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Greetings!
In this edition, you can:
- Sign up to organize a local meeting with your member of Congress.
- Help get Peace Corps Commemorative legislation moving in the House of Representatives.
- Sign a petition for global education opportunities, in solidarity with education rights advocate Mala Yousafzai of Pakistan.
- Sign up to join NPCA's Advocacy Director in...Guatemala? Yes, Guatemala!
It's all here in your July NPCA advocacy update.
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It's Time:
August District Advocacy Meetings
With the congressional summer recess only three weeks away, the time is now to gear up for the National Peace Corps Association's third annual August District Meetings initiative.
Congratulations to Massachusetts RPCVs who got us off to a great start. They organized a meeting with the Boston office of Senator Elizabeth Warren (in conjunction with Peace Corps Connect - Boston 2013). They've got an August 4th meeting planned with Congressman Mike Capuano. And we hear more is on the way!
The next step is up to YOU: At the moment, sixteen advocates from eleven different states are in the process of organizing district meetings. How about you?
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 Senate Passes Peace Corps Commemorative
We're halfway there!
On June 19th, the United States Senate unanimously approved legislation that would authortize the establishment of space near the National Mall to mark the historic significance of the founding of the Peace Corps in 1961, and the ideals Peace Corps service represents.
If you live in Ohio or Colorado, please take a moment to thank Senators Rob Portman (R-OH) and Mark Udall (D-OH) for their leadership in passing Peace Corps commemorative legislation.
Take Action Now if Your Congressman/woman is on the House Natural Resources Committee: Time to get the legislation moving in the House! A key step is urging members of the Natural Resources Committee to co-sponsor House Bill 915, legislation introduced by RPCV Congressman Joe Kennedy.
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Peace Corps Equity Act Update
Following the passing in June of Senator Frank Lautenberg, New Hampshire's Jeanne Shaheen has been tapped to lead efforts in the Senate to advance the Peace Corps Equity Act (S. 813), legislation that would create a technical fix to allow Peace Corps Volunteers to receive abortion services (should they wish) in the narrow instances of rape, incest, or life threatening circumstances.
Senator Shaheen led Senate efforts last year that resulted in a provision in the 2012 Defense Authorization Act that allowed this service to military servicewomen. Passage of that provision now leaves Peace Corps Volunteers alone among those serving our nation overseas who are not provided this service.
In the past month, three more Senators - Mark Begich (D-AK), Mark Udall (D-CO) and Al Franken (D-MN) - became co-sponsors of S. 813, bringing the number of co-sponsors to 26.
GET READY: In conjunction with other individuals and advocacy groups working on this issue (including this month's featured advocate), NPCA will begin circulating a Statement of Support that all RPCVs will be urged to sign, expressing support for this change. Be on the lookout for a special action alert in the coming days.
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 Said on the Hill
As the saying goes, there's no rest for the weary. That would certainly apply to this year's winner of the Harris Wofford Global Citizen Award, Dr. Mohamud Sheikh Nurein Said of Kenya.
Prior to his appearance in Boston, Dr. Said went to Capitol Hill on June 26th, just hours after arriving in Washington from Nairobi. He was joined throughout the day by National Peace Corps Association (NPCA) President Glenn Blumhorst and Russell Morgan, his Peace Corps science teacher from nearly fifty years ago.
Dr. Said brought an often forgotten voice to Capitol Hill: The voice of the Host Country National who benefits from experiencing the Peace Corps.
>>Read More
(photo: June 26th meetings included a very engaging conversation with Dominican Republic RPCV Congressman Joseph Kennedy III)
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 Advocacy Beyond Peace Corps
We know you care about the Peace Corps' well-being, but what other policy issues concern you?
Brian Callahan, Advocacy and Outreach Manager for the Global Campaign for Education - US (GCE-US) and Sarah Kalloch, Campaign Alliances Manager for Oxfam America, headlined a lively panel talk about such issues at Peace Corps Connect - Boston 2013. Topics ranged from global education initiatives to responsible food production to simple ways people can make a difference.
Make a Difference Right Now: One immediate action you can take? Follow this link and sign this petition of support as internationally reknowned activist Malala Yousafzai of Pakistan prepares to give a major address at the United Nations on the importance of universal basic education. Then, share the petition link with five other people you know.
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The Peace Corps Difference
RPCV Linda Chock of Honolulu is just one of the recent members of the community who offered their contributions for "The Peace Corps Difference", NPCA's digital photo collection demonstrating the value of Peace Corps to our nation and our world.
These images aren't simply fun and interesting to look at. They can be an effective advocacy tool. By compiling dozens of such photos from a particular state or congressional district, we can share with policy makers the face of the Peace Corps from their region, and the inspiring contributions being made at home and abroad, not only in the past, but also in the present and future.
Want to submit your own photo (or a group of photos?)
Follow the link below to learn more about The Peace Corps Difference and see some of the images coming in from around the country.
Then, send us your contribution!
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 Featured Advocate:
Janine Kossen
This month's featured advocate is Janine Kossen, a leading voice in the effort to pass the Peace Corps Equity Act.
"While we can't prevent all risks to volunteers," Janine said, "we can put in place policies and procedures to ensure that PCVs receive the same health care services as other women who serve our country."
When not fighting for volunteers, Janine works as the Director of Public Policy at Advocates for Youth, promoting human rights-based sexual and reproductive health policies for young people in the global south. This D.C. resident and Mauritania RPCV can often be found on Capitol Hill defending women's rights.
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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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Last Call for Guatemala Trip
Last call! Travel in late August to Guatemala with NPCA Advocacy Director Jonathan Pearson through our Next Step Travel Program.
Past participants have raved about this incredible experience.
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SUBSCRIBE TO NPCA
ADVOCACY NEWS
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Refreshing
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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This Month's Featured Advocate...
Janine Kossen
Mauritania
2003-2005
Washington, D.C.
Read More Below
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Thank You Boston!
Next Stop: Nashville!
Thanks to the Boston Area RPCVs and everyone else who came and helped plan a very informative and fun gathering of the community at Peace Corps Connect - Boston 2013.
Follow this link to see some of the photos from the weekend!
It's not too early to start planning group reunions and other activities around next year's gathering. The Tennessee RPCVs are already at work, as we prepare to convene in Nashville next June 20 - 21, 2014.
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Sam Farr - Twitter Champ!
Colombia RPCV Congressman Sam Farr (above with NPCA Communications Director Erica Burman and intern Kelly Reid) isn't just a Peace Corps champion on the floor of the House of Representatives. Back on June 14th, Congressman Farr was the featured guest on NPCA's weekly #RPCVChat on Twitter.
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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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