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Greetings!
You can take action right now in the search for justice for the family of Kate Puzey, five years after her murder in Benin.
And, you can plan to take action in the coming days as a critical Peace Corps funding letter is about to begin circulating.
All this and much more in your March advocacy update.
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 Justice for Kate Puzey
The family of slain Peace Corps Volunteer Kate Puzey continues to await justice following her murder in Benin nearly five years ago.
A "Dear Colleague" letter is circulating this week in the U.S. Congress, asking U.S. law enforcement to assist the government of Benin with its investigation.
You can help by contacting your Senators and Representatives today, and asking them to sign onto the bi-partisan Kate Puzey Dear Colleague letter being circulated by Senators Isakson and Boxer, and Congressmen Poe and Farr.
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 President Obama asks for $380 M for the Peace Corps
President Obama's Fiscal Year 2015 budget is a status quo request when it comes to the Peace Corps and international affairs funding.
The $380 million requested for the Peace Corps is only $1 million above current funding levels. But that's slightly better than average when compared with the entire budget for the State Department and other international affairs programs.
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 Get Ready for Annual Peace Corps Funding Letters
Be on the lookout, because in the next few days you are going to have the opportunity to ask your lawmaker to support more robust funding for the Peace Corps.
Colombia Returned Peace Corps Volunteer and California Congressman Sam Farr is expected to begin circulating his annual Peace Corps Funding Dear Colleague letter. Members of the House of Representatives will have the opportunity to sign this letter, which will likely urge a larger increase in Peace Corps funding.
Last year, a record 142 Congressmen/women signed onto this letter, and it will be up to you to help meet or exceed that record.
Congressman Farr's letter may start circulating any day, and we can expect a period of a 7 - 10 days to secure signatures. Please be on the lookout for updates on this action in the coming days, and be prepared to take action.
A similar letter in the Senate may also be forthcoming, so be on the lookout for a Senate letter, too! |
 Last Call to Support Our Capitol Hill Advocates
From Lexington Kentucky to Capitol Hill. Advocacy stalwarts Jack and Angene Wilson (pictured here meeting with their Congressman, Andy Barr) were among those who gave an entire day last week to share their Peace Corps experiences and urge support for a stronger, more effective and more respected Peace Corps.
Many commented on how well prepared they felt going into their meetings. We're proud of our efforts to support these advocates.
But, we now call on you to support us. Many have already made a donation of $10, $25, $50 or more to help make sure the Capitol Hill portion of our National Day of Action is sustainable. But there's no more time to delay. Last Call!
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 April Advocacy Excursion
Here we go again! Not as extensive as our trip last spring, but we are checking the fluids and kicking the tires as Advocacy Coordinator Jonathan Pearson prepares for a trip north to connect with you from Saturday, April 12th through Thursday, April 17th.
The trip will be a great opportunity to learn about NPCA's advocacy program and to meet with other RPCVs from your area.
A New York City visit is already planned and a stop in Albany, New York is also in the works. If you are interested in organizing a stop in the Mid-Atlantic region or southern New England, contact us today.
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 Nashville!
Need We Say More?
There may be no other city more fun for a large group of Returned Peace Corps Volunteers to get together. So, you will not want to miss Peace Corps Connect 2014 - Nashville.
Early Registration is now open! By registering today, not only are you guaranteed a fun time in Music City, but you're also guaranteed a fun time at a reduced registration rate!
Peace Corps Connect will be held Friday and Saturday, June 20 and 21, giving you further time on Sunday to explore Nashville. And, if you are job hunting, plan to come early as the Peace Corps is planning a regional career fair on June 19th, to coincide with Peace Corps Connect.
Our friends with the Tennessee Returned Peace Corps Volunteers are hard at work to make this a special event. But it will only be special if you come!
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 Featured Advocates: The Capitol Hill 100!
Our goal was to have 100 advocates on Capitol Hill during the National Day of Action.
Thanks to the energy and dedication of so many individuals, we reached our target! The advocates pictured above were among those who held approximately 175 meetings with congressional offices, and helped drop off information packets to all 535 Members of Congress.
But it's not just about the numbers. As much as we were pleased with the quantity of participants on Capitol Hill, we were just as pleased with the quality of these individuals.
- Nearly 25 of our participants have been Capitol Hill stalwarts, travelling to Washington for the National Day of Action four, five or even six times over the past decade. These individuals provided knowledge and experience that is invaluable in the success of our day.
- At the same time, 33 advocates were first-time participants. New faces provided new energy to the day, and further expanded our pool of experienced advocates.
- Nearly one out of every four participants served in the Peace Corps within the past three years. This participation is also essential, as our new RPCVs provided congressional offices with their recent perspectives of Peace Corps service - the successes, the challenges and the opportunities.
- Advocates from 24 States and the District of Columbia were represented on Capitol Hill, allowing us to schedule more than 100 constituent meetings. From north to south, midwest to west coast, the dedication of our advocates allowed us to have a nationwide presence on Capitol Hill.
For all who gave so much to make our day on Capitol Hill a success, our congratulations and thanks for a job well done! |
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RPCV?
Got a Great Idea?
We're looking for some great ideas to showcase in June in Nashville!
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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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"There is no such thing as a small (financial) 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 Goldfarb
Uganda 1965-67
PC Response (Katrina) 2005
2014 Day of Action Registrant
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ADVOCACY NEWS
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This Month's Featured Advocates...
The Capitol Hill 100!
Read More Below
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Show Your Peace Corps Pride!
Waaa-hoo! That last Facebook post about Peace Corps swag went viral!
You'll want to check out our online store and load up on Peace Corps and NPCA merchandise.
Not only that...A portion of your purchase supports the efforts of the National Peace Corps Association. Thank you!
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We're looking for a few great leaders!
Take your NPCA Advocacy to the next level!
Become a state/regional advocacy coordinator.
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