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Greetings!
Happy 2014!
We thank you for everything you do to advocate on Peace Corps matters and other issues of concern to the Peace Corps community.
A lot of activity is on the horizon, as the National Peace Corps Association (NPCA) begins its 35th anniversary year!
But...before we move forward, here's one more look back at progress and accomplishments during 2013.
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 The Nation's Voice for a Strong and Vibrant Peace Corps
The challenges facing funding for the Peace Corps in 2013 are reflective of the broader debate within Congress on the size and role of the federal government.
Nevertheless, the efforts of thousands of advocates from around the country continued to allow the Peace Corps to hold its own in an atmosphere dominated by spending cuts.
In March, a failure by Congress to agree on spending and revenue targets led to automatic funding cuts to Peace Corps and other federal programs. The so-called sequester resulted in a $19 million spending cut for the agency, reducing funding to $356 million.
As the sequester was taking affect, the Peace Corps community descended on Capitol Hill. More than 90 advocates from across the country participated in NPCA's annual National Day of Action in Support of the Peace Corps.
This gathering built momentum for another annual action in the House of Representatives - a "Dear Colleague" sign-on letter urging strong funding for the Peace Corps. Led by Returned Peace Corps Volunteer (RPCV) Congressman Sam Farr (D-CA) and co-authored by the other House RPCVs, the letter requested $400 million for the Peace Corps. A record number 142 lawmakers signed the letter.
As 2014 begins, Congress is currently trying to finalize its work on federal spending for the current fiscal year. If successful, funding for the Peace Corps would likely fall between the House recommendation of level funding ($356 million) and a Senate recommendation of $385 million.
And, as 2013 came to a close, more than 100 NPCA member groups came together in signing a letter to the President, urging strong funding for the Peace Corps in his next budget request, due in early February.
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 One Last Step for Peace Corps Commemorative Legislation
Halfway through its current term, the 113th Congress has only passed 65 bills out of the thousands that came before it in 2013.
And though it did not pass during the first half of the two-year congressional session, one Peace Corps related bill is now closer to passage than ever before.
The legislation would authorize the use of space near the National Mall for a modest, privately funded commemorative to mark the historic significance of the founding of the Peace Corps in 1961, and the ideals represented by Peace Corps service.
Things started fast in the United States Senate, which had unanimously passed commemorative legislation in the closing days of the previous (112th) Congress. Led by Senators Rob Portman (R-OH) and Mark Udall (D-CO), this legislation was re-introduced in February. Meanwhile, in the House of Representatives, commemorative legislation was the first bill introduced by new Massachusetts Congressman Joseph Kennedy (Dominican Republic 2004-06).
By June, the Senate voted unanimously in favor of passing the commemorative legislation. While the House did not move as swiftly, significant progress was achieved, topped off by the unanimous approval of a House bill by the Natural Resources Committee. This vote was preceded by a hearing on the bill that coincided with the 50th anniversary of President Kennedy's assassination.
As 2014 begins, the last step to secure final congressional approval is a vote on the House floor.
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 The Peace Corps Equity Act
More than a year ago, at the close of 2012, Congress passed a defense bill that included a provision allowing support for pregnancy termination for military servicewomen who became pregnant due to rape or incest, as well as life endangerment.
When this bill passed, that left Peace Corps Volunteers standing virtually alone in being denied similar support.
In late April, Senator Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ) introduced the Peace Corps Equity Act, legislation that would fix this disparity and ensure that female Peace Corps Volunteers receive the same support as others serving our nation overseas. Following Senator Lautenberg's death, leadership on the bill was taken up by New Hampshire Senator Jeanne Shaheen (above), who had led the efforts to pass the military provision in 2012.
The National Peace Corps Association worked with a coalition of organizations to build support for this legislation. By year's end, 28 Senators had co-sponsored the legislation, and language to address this inequity was included in the Peace Corps section of the Senate's State/Foreign Operations Appropriations bill. The language is not included in the House version of the bill, and there is much uncertainty if the language will survive in final negotiations.
Throughout the year, NPCA and others collected signatures and comments from Returned Peace Corps Volunteers on a "Statement of Support" of the Peace Corps Equity Act. By the end of 2013, approximately 2,000 individuals had signed the statement, which was distributed to key leaders in the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives. If you have not added your name, we continue to collect signatures.
