, designate your contribution to "Advocacy"). If you prefer to Adopt an Advocate by mail, send your donation to NPCA, 1900 L Street, NW, Room 610, Washington DC, 20036. In the memo section, write "Adopt an Advocate".
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 Take Action From Home
There's a buzz going on out there.
The success of the National Day of Action won't come only by the advocates on Capitol Hill. They need to be backed up by YOU!
A number of our Advocacy Coordinators (including Richard MacIntyre in Maine, Barbara Kelly in New Jersey, Vanessa Porter in Boston, Leslie Piotrowski in Illinois, and Suzanne Smith in Denver) are among those who are preparing their local constituencies to take action.
RPCVs organizing the Pacific Northwest Regional RPCV Meeting this March 1 - 3 are also planning to incorporate advocacy into their agenda.
Follow this link if you are interested in helping to coordinate National Day of Action activities in your area. |
 Day of Action Issue:
Peace Corps Funding
Strong funding for the Peace Corps will be front and center during the National Day of Action, but there may be some differences in our messaging this year.
Our February 28th activity falls on the eve of potential automatic spending cuts under the so-called "sequestration".
At the same time, President Obama has missed the deadline to submit his Fiscal Year 2014 budget request, and it may be weeks before his budget is released. The President's request usually serves as a marker through which Peace Corps supporters (like RPCV Congressman Sam Farr) circulate letters to their colleagues urging support for strong Peace Corps funding. Because of the President's budget delay, those letters will likely be delayed.
In addition to all this, Congress has yet to finalize action on the current, Fiscal Year 2013 appropriations for Peace Corps and other federal programs.
While we will provide you an action to urge support for Peace Corps funding, the specifics of that action will be finalized a few days before the Day of Action. |
Day of Action Issue:
Peace Corps Commemorative
Our thanks to Senators Rob Portman (R-OH) and Mark Udall (D-CO) who have re-introduced bi-partisan legislation authorizing the establishment of space near the National Mall to mark the historical significance of the founding of the Peace Corps in 1961 and the ideals it represents.
The legislation has a new bill number - Senate Bill 320. We expect similar legislation will be re-introduced soon in the House of Representatives.
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 Day of Action Issue:
Supporting Injured/Ill RPCVs
During our National Day of Action, our Capitol Hill advocates also plan to educate lawmakers on the challenges faced by some RPCVs who require support in relation to illness and injuries they incurred while serving in the Peace Corps.
Follow these links to read the results of a survey conducted by the group Health Justice for Peace Corps Volunteers, and a report by the Government Accountability Office, which examined the relationship between Peace Corps and the Department of Labor in considering workman's compensation claims by seriously injured or ill RPCVs.
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Featured Advocate:
Kristina Owens
More than 60 members of the Peace Corps community are currently registered to be on Capitol Hill on February 28th. One of them is Bolivia RPCV Kristina Owens.
"Advocacy brings a diverse group of RPCVs together for this one common purpose of telling our story and persuading Congress that strong funding for the Peace Corps has not only a short-term impact but a long-term impact as well."
That impact is demonstrated by the many leadership roles Kristina has taken on within the Peace Corps community over the years.
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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...
Kristina Owens
Bolivia
2000 - 2002
Laurel, MD
Read More Below
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SUBSCRIBE TO NPCA
ADVOCACY NEWS
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PRE-DAY OF ACTION CANVASSING
We've already been on Capitol Hill.
With all the changes in the new 113th Congress, a group of great volunteers and interns spent a day updating our records. Read more about their efforts!
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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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NEXT STEP TRAVEL
YOUR NEXT STEP?
The first two trips have been fun and inspiring. More are on the way in 2013.
Travel with other RPCVs and participate in service vacations to Guatemala, or the Dominican Republic, or... (watch for future destinations soon).
Follow this link to learn more!
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A Great Way to Carry All Your Advocacy Materials Planning to visit offices of your congressional reps? If you have leave-behind materials to tote around, how about a tote bag that promotes your advocacy issue? Visit our online store and keep the importance of the Peace Corps front and center! A portion of your purchase supports the efforts of the National Peace Corps Association. Thank you! |
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