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Greetings!
Our National Day of Action is in the rearview mirror, but the follow up work continues.
Time to build co-sponsors for Peace Corps Commemorative legislation.
Learn how one NPCA member group extended the Peace Corps presence on Capitol Hill.
Read about one of the recipients of our 2013 Congressional Leadership Award.
Our March monthly update is here. Spring forward!
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 Record "Day of Action" Activity on Capitol Hill
NPCA's 9th Annual National Day of Action in Support of the Peace Corps reached new records for Capitol Hill participation. 91 members of our community, representing 25 states and the District of Columbia converged on Capitol Hill on February 28th.
Divided into teams, our Hill advocates conducted 149 meetings with congressional offices. This included 88 (59%) constituent meetings and 43 (29%) meetings with new members of the Senate and House to educate them about the Peace Corps community.
We were also honored in that our opening orientation included welcoming remarks by all five Returned Peace Corps Volunteers currently serving in Congress.
(photo: l to r: NPCA President Glenn Blumhorst, RPCV Congressman John Garamendi and NPCA Board President Tony Barclay at the February 28th National Day of Action orientation session on Capitol Hill)
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 Push for Peace Corps Commemorative Underway
Bi-partisan Peace Corps Commemorative legislation has now been introduced in both the Senate and House of Representatives.
Dominican Republic RPCV and Freshman Congressman Joseph Kennedy III (left, with NPCA Board Member and Advocacy Chair Joby Taylor) introduced House Bill 915, with the four other RPCV Congressmen (Farr, Petri, Honda, Garamendi) serving as original co-sponsors. In the Senate, Rob Portman (R-OH) and Mark Udall (D-CO) introduced similar legislation (S. 230) several weeks ago.
Your next step? Alert your lawmakers to this legislation and ask them to take action!
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Federal Funding Cuts Impact Peace Corps
On multiple fronts, Congress and the President are considering federal spending levels. Like most other discretionary spending programs, the Peace Corps is facing further reductions.
The most recent action involves the "sequester", automatic across-the-board funding cuts for most discretionary spending. Peace Corps faces a $19 Million (5%) budget cut, which could result in a further reduction of 200 - 300 volunteers annually. That would drop the number of volunteers in the field to below 8,000.
Thank you so much to those who contacted lawmakers on February 28th during our National Day of Action.
If you did not reach out, please take action now!
It is particularly important to reach out to your lawmakers if they are members of the following committees:
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Isakson Receives Congressional Leadership Award
This year's National Day of Action provided an opportunity for the National Peace Corps Association to award Senator Johnny Isakson (R-GA) with its 2013 Congressional Leadership Award. Senator Isakson (center) met with NPCA leadership and three members of the Georgia Peace Corps community on February 28th. He was presented with a plaque recognizing his "steadfast commitment and support of the Peace Corps and its values."
Since beginning his service in the Senate in 2005, Senator Isakson has regularly signed onto Senate letters urging robust funding for the Peace Corps. He is the author of the Kate Puzey Peace Corps Volunteer Protection Act, providing more security and support of volunteers subjected to sexual assault and other forms of violence. A strong advocate of the Coverdell WorldWise Schools Program and bringing the world home, Senator Isakson makes it a point to visit Peace Corps volunteers in the field whenever he travels overseas.
Senator Isakson is one of two recipients of this year's Congressional Leadership Award. A similar award will presented later this year to Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA).
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 Friends of Korea Bring Peace Corps Legacy to Capitol Hill
Peace Corps' Third Goal (Bringing the World Home) occurs in many forms. So does advocacy for the Peace Corps.
Last week, the Friends of Korea advanced both these initiatives through a unique photo exhibit in the rotunda of the Russell Senate Office Building.
Along with attracting many visitors, the exhibit received coverage in the Capitol Hill newspaper, Roll Call.
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Register Today:
Peace Corps Connect Boston 2013
Advocacy. Member group development. Reunions. Awards. Bringing the World Home. Fun.
Register now for Peace Corps Connect this coming June 28th and 29th in historic, beautiful Boston, Massachusetts. Connect with NPCA Advocacy Director Jonathan Pearson and other advocacy leaders from around the nation.
Early bird registration runs until March 31st.
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Featured Advocate:
Jessica Henry
Over 90 volunteers converged on Capitol Hill on February 28th for our National Day of Action. Jessica Henry, RPCV from El Salvador, joined us as a strong advocate for Peace Corps funding and legislation. Working primarily with youth development during her service, Jessica is also bringing her skills back home to communities in central Maryland. She believes that the personal stories of RPCV's is the best way to advocate for a more successful and prosperous Peace Corps.
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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...
Jessica Henry
El Salvador
2010 - 2012
Jessup, MD
Read More Below
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SUBSCRIBE TO NPCA
ADVOCACY NEWS
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Meet NPCA's New President
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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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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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What's it Like Participating in the National Day of Action as an NPCA Intern?
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