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 Further Recognition of Peace Corps Service
A Peace Corps Commemorative and equitable treatment of volunteers in regard to reproductive health are just two of many ways in which Peace Corps service needs to be respected and honored.
Another such issue is the subject of new legislation. The Respect for Peace Corps Volunteers Act of 2013 would allow for further recognition of Peace Corps service upon one's death.
Currently, the Peace Corps symbol cannot be used in death notices or at gravesites. Legislation introduced by Congressman Albio Sires (D-NJ) would change that. Throughout the year, the NPCA and individual advocates met with House offices to urge support for the legislation. By the end of 2013, a growing bi-partisan group of thirteen Congressmen/women became co-sponsors of the legislation.
We will continue to build support for this change in 2014, as well as expand advocacy opportunities to further recognize, support and honor the Peace Corps community. |
 The Long Road to Health Justice
While most who serve in the Peace Corps return home relatively free of injury or illness, too many come home with serious health conditions.
And, for far too many, these challenges have been long lasting, and the struggle in seeking support has been extremely difficult.
2013 saw forward movement on these issues, due in no small part to the dedication and persistence of a group of individuals who are at the core of the group Health Justice for Peace Corps Volunteers. While many have worked on these issues over the decades, this coming together as a group came about in 2012. One of the first activities was a survey to gather further information on issues RPCVs face when they come home ill or injured. A summary of the survey findings was reported on in the Spring 2013 edition of WorldView magazine.
Since assuming the role of Acting Director of the Peace Corps, Carrie Hessler-Radelet has expressed her commitment to work on this issue with various stakeholders. In July, the agency provided this update on steps that were being taken to address some of the key health challenges.
2013 ended with a trip to Washington by two members of Health Justice for Peace Corps Volunteers for two days of meetings, including meetings (coordinated by the NPCA) on Capitol Hill. While much remains to be done on a variety of fronts, group founder Nancy Tongue (Chile 1980 -82) says she's more optimistic than ever that progress can be made.
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From Kenya to
Capitol Hill
Those who had the opportunity to meet and hear from the winner of the 2013 Harris Wofford Global Citizen Award came away impressed with his humble nature, his indefatigable work ethic and his commitment to making the world a better place for those in need.
Not only did Dr. Mohamud Sheikh Nurein Said attend Peace Corps Connect-Boston to accept his award, he also spent a full day on Capitol Hill meeting with Virginia Senator Tim Kaine (above) and other leading lawmakers.
Dr. Said's day on Capitol Hill allowed us to highlight a key outcome of Peace Corps, represented by an individual - inspired in part by a Peace Corps Volunteer - who goes on to do great things in his/her country.
Dr. Said's visit prompted significant media attention, including a timely op-ed by RPCV Congressman John Garamendi and a feature story by RPCV Marco Werman on his public radio broadcast, The World.
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Local Impacts
The 2013 annual holiday gathering of the Connecticut RPCVs included a visit from 2nd District Congressman Joe Courtney (pictured here).
Throughout the years, a number of RPCV member groups take it upon themselves to invite lawmakers to local events. Even if the lawmaker cannot attend, the invitation itself demonstrates there is an active Peace Corps constituency within a state or congressional district. And when lawmakers are able to attend, it further builds the relationship with the local Peace Corps community.
At the national level, NPCA Advocacy worked for the third year in a row with advocates willing to organize district-level office meetings during the months of August and September. Local advocates took the lead on scheduling meetings and lining up other participants. NPCA assisted with participant recruitment and provided talking points and handouts that could be used in information packets for the lawmakers.
The 2013 results were trending in the right direction. Fifty-three meetings - the highest number yet for this activity - were known to be held around the country. One tangible result of these meetings were an additional fifteen co-sponsors on Peace Corps related legislation.
Los Angeles Advocacy Coordinator Dina Navar summed up the importance of the collaborative efforts between local advocates and the NPCA, following her positive meeting with staff of Congresswoman Judy Chu: "They were very receptive and commented on how they appreciated the handouts and bullet points. A big congrats to (NPCA) for making our job as advocates easy, but also easy for (Congresswoman Chu's staff) to review the information."
Follow this link for photos of some of the great 2013 district meetings organized by our advocates.
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Making Connections From Coast to Coast
When time and resources allow, we love to bring our advocacy message to you personally with occasional road trips.
2013 was no different...or was it?
There was the trip to Boston in June to take part in our Peace Corps Connect gathering.
