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August 9, 2013                                                                                                                     www.PeaceCorpsConnect.org

Greetings! 

 

Here's a quiz!  All across the United States, Returned Peace Corps Volunteers (RPCVs) are ____

 

A) organizing district advocacy meetings

B) signing the Peace Corps Equity Act Statement of Support

C) enjoying the closing days of summer

D) all of the above

 

We hope the answer is "D", but that's up to you! :)

 

More details below...

 

Capuano Meeting August District Meetings Underway 

Dozens of RPCVs (including this month's featured advocate) are seeking meetings back at home with their representatives during the annual August congressional recess.

It's time for you to join them!  Follow this link to find meetings in your state or region.  Then, reach out to the listed point of contact for more details on upcoming meetings.  

Be a voice for a strong and vibrant Peace Corps!
 

(Photo: Boston advocates Eric Graber and Vanessa Porter following a district office meeting this week with staff of Congressman Michael Capuano)
Sen. ShaheenAction Alert:

Sign the Peace Corps Equity Act Statement of Support
  


It was just over two weeks ago that NPCA and other organizations launched a Statement of Support for the Peace Corps Equity Act (S. 813).  The legislation would fix the current inequity through which Peace Corps Volunteers are the only individuals serving our nation overseas who are not allowed abortion services in the narrow circumstances of rape, incest or life endangerment.

Nearly 1,500 RPCVs have signed the Statement of Support so far.

Now, the second wave of signatures begins.  And it begins with you.  Let's get to 3,000!

 

(Photo: New Hampshire Senator Jeanne Shaheen is leading efforts in the United States Senate to advance the Peace Corps Equity Act)
Peace Corps BannerPeace Corps' $30 Million Difference 

When Congress returns to Washington after its summer break, there will be a lot of uncertainty about the pace of progress and eventual success in coming to agreement on various appropriations bills for Fiscal Year 2014, which will begin October 1st.

When it comes to appropriations for State and Foreign Operations (which includes funding for the Peace Corps and most foreign assistance programs), the House of Representatives is currently recommending 20% less funding compared to recommendations coming from the Senate.

When it comes to the Peace Corps, there is also a significant difference in funding recommendations.
 
Kate Puzey Legislation Assessing Progress on the Kate Puzey Act 

Since the passage of the Kate Puzey Peace Corps Volunteer Protection Act in late 2011, it is clear that positive steps have been taken to implement provisions within the law, aimed at improving safety and support for Peace Corps Volunteers subjected to violence - including and especially sexual assault.

The question is whether the progress has been sufficient.  

Leading RPCV advocates who led the effort to pass the Puzey Act released a report card which says that while there is progress in certain areas, a greater sense of urgency is needed to fully implement the law.

The Peace Corps says much has been accomplished and further significant milestones towards full implementation are only weeks away.
 
waterBi-Partisan House Bills Introduced on Water, Basic Education  

With so much national focus emphasizing "dysfunction" and "hyper-partisanship" in the United States Congress, it is important to note when lawmakers from opposite sides of the political aisle come together to introduce meaningful legislation - especially when that legislation pertains to major issues of global concern.

Education: In late July, Congresswoman Nita Lowey (D-NY) and Congressman Dave Reichert (R-WA) once again introduced the Education for All Act, legislation designed to expand access to education for tens of millions of children and adolescents around the world who are not in school.  Follow this link to read the Basic Education Coalition's summary of the legislation.  

Take Action on Education: You can phone the offices of Congresswoman Lowey (202-225-6506) and Congressman Reichert (202-225-7761) to thank them for introducing this legislation.

Water: Meanwhile, just last week, another piece of bi-partisan legislation was introduced. This bill is aimed at improving the focus and effectiveness of U.S. foreign assistance dollars devoted to drinking water, sanitation and hygiene.  The 2013 Water for the World Act was introduced by Congressmen Earl Blumenauer (D-OR) and Ted Poe (R-TX).  So far, fifteen lawmakers (5 Democrats and 10 Republicans) are co-sponsors.

Take Action on Water:  Follow this link to learn more about the Water for the World Act and how to take action, courtesy of WASH (Water, Sanitation, Hygiene) Advocates.


(Photo from www.earthtimes.org)
Carrie at UMich Confirmation Hearing Awaits President's Peace Corps Nominee  

The next step for Carrie Hessler-Radelet (Samoa 1981-83), President Obama's nominee to be the next Director of the Peace Corps, will be a confirmation hearing before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

That won't happen until sometime after Congress returns to Washington on September 9th.  In the meantime, Hessler-Radelet, will continue to lead the Peace Corps as she has been doing since last September following the resignation of Aaron Williams.  She began her service as Deputy Director of the Peace Corps in June 2010.

 
Eliot Cresswell Featured Advocate:
Eliot Cresswell 


Eliot Cresswell (Morocco 2000-02) says he regularly contacts his elected representatives about public policy issues, including support for the Peace Corps.  

But as President of the Returned Peace Corps Volunteers of Northeastern New York, he wanted to identify additional opportunities so he and other group members could get more involved in speaking out on behalf of the Peace Corps.  

Eliot took part in NPCA's workshop on organizing August district advocacy meetings when he attended Peace Corps Connect - Boston back in June.

Then...he and other leaders of RPCV-NENY got busy!

 
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IN THIS ISSUE
August District Meetings Update

Statement of Support? Sign On!

The latest on Peace Corps Funding

Puzey Act Implementation

Crossing the Aisles for Water, Education

President Nominates Peace Corps Director

Featured Advocate - Eliot Cresswell

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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...        

   

 

 Eliot Cresswell

 

Morocco

2000-2002

  

 

Saratoga Springs, NY  

   


Read More Below 

 
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Welcome New  
Advocacy Coordinators!

Dina Navar

Congratulations and thanks to Dina Navar (above) of the RPCVs of Los Angeles, for agreeing to be the volunteer advocacy coordinator for the greater Los Angeles area.

We also welcome Larry Ley of the St. Louis Peace Corps Association and Sharon Wegner of Des Moines, Iowa, who have also taken on the role of advocacy coordinator in their region.

Some of the states where we are seeking advocacy coordinators include AZ, NC, OR, PA, TX and VT.

Read our position description.  If you are interested in becoming an advocacy coordinator,
contact us today!

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GROUPS REFERENCED IN THIS MONTH'S ADVOCACY NEWS

Basic Education Coalition

earthtimes.org

First Response Action

RPCVs of Los Angeles

RPCVs of Northeastern NY

St. Louis Peace Corps Association

WASH Advocates

 
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Senator Markey to Chair Peace Corps Subcommittee   

Shortly after joining the Senate (following a special election to replace John Kerry), new Massachusetts Senator Ed Markey was appointed to the Foreign Relations Committee and named Chairman of the subcommittee responsible for the Peace Corps.  Read more.

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