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Greetings!
What a trip. 22 days. 25 cities. More than 5,000 miles on the road. Meeting so many great members of the Peace Corps community who bring the world home on a daily basis. A lot of following up. A lot of catching up.
Here is your May NPCA advocacy update.
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Treat Peace Corps Volunteers with Equity on Health Choices
When it comes to health services, Peace Corps Volunteers deserve fair and equitable treatment.
However, female volunteers now stand alone among citizens serving our nation overseas as the only individuals who are treated differently in situations of a pregnancy stemming from rape or incest, or where the life of the woman is in danger. Should a Peace Corps Volunteer choose to terminate a pregnancy in these rare instances, they are required to self-fund their abortion, unlike others who are serving our nation.
Senator Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ) wants to change that with a technical fix to the Peace Corps Act.
This is a Senate action only.
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 House Action Needed on Ultimate Honor to Peace Corps Service
Age has begun to weigh a bit heavier on those pioneers who served in the early days of the Peace Corps.
But...did you know that volunteers cannot currently have the Peace Corps logo displayed on death notices or at grave sites?
While not an issue of concern when the Peace Corps Act was originally passed in 1961, this is an issue we increasingly hear about now.
Congressman Albio Sires (D-NJ) has introduced legislation to address this issue and provide this opportunity for Peace Corps service to be honored and recognized.
This is a House action only.
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 Take Action Urging Support for Strong FY14 Funding for International Affairs Programs
Our International Affairs programs, which make up roughly 1% of the Federal Budget, have seen an overall 20% reduction in funding in the past few years, according to the US Global Leadership Coalition (USGLC).
USGLC is asking supporters to reach out to members of the Senate Appropriations Committee, as they prepare to set the top-line funding number for the programs (including Peace Corps) which fall under international affairs funding. It is particularly important to make your voice heard if you are a resident of Maryland. Reach out to Senator Barbara Mikulski, Chairwoman of the Appropriations Committee, and urge her to provide strong funding for our international affairs programs.
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 Road Trip-a-Palooza Wrap!
What a joy it was to meet or re-connect with more than 300 members of the Peace Corps community (including this informal get together in Des Moines Iowa on April 27th).
Sincere thanks to all the NPCA member group leaders, event organizers and hosts who provided a bed, some breakfast and a number of impressive potluck dinners along the way. Check out our photo album - from Eugene Oregon to Washington D.C.
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 Four Advocacy Workshops During Road Trip
During a six-day stretch along our trip - from Minneapolis to Nashville (featured in this photo) - NPCA collaborated with local member groups to hold four advocacy workshops, attracting more than 50 participants.
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 Join Us in Guatemala
NPCA Advocacy Director Jonathan Pearson is back in Washington. But not for too long.
Next Stop: Guatemala!
Join Jonathan on Next Step Travel's excursion to Guatemala between August 24th and September 6th (see details about trip extensions). Join us for adventure, fun, education, service and advocacy opportunities!
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 Featured Advocate:
Christine O'Neill
Our Peace Corps community is blessed with many extraordinary individuals who step up to answer the call for state or regional volunteer advocacy coordinators, who significantly extend our advocacy network.
During our cross country trip, one of the coordinators we met was Christine O'Neill (Costa Rica 2007-11) of St. Louis.
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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...
Christine O'Neill
Costa Rica
2007-2011
St. Louis, MO
Read More Below
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SUBSCRIBE TO NPCA
ADVOCACY NEWS
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The Peace Corps Difference
Follow this link to check out the digital photo collection of returned volunteers sharing why Peace Corps Matters.
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Join Us For Our
Annual Gathering in Boston!
June 28-29. 
Visit with friends, network, and continue "bringing the world back home."
Register here today! 
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A Great Way to Carry All Your Advocacy Materials 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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GROUPS REFERENCED IN THIS MONTH'S ADVOCACY NEWS |
Boston Area RPCVs
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