There was the short foray to Reston Virginia, to meet with the Northern Virginia RPCVs.
And then there was...Trip-a-Palooza!
It began on April 12th with a lively potluck gathering in Eugene, Oregon with the West Cascade Peace Corps Association. Twenty-three days later, thirteen states later, twenty-four cities later, and more than 5,000 miles later, it ended with a quiet, mid-afternoon coffee gathering in Blacksburg, Virginia.
During the trip, NPCA Advocacy Director Jonathan Pearson had the opportunity to meet with ten member groups. He was able to attend annual general meetings in Portland, Oregon and Boise, Idaho (pictured above).
There were advocacy workshops in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Columbia and St. Louis, Missouri, and Nashville, Tennessee. And, there were stops in smaller cities as well, including Issaquah, Washington, Helena, Montana, Carbondale, Illinois and London, Kentucky.
We were able to connect directly with more than 300 members of the community to provide updates on the NPCA and our advocacy efforts, and to hear from you as well.
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 Supporting Service
While a majority of NPCA advocacy focuses directly on advancing Peace Corps service, we value all forms of service. Because of this, we promoted advocacy opportunities concerning other forms of domestic and international volunteerism.
While funding for the Peace Corps has faced cuts in recent years, proposals in the House of Representatives have recommended the elimination of domestic service programs such as Americorps. That's why the NPCA encouraged participation in the June Stand for Service Action on Capitol Hill.
Not surprisingly, we connected with people who have the dual distinction of participating in Peace Corps service and volunteerism through Americorps or other domestic programs. People like our June featured advocate Mary Bruce (Morocco 2004-06), or Wil Dalton (pictured above, Bulgaria 2007-09) who we met at the rally.
Similarly, many RPCVs also have other forms of international service in their volunteer or professional background. That's why NPCA became a founding member of the Building Bridges Coalition (BBC), and also why we took the lead in organizing a December day on Capitol Hill with other BBC members to support a newly introduced resolution in the House of Representatives to honor Peace Corps and other forms of international service.
As 2014 begins, we will continue to seek co-sponsors for the International Service Resolution in the House, while a similar resolution is expected to be introduced in the Senate.
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 Issues of Global Concern
Similar to service-related advocacy, NPCA's 2013 outreach to you included opportunities for engagement and action on various issues that have serious consequences for people around the world. Here's some examples:
- International Affairs Funding: Along with Peace Corps funding, NPCA and its advocates continued to urge support for the many peacebuilding, development and humanitarian programs that are included in the entire International Affairs Budget. Support for this funding was incorporated into our August district meeting agendas. NPCA also joined group sign-on letters to Senate and House leaders, organized by InterAction.
- Food Security: In the fall of 2013, NPCA once again promoted opportunities for action in conjunction with World Food Day.
- Mideast Peace: In September, we featured the work of former NPCA President Chic Dambach and other peace builders in promoting just and nonviolent solutions to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
- Wildlife Protection and Preservation: We reported on the work of ARCAS, a non-governmental organization in northern Guatemala devoted to protecting wildlife from mistreatment, exploitation and extinction (Part of NPCA's Next Step Travel Progam).
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Advocacy Coordinators: Leading the Way
2013 marked the year our state/regional advocacy coordinator program took a big step forward. Here's some representative examples.
Eight Advocacy Coordinators came to Washington in February to participate in the National Day of Action. Several participated in a face-to-face meeting organized by Maine Coordinator Richard MacIntyre (Korea, 1967-1969).
Boston Coordinator Vanessa Porter (Honduras, 2008-2010) took the lead in advocacy activities during Peace Corps Connect-Boston, including a meeting with staff of Senator Elizabeth Warren, organizing advocacy workshops and more.
It was full speed ahead for Tennessee's Angie Harris (Papua New Guinea, 1991-1993) who worked with other local RPCVs and helped facilitate district office meetings in August with nearly the entire membership of her state congressional delegation.
In Virginia, Randy Adams (Dominican Republic/Peru 1969-73) was one of several coordinators who set up advocacy workshops/discussions at RPCV member group meetings.
At year's end, coordinators Tim Garvin (Jamaica 1991-92) of central/western Massachusetts and Jeff Jenks (Philippines 1962-64) of southeast Michigan were among those actively recruiting Congressmen/women to join the newly formed Peace Corps Caucus.
