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Dear Friend,
All year long, this monthly newsletter provides you with news and information about the Peace Corps community that you can't find elsewhere. It connects, informs and engages us as we continue our lifelong service.
The NPCA is our organization. Thousands of us provided inputs for a new strategic plan, which will guide our activities as we respond to the community's expressed priorities. In 2014, we'll see that planning reflected in practice:
- Advocacy efforts continue to push for robust Peace Corps appropriations, work to ensure that RPCVs receive benefits that are equitable to other national service opportunities, and generate awareness of Peace Corps values and dividends.
- Mentoring and career development programs enable RPCVs to have a competitive edge in the challenging job market, while facilitating their transition to a continuation of service after the Peace Corps.
- Annual gatherings - Peace Corps Connect - provide the forum for our community to showcase, strengthen and share our innovative and entrepreneurial talent, with the opportunity to socialize and reminisce with our Peace Corps family.
- A collaborative relationship with the Peace Corps will see us working together to serve our community on a variety of fronts and in support of our common objectives.
You make it all possible through your contributions, whether serving as a mentor to a returning Peace Corps volunteer, organizing a community event, or providing a financial gift in support of the NPCA's programs and services.
The NPCA operates on a modest budget with a small but dedicated team. It depends on your dues and donations to sustain and scale these programs. Thank you for investing in your community's future.
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Dr. Surin Pitsuwan is 2014 Harris Wofford Global Citizen Award Winner
The National Peace Corps Association is pleased to announce that the winner of the 2014 Harris Wofford Global Citizen Award is Dr. Surin Pitsuwan of Thailand. Dr. Pitsuwan is the former Secretary General for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). He was first influenced by Peace Corps Volunteers David and Phyllis Johnston, who recognized his drive and ability. They were able to help him obtain an American Field Service scholarship to travel and study in the United States, launching a career of domestic and international public service. More recently, Dr. Pitsuwan has inspired the current Peace Corps Volunteers serving in Thailand with his idealism, belief in his country, and support of the Peace Corps' mission. He was nominated for the 2014 Harris Wofford Global Citizen Award by the Volunteers of Peace Corps Thailand, Group 124. The NPCA will present Dr. Surin Pitsuwan with the 2014 Harris Wofford Global Citizen Award on Saturday, June 21 at Peace Corps Connect - Nashville. |
Peace Corps Health Justice Advocates Come to DC
It was a full two days of activity for two representatives of the group, Health Justice for Peace Corps Volunteers. They were in the nation's capital this week to meet with officials at the Peace Corps, staff at the National Peace Corps Association (NPCA), and offices of congressional leaders who focus on issues pertaining to the Peace Corps and the U.S. Department of Labor.
Nancy Tongue, the groups's founder, says the days exceeded her expectations. Read our blog post and share your thoughts on how the Peace Corps community can better support our fellow RPCVs.
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End of Year Action Alert for Peace Corps Funding
It will be a busy holiday season for members of the Senate and House Appropriations Committee. With a final budget approved by the Senate on Wednesday, appropriators will try to come to agreement on spending levels for various federal programs between now and January 15th. And that gives you one more opportunity to urge support for strong funding for the Peace Corps.
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Beat the Cold: Travel to Thailand in 2014!
 NPCA's Next Step Travel program provides hyper-local immersion in developing countries: 360-degree "anti-tour" itineraries that combine unparalleled local access, cultural immersion, non-extreme adventure, and hands-on volunteer opportunities that open pathways for connection with local people. Don't believe us? Read the latest blog post from a Next Step traveler! These trips are all-inclusive, so that you can focus on getting the most from your experience.
Two family friendly trips during the holiday season -- ideal for multi-generational sharing -- leave next week!
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University of New Hampshire - Master of Arts in Community Development Policy and Practice. Build upon your Peace Corps experience through a Coverdell Fellowship at the University of New Hampshire, while maintaining your professional position. Flexible Program Format: brief, on campus summer sessions combined with online semesters-complete your degree in as little as 14 months. Apply what you learn by putting theory into action through real-world, community projects. Engage with like-minded students and expert faculty through an integrative, interdisciplinary program. Learn more. "This program has been a life-changing experience for me. I came back with a newfound passion and drive for the work I do. "- Justin
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Why I Give to NPCA: Harriet Lipowitz
"If it's Thursday, Harriet must be at NPCA."
Harriet Lipowitz (Malaysia 1969-71) is a regular volunteer at the National Peace Corps Association (NPCA) and, yes, if it's Thursday, you will find Harriet at the NPCA office. Harriet generously contributes her time to NPCA, particularly with the mentoring program and advocacy. Natalie Hall recently chatted with Harriet to learn more about her and why she volunteers at NPCA...
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Chemo Bites: RPCV Finds Startup Success with Kickstarter
Kirsten Rogers (Morocco 2007-2009) is the founder and principal of Chemo Bites, where she is "fighting cancer with great food, one snack and one recipe at a time." Kirsten recently launched a successful Kickstarter campaign, and here she shares some insights about how Peace Corps service prepared her to run a small business.
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Launching Kaimókara: Kickstarter Project Spotlights Indigenous Vessel and More
In 2006/2007 an indigenous Emberá crew sailed the 95-foot Pájaro Jai -- crafted from rainforest lumber -- on a 7,000 miles through the Caribbean, and up and down the east coast of the U.S. Jim Brunton (Panama 1967-70) was the force behind the project, the objective of which was to raise awareness about rainforest devastation.
Brunton is hoping to reprise that journey, this time on the West coast of the U.S. and beyond. And he'd like to make the vessel available to the Peace Corps community...
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Ocean Guardian Journey Contest: Shore Way to Positively Impact the Environment
The National Peace Corps Association first caught wind of Returned Peace Corps Volunteer (RPCV) Travis Bays (Costa Rica 2005-2008) back in 2011. After falling in love with his host country -- and his wife, Pilar -- Bays settled in Uvita, Costa Rica for the long haul. It was in this vibrant coastal village that Bays and Pilar embarked on a mission to combine their love of yoga, surfing, and environmental sustainability. Their dream became a reality in the form of Bodhi Surf School, a camp that offers yoga and surf instruction as well as opportunities to serve within the local community. This year, Bodhi Surf School has something fresh up its sleeve: The My Ocean Guardian Journey contest.... |
"Wedding Wednesday" on Facebook
They say "love makes the world go 'round." Maybe in the case of Peace Corps, the world makes love go 'round!
We recently received the excellent suggestion to start a photo album of Peace Corps Weddings on our Facebook page. The response to what we've dubbed "#WeddingWednesday" has been fantastic! "Like" our Facebook page and find out what all the buzz is about.
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Help the NPCA preserve the legacy and future of the Peace Corps.
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Wearing logo merchandise is a great way to spark conversations about the Peace Corps! And more importantly, your purchase supports the Third Goal efforts of the National Peace Corps Association.
VISIT THE NPCA ONLINE STORE
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Join us each Friday at 12 noon EST for #RPCVChat. |
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