Greetings!
Happy Holiday Season to you!
Happy International Volunteer Day too!
We've got lots of updates on the Peace Corps Commemorative, Peace Corps Caucus, the National Day of Action and more.
Enjoy your December advocacy update!
|
Peace Corps Commemorative on its Way to House Floor The current struggles within the United States Congress is highlighted by this fact: So far in 2013, only 55 pieces of legislation (among the thousands of bills that are introduced) have been passed and sent to the President.
But Wednesday morning, Peace Corps Commemorative legislation took a significant step forward and is closer to final passage than ever before.
|
House Resolution Marks International Volunteer Day Today (December 5th) is International Volunteer Day.
To mark this day, Congressman Rick Nolan (D-MN) is introducing a Resolution in the House of Representatives to honor the many contributions international volunteers (including Peace Corps Volunteers) provide to our nation.
As a founding member of the Building Bridges Coalition, the NPCA helped organize Capitol Hill meetings on December 3rd and 4th, to begin the process of securing resolution co-sponsors. NPCA representatives like Senegal RPCV Geri Critchley (above left) teamed up with individuals from other volunteer sending organizations to urge Congressmen/women to become original co-sponsors.
Take Action: Contact your Congressman/woman today and ask them to become an early co-sponsor of Congressman Rick Nolan's resolution honoring international volunteers. Let your representative know why Peace Corps and other forms of global service are important to our nation.
|
House Peace Corps Caucus Gaining Early Momentum:
It's been less than a month since California Congressman Sam Farr (right) and the four other RPCV Members of Congress announced the formation of a House Peace Corps Caucus.
Thanks in part to your outreach, the number of members of this bi-partisan, non-binding group is beginning to grow.
Twenty-three members of the House of Representatives are signed on as members of the Caucus.
Find out who is on board and how you can help.
|
103 RPCV Groups Sign Funding Letter Congress continues to struggle to reach an overall budget agreement that will determine funding levels for the Peace Corps and other federal agencies for the current fiscal year.
As this is happening, RPCV member groups around the country (like the Connecticut RPCVs, pictured above) took their first step in making the case for robust Peace Corps funding in the next fiscal year.
"We firmly believe that one tangible way you can advance your national service agenda is to request a significant increase in Peace Corps funding..." That's part of a letter signed by 103 NPCA member groups to President Obama, urging him to bring the Peace Corps back towards its high water funding mark when he submits his Fiscal Year 2015 budget to Congress early next year.
|
Early Registrants for Day of Action
The new year is still a few weeks away, but we are already thinking about February 27th.
And so are many of you!
More than thirty advocates from around the country (including this month's featured advocate) are already registered for the Capitol Hill portion of our 10th annual National Day of Action.
With Peace Corps funding, a new Peace Corps Caucus and other initiatives on the agenda, this will be a big moment to be an advocate for a strong and vibrant Peace Corps.
If you (or someone you know) are planning to come to DC for anticipated Peace Corps career fair activities, please carve out February 27th as a day to be a voice for the Peace Corps on Capitol Hill.
Contact us now. Sign up today!
|
A Meeting with the President NPCA President Glenn Blumhorst had the opportunity to meet with President Obama during a small gathering of Peace Corps leaders and luminaries.
The 45 minute gathering took place on November 22nd. It recognized perhaps the most iconic legacy of the Kennedy administration, on the day when America paused to remember the tragic loss of a leader.
|
Featured Advocate: Priscilla Goldfarb
Whether it is volunteering time or making a financial donation to support NPCA advocacy, our December featured advocate, Priscilla Goldfarb, says she doesn't believe there is such a thing as a small contribution.
"Every contribution is made according to what is appropriate to an individual's circumstance and all contributions at every level are valued. It's about how much you value NPCA's work and also knowing the impact your contribution helps make possible. Then you stretch to do the most you can."
Priscilla speaks from personal experience, as she has been stretching her energy and resources on behalf of advocacy and other NPCA programs for quite some time.
|
|
You still want to make a difference. Be a member to continue serving, connect with others, and support the legacy of the Peace Corps.
|
Typhoon Haiyan and the Peace Corps community
|
SUBSCRIBE TO NPCA ADVOCACY NEWS

|
This Month's Featured Advocate...
Priscilla Goldfarb
Uganda 1965-67
Peace Corps Response (Katrina) 2005
Garrison, NY
Read More Below
|
Here's a fun Video You Will Want to See and Share...
...to Connect Your Friends to the NPCA and the Peace Corps Community
|
Any RPCVs on Your
Gift List?
You'll want to check out our online store and include the Peace Corps spirit in your holiday gift giving!
Not only that...A portion of your purchase supports the efforts of the National Peace Corps Association. Thank you!
|
GROUPS REFERENCED IN THIS MONTH'S ADVOCACY NEWS | Building Bridges Coalition
Connecticut RPCVs
| |
Federal Employee?
Please Remember the NPCA During the Combined Federal Campaign
Our CFC# 11708
|

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.
|
|