As 2013 came to a close, the ranks of our advocacy coordinators had grown to 24, including recent additions in California (Los Angeles, San Diego), Iowa and Montana. Of equal importance, several outgoing coordinators were able to facilitate smooth transitions to bring on new leaders in places like Minnesota, Missouri (St. Louis), New Jersey and Ohio.
As 2014 begins, our advocacy coordinators have a mid-January conference call scheduled to start preparing for the year ahead!
Follow this link to meet some of our coordinators. Contact us if you are interested in this position in your state or region.
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" The Peace Corps Difference" Whiteboard Project
"Because of Peace Corps, I became a Foreign Service Officer."
Leanne Hogie (Costa Rica 1980-81), Hood River, Oregon
It's easy and fun, poignant and powerful. And, it is proving to be a helpful tool in our advocacy efforts.
In 2013, NPCA launched "The Peace Corps Difference". Using a whiteboard, we have begun collecting images of current or returned Peace Corps Volunteers who write a sentence (or two) about the importance of the Peace Corps, using the themes "I helped...", "Because of Peace Corps..." or "Peace Corps matters because..."
We started collecting images during our cross-country advocacy trip, and gained many more at our gathering last June in Boston. We are also collecting images when people stop by our office for a visit. Even better, we've started to receive a handful of images from people taking the action individually. People like Kyrgyzstan volunteer David Malana (above), who has been using dance to build children's confidence and global connection. His message? "I helped Kyrgyz villagers 'hit the Dougie!' "
Nearly 200 images have been collected so far, and we hope to continue in 2014. Along with being fun and inspiring, we are also starting to share images with congressional offices to help bring the face (and continued good works) of the Peace Corps community to lawmakers and their staff.
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 Our Incredible Advocacy Interns
"I truly feel like I learned a great deal about both the Peace Corps and the American legislative process...Everyone in the office was so friendly, which only cemented my decision to apply to the Peace Corps. Thank you again for this formative opportunity!"
(Summer advocacy intern Aubrey Peterson)
During 2013, NPCA benefited from the hard work, dedication and energy of nine advocacy interns who assisted with all facets of our advocacy program - from preparing materials for our spring National Day of Action to securing signatures on our winter member group sign-on letter to the President.
We are also pleased that many of our interns have aspirations to join the Peace Corps. Meeting with RPCVs from across the eras plays a big role in bolstering that decision. No matter what they go on to do, we believe our interns will go on to do great things in service to others.
With that in mind, we express our deep thanks and sincere best wishes to our 2013 advocacy volunteers: Jessica Agostinelli, Nicole Bustamante, Sam Foote, Ryan Greenstein, Asha Khanzada, Grace Leuck, Kaitlyn Moberly, Aubrey Peterson and Robert Powers. |
2014 Opportunities and Challenges
As the new year begins, our advocacy agenda is overflowing with issues.
We will continue to be a voice for strong Peace Corps funding, with the possibility of revitalized funding in an atmosphere of austerity. We will press to get Peace Corps commemorative legislation across the goal line. We will enhance our advocacy to support, honor and respect the contributions of current and returned Peace Corps Volunteers. And we will prepare for our tenth annual - and largest National Day of Action.
But...our continued success requires your support! As an independent, non-profit, non-governmental organization, NPCA and its advocacy program depends on people like you to keep us moving forward!
It depends on people like...Susan Pearlman (Costa Rica 1968-71) and Helen Ashraf (Mexico 2005-08).
We met Susan and Helen (pictured above) during a "coffee and conversation" visit to Carbondale, Illinois back in April. Following the visit, they didn't hesitate, or defer until later...They pulled out their checkbooks and became NPCA members on the spot!
You can get our 2014 agenda off to a strong start right now by becoming a member and/or making a special donation to NPCA Advocacy.
Thanks for all you do! Happy New Year.
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Getting Ready for our 10th Annual National Day of Action - February 27th
Nearly 100 advocates joined us on Capitol Hill last February during our National Day of Action.
Help us exceed 100 this February 27th!
Even if you can't come to Washington, this activity is designed to involve everyone in a one-day action with members of Congress, to support a strong and vibrant Peace Corps.
Read more and contact us to find out how you can help.
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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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Closing in on Confirmation
Acting Director for more than a year, President Obama's nominee for the 19th Director of the Peace Corps - Carrie Hessler Radelet (Western Samoa 1981-83) -moved close to final Senate confirmation by the end of 2013.
