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Greetings!
We know.
We've been pounding you with action alerts and updates over the last seven weeks. We ask for just a little more patience over the next few days, then things should quiet down for a bit.
But here's something else we know.
Your attention, support and action is having impact.
Learn more in your April advocacy update.
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Friday Deadline!
Make Sure Your Senators Support Peace Corps Funding Letter
Over the last week and with your help, there's been steady flow of signatures added to the Senate Dear Colleague Letter which is asking for strong Peace Corps funding in Fiscal Year 2015.
But time is running very short, so we need you now. Make that one last phone call, send one more email, share the action with one more friend who can add his/her voice to this effort.
Follow the link below for the latest updates and instructions for taking action. Thank you!
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 House Peace Corps Letter:
A New Record!
Congratulations to everyone who reached out to their Congressman/woman in the last few weeks about the importance of strong Peace Corps funding, as demonstrated by signing on to the House Dear Colleague letter.
This letter has become a rite of spring for RPCV Congressman Sam Farr (above) and the other RPCVs in the House of Representatives.
151 House lawmakers signed onto this year's letter, which asked for a return to $400 million for the Peace Corps.
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 Strong Bi-Partisan Voice Seeks Justice for Kate Puzey
The Peace Corps community also reached out to urge support for a joint Senate-House letter regarding slain Peace Corps Volunteer Kate Puzey, five years after her murder in Benin.
A "Dear Colleague" letter led by Johnny Isakson (R-GA) and Barbara Boxer (D-CA) in the Senate and Ted Poe (R-TX) and Sam Farr (D-CA) in the House, asks law enforcement to assist the government of Benin with its investigation.
Family and friends of Kate Puzey worked tirelessly to build support on this letter. For those NPCA advocates who weighed in, the bi-partisan support that was achieved was highly impressive.
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 NPCA Capitol Hill Advocacy in Pictures
Here's what one participant of the Capitol Hill portion of this year's National Day of Action had to say about her experience:
"I have watched shows like 'The West Wing' where people would lobby on the Hill and talk about their issues. I'm proud to have that experience lobbying for the Peace Corps."
Along with making the case for Peace Corps funding during the Day of Action, our advocates urged more representation on the House Peace Corps Caucus, doubled the number of co-sponsors on the Respect for Peace Corps Volunteers Act, and picked up additional co-sponsors on several other key pieces of legislation.
Follow this link to check out our photo album.
Click here for some key facts and figures.
Next up? Contact us and help us organize district office meetings during the annual congressional recess during August/September. |
 Advocacy Hits the Road Next Week!
Trip Includes Stops in Four States
We are looking forward to next week's trip to meet and connect with members of the Peace Corps community.
Eight cities in four different states in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic are on the itinerary. Advocacy Director Jonathan Pearson will be making the rounds, with a number of stops in smaller cities in a trip we're calling the "Looking for a Few Good Advocates" tour!
Check out the schedule and share with others you know who might live close by to our meeting places. Thanks!
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 Peace Corps Connect - Nashville!
Early Bird Registration Rates Until April 21
What do...
Peace Corps Acting Director Carrie Hessler-Radelet
Peace Corps Architect Harris Wofford
Grammy Award Winner Emmy Lou Harris
Climate Change Activist and Renowned Author Mike Tidwell
Georgia State Senator Jason Carter
Former ASEAN Secretary General Surin Pitsuwan
all have in common?
They are all scheduled to come together in late June for Peace Corps Connect - Nashville!
Early Bird Registration Rates are open and available until April 21st!
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 Advocate:
Tim Garvin
Tim Garvin says his experience as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Jamaica shaped him into a leader of the United Way.
Whether it's the United Way, the American Diabetes Association or the NPCA, Tim says there are parallels when advocating for a cause you believe in: establishing relationships, searching for common ground, having compelling facts, and - most important - making the ask.
From his father to a man in Jamaica known as "Pops", Tim's Peace Corps and other life experiences provide important lessons that he uses to this day.
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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
NPCA Business and Development Committee
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SUBSCRIBE TO NPCA
ADVOCACY NEWS
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This Month's Featured Advocate...
Tim Garvin
(Jamaica 1991-92)
Sudbury, MA
Read More Below
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NPCA PEACE CORPS FUNDING TESTIMONY
Read NPCA's written testimony, submitted to the House Appropriations Subcommittee for State, Foreign Operations and Related Programs.
The letter reinforces this year's House Peace Corps funding Dear Colleague letter, urging $400 million for the Peace Corps in Fiscal Year 2015.
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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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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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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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