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September 10, 2013                                                                                                                     www.PeaceCorpsConnect.org

Greetings! 

 

It's September.

  • The kids are back in school
  • Congress is back in Washington
  • And, NPCA Advocates are back to work
Well, actually....you never stopped!

Here's your September advocacy update.
 
August Meeting with Rep. Deutch Nearly 40 District Meetings Held 

Big congratulations to members of the Peace Corps community who participated in (or are still preparing for) district level advocacy meetings with their members of Congress.

As of today, we can confirm at least 36 meetings held with lawmakers in at least 15 states.  And, reports from NPCA Advocacy Coordinators and others indicate that more meetings are still in the works.

Follow this link for photographs from 2013 district advocacy meetings.  And, read more about one of our district meeting coordinators - this month's featured advocate! 

Photo: Bruce Jay and Helene Dudley of the RPCVs of South Florida met with Congressman Ted Deutch (center) as part of NPCA's August District Meeting Advocacy initiative

NPCA leaf More than 1,700 Signatures on Equity Act Statement of Stupport

 
"I faced many risks to my health and safety serving the Peace Corps, and this exception to my medical care made me feel like the U.S. wouldn't have my back when I would most need it.  Please support and love your women Peace Corps Volunteers by giving them complete health care!"

Caroline Hardin, Madison WI

"I support the Peace Corps Equity Act.  Women should be treated fairly."

Ronald Inskeep, Gwynedd PA

The next three months will be critical if 2013 is to be the year when female Peace Corps Volunteers are treated with fairness and equity in regards to their reproductive rights in cases of rape, incest or life endangerment.

Men and women.  Returned Peace Corps Volunteers (RPCVs) from the 1960's through the 2000's.  From Alaska and Hawaii.  From Maine to Florida, from California to Indiana.  RPCVs from all over the country are signing the Statement of Support for the Peace Corps Equity Act.  

If you have not yet signed the Statement of Support, please sign now!

If you have signed the Statement of Support, send it to at least five other RPCVs you know.

Let's make sure female volunteers are not the only individuals serving our nation overseas who do not receive support for an abortion in the narrow circumstances of rape, incest or life endangerment.  This is not fair.  Please add your voice.
 

shirtLast Call for Important NPCA Survey! 

As you know, advocacy is just one of the programs, activities and services offered by your National Peace Corps Association. 


We strive to improve, adjust with the times and meet your needs.  With that in mind, we have been circulating a ten-minute survey we want all members of the Peace Corps community to take, as we prepare for some strategic planning to map out our future.

This Wednesday is the deadline to take this survey and share your thoughts.  Please add your voice. 

   
   
 
Guatemala Tortillas World Food Day:

Not Just Another Day 


World Food Day is fast approaching, and the National Peace Corps Association encourages members of the Peace Corps community to draw upon their past experiences and remember the difficulties of hunger and malnourishment abroad.

Learn more about what World Food Day stands for.  Get facts about the cycle of hunger and its effects on communities.  Find out how you can take action with others.

 
ARCAS Guatemala NGO Protects, Rehabilitates Wildlife 

Participants who just returned from NPCA's most recent Next Step Travel trip to Guatemala took part in a range of meaningful service activities, learned much about the nation's history and culture, and enjoyed fantastic food in a family setting.

They also got a glimpse of a Guatemala non-governmental organization (NGO) that is taking on a challenging issue that has regional, national and international implications.

 
Honda Helen Chung From Peace Corps to Politics
  
California Congressman Mike Honda (pictured here with staff member and Returned Peace Corps Volunteer Helen Chung) is currently one of five RPCV members of Congress.  We also are aware of several dozen RPCVs who - like Helen - have Peace Corps service in their background.

But that's just scratching the surface.  At the state, county and local level, there are undoubtedly hundreds of members of the Peace Corps community who are engaged in public service.

We want to strengthen our connectivity to these important public servants.  

You can help.
 
Featured Advocate:

Brian Woods 

This month's featured advocate, Brian Woods, (pictured on the left with PCV mother Cyndi Scott and Mississippi Representative Bennie Thompson) has engaged in extremely valuable advocacy work in his home state of Mississippi.

"After taking part in the Advocacy Day that was part of the 50th
anniversary celebration, I felt like it was important to follow up
with my elected delegation," Woods said. "They might not remember my name, but they would remember the day the RPCVs were walking the halls of their office buildings." 

Click here to read just how Brian is making a positive impact on Peace Corps at both the legislative and community levels.

 
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IN THIS ISSUE
District Meetings Update

Support the Peace Corps Equity Act

NPCA Survey - Last Call

World Food Day Needs Your Voice

Protecting Wildlife in Guatemala

Political Connections

Featured Advocate - Brian Woods

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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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SEPTEMBER 22ND

GET IN THE ACT!

Peace Corps Act Day

Learn More About  

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SUBSCRIBE TO NPCA
ADVOCACY NEWS


Sign-Up!
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This Month's Featured Advocate...        

   

 

 Brian Woods

 

Ukraine 

2007- 2009

 

Republic of Georgia

2012

  

 

Hazlehurst, MS  

   


Read More Below 

 
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SEND TO FRIEND
 
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Twitter Chat:  

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Peace Corps Equity Act

Want to learn more about the Peace Corps Equity Act and how you can help?  Join us on Twitter Chat this Friday, September 13th between 12 Noon and 1 PM (EST) and be part of the conversation.

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Find us on Facebook


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KEY ADVOCACY LINKS  

 

Peace Corps Fast Facts

 

NPCA State Resources

 

White House 

  

United States Senate  

 

Contact Information for Senators

 

United States House

 

E-Mail Your Congressman/woman

  

Congressional Legislation

 

  

  

  

  

  Congressional Record

  

  

  

  

  

 

 

State Department

 

 

 

 

 


 
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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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GROUPS REFERENCED IN THIS MONTH'S ADVOCACY NEWS

ARCAS

Food Hub

Oxfam America

RPCVs of South Florida

World Food Day USA

 
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Honoring All Service

A former marine writes about the importance of Peace Corps and all forms of service.

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 Charity Navigator

 

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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NPCA
QUICK LINKS

Donate to NPCA

 

 
Polyglot - NPCA Blog

  NPCA Online Community



 
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140

The Peace Corps Announces Plans to Begin a New Program in its 140th Country Since 1961.
 
Where?  

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