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SUBSCRIBE TO NPCA
ADVOCACY NEWS
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Honored by the NPCA
For his strong support of the Peace Corps, Georgia Senator Johnny Isakson (above with NPCA leadership and Georgia RPCVs) was honored by the NPCA in 2013 with a Congressional Leadership Award. A similar award was given to California Senator Dianne Feinstein.
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House Peace Corps Caucus Launched
California Congressman Sam Farr (Colombia 1964-66), a leader on Peace Corps issues in the House of Representatives, closed out 2013 by launching a Peace Corps Caucus. This non-binding body will support Peace Corps related events and bring together lawmakers who believe in the importance of the Peace Corps.
Read the introductory letter issued by Congressman Farr and his RPCV colleagues, and follow this link for more information.
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GROUPS REFERENCED IN MONTHLY ADVOCACY NEWS UPDATES DURING 2013
InterAction
Oxfam America
Service Nation
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Meeting President Obama
On the 50th anniversary of President Kennedy's death, President Barack Obama honored the Kennedy legacy by meeting with leaders of the Peace Corps community, including NPCA President Glen Blumhorst. Read more.
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A group shot from Columbia, Missouri, where members of the Central Missouri RPCVs participated in an NPCA advocacy workshop last April. This was one of several advocacy or capacity building workshops held during our cross-country advocacy trip.
A global issues advocacy workshop was also held at Peace Corps Connect - Boston.
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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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New York, San Diego, Miami and More!
Thanks to all the advocates (like Boston area advocates above, preparing to meet with staff of Congressman Stephen Lynch) who organized district meetings during August and September.
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RPCV GROUPS REFERENCED IN MONTHLY ADVOCACY NEWS UPDATES DURING 2013
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RPCVs of Wisconsin-Madison
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Friends of Korea on
There are many powerful ways Returned Peace Corps Volunteers and member groups bring the world home. Back in March, the Friends of Korea - sponsored by the office of Senator Susan Collins (R-ME), displayed a photo exhibit on Capitol Hill during Peace Corps week that shared the Peace Corps story in Korea. Many - including the Korean Ambassador - stopped by to view the exhibit. Follow this link to read more.
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Among Our Featured Advocates
Our 2013 monthly updates included an individual or group who we recognize as our "Featured Advocates."
This past October, members of the Peace Corps Iran Association were recognized for an advocacy effort they undertook on behalf of a special friend.
If you missed the story back in October, you can read about it here!
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Wofford Honored in 2013
Harris Wofford's involvement during the formative years of the Peace Corps was just one of many reasons he was honored in 2013 with the nation's second highest civilian honor. In February, the former Pennsylvania Senator and CEO of the Corporation for National and Community Service was one of 18 to receive the 2012 Citizens Medal at a White House ceremony. |
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A Popular Place When we send you our monthly advocacy updates, we always include a link to our online store Several hundred of our advocates visited the store during 2013. And that helps us, given that a portion of your purchase supports the efforts of the National Peace Corps Association. Thank you! |
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Thanks to the RPCVs of Wisconsin-Madison Once again in 2013, this great RPCV member group donated writing cards that were used during the Capitol Hill portion of NPCA's National Day of Action so participants could send thank you cards to lawmakers and their staff.
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THANK YOU OFFICE VOLUNTEERS!
Throughout 2013 or at key moments for NPCA advocacy, these indispensable volunteers assisted in our office.
Thank you! | Priscilla Goldfarb
Matthew Hall
Natalie Hall
Bob Hoffmann
Harriet Lipowitz
Richard MacIntyre
Angel Nawrot
Kristina Owens
Kate Schachter
Pat Wand
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A New Chairman
After winning a special election to replace newly appointed Secretary of State John Kerry, Massachusetts Senator Ed Markey was named the new Chairman of the Foreign Relations Peace Corps Subcommittee.
Markey (l), along with the Ranking Minority Member of the Subcommittee John Barrasso (R-WY) presided over the November 6th confirmation hearing of Carrie Hessler-Radelet to become the next Director of the Peace Corps. |
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Chance Encounters
Once again in 2013, NPCA Advocacy Director Jonathan Pearson went on the road to connect with RPCVs and NPCA Advocates around the country.
There's always some great stories to share. None more fun in the past year than this story from a potluck gathering in Missoula, Montana.
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