[ WEBSITE ] [ MEMBERSHIP] [ DONATE TODAY ]

September 2014 Newsletter follow us on

106 RPCV Groups Urge President to Increase Peace Corps Funding

As Congress gets back to work to address spending bills for Fiscal Year 2015 (which begins October 1st), advocates for the Peace Corps began their work on Fiscal Year 2016 spending.

The National Peace Corps Association sent President Obama this letter - signed by representatives of 106 RPCV member groups - urging the President to request increased funding for the Peace Corps when he submits his FY 2016 budget to Congress early next year.

NPCA leadership will also deliver this letter to officials of the Office of Management and Budget during a scheduled meeting on September 17th.

And, we want everyone involved on Monday, September 22nd. Mark your calendars and be on the lookout for an action alert in which you will be asked to contact the White House and ask President Obama for leadership to increase support for the Peace Corps.

Stay tuned.

(Photo: Members of the Gulf Coast Council of RPCVs, following a district meeting with staff of Senator John Cornyn. The Houston area group was among those signing the letter to the President.)

District Meetings Update

And...the district meetings keep on coming!

The Minnesota State Fair turned out to be the venue when Brian Ahern (left), Advocacy Coordinator for the Minnesota RPCVs, caught up with Senator Al Franken. Brian took the opportunity to speak about the importance of the Peace Corps.

We're still waiting word on the final meeting count, as more reports come in and still more district meetings are being scheduled.

Check out this photo album which chronicles the fantastic advocacy that's been underway over the last six weeks all around the country.

Torres Nominated to be Next Peace Corps Deputy Director

President Obama has nominated Carlos Torres to be the next Deputy Director of the Peace Corps.

Torres has served in senior leadership at the agency since 2010. Currently the Associate Director for Global Operations, he previously served as Regional Director for the Inter-American and Pacific Region.

Torres' nomination is subject to confirmation by the U.S. Senate.

NYC Takes on Climate Change

With CO2 levels rising and greenhouse gas emissions increasing at an alarming rate, many reports have found that serious climate change is approaching.... and fast.

Thus, our global issues action for the month of September is the People's Climate March, planned for New York City in advance of the United Nations' climate summit. More than 1,400 other activities are planned around the nation and world. More here.

Bring Warren Home

Three years ago, Former Peace Corps Togo Country Director, Warren Weinstein was abducted by Al Qaeda while conducting development work in Pakistan.

Weinstein's family is desperately trying to bring him home. Read about their efforts here.

The Power of Two

"He made a lasting impression on me. We were young people growing up; our minds were open to explore."

President Mahama of Ghana recently spoke to the Peace Corps about a Volunteer who influenced his life. Watch here.

Featured Advocate:

Scott King

Scott King says advocacy is not something he does as a hobby. Rather, it is woven into his values and lifestyle.

This Charleston, West Virginia advocate is motivated by his experiences as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Chad. With some strong organizing and a lot of support from fellow RPCVs across the Mountaineer State, Scott coordinated a whole lot of activity during our August District meetings initiative.

OUR NEW LOOK!
One of our summer projects? To revamp and update our advocacy webpages to make them more uniform and action-focused. Take a look.

WHO REPRESENTS YOU
Follow these links for contact information for your Senators and House Representatives.

JOIN US ON TWITTER @pcorpsconnect

Stay up to date on the latest NPCA news, distinguished returned volunteers, and more.

NEW ADVOCACY COORDINATORS!
We have new Advocacy Coordinators in Philadelphia, San Francisco and West Virginia. Want to join them? Read More.

MEMBER GROUPS
From Alaska to Florida, from Afghanistan to Uganda, NPCA member groups are coming together to get things done! Check our member groups page today.

IN MEMORIAM
We honor members of the Peace Corps community who we lost in recent months. More here.

HEADING BACK
Peace Corps announces the return of volunteer programs to Comoros and Timor-Leste.

PEACE CORPS FAST FACTS

Want some of the basics when you advocate for the Peace Corps? Be sure to check out Peace Corps' Fast Facts page to help with your planning.

PEACE CORPS STORE
Heading back-to-school? Getting ready for fall? We have the Peace Corps and NPCA gear you need.

Website | Membership | Donate | Disclaimer

THE NEXT STEP IN CHANGING THE WORLD

� 2014 National Peace Corps Association.