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June 25: Health Justice Awareness Day
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The health of our Returned Peace Corps Volunteers (RPCVs) was among the many topics highlighted at Peace Corps Connect - Berkeley. Many RPCVs who come home facing an injury or illness stemming from their service face longstanding challenges and needs.
"With no advocate, (health issues) became my full-time job for two years," said RPCV Claudia, a panelist during last Friday's forum focusing on addressing health matters that many within our community face.
We want you to help us expand this important national conversation and convergence by participating in a first ever "Peace Corps Health Justice Awareness Day". On June 25th, look for our social media presence to raise attention to the day. Even better,
to organize an Awareness Day event in your area over the next several weeks.
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Senate Action Needed for Increased Peace Corps Funding
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During his address at Peace Corps Connect, RPCV Congressman Sam Farr shared the disappointing (but not unexpected) news that the House Appropriations Committee was finalizing a Fiscal Year 2016 international affairs funding package that included steady funding of $379.5 million for the Peace Corps - below the President's $410 million request.
TAKE ACTION:
This is not a final decision, as the Senate will soon weigh in with its recommendation. Now is an important time to contact your Senators and urge them to "Make sure the Senate Appropriations Committee recommends the President's request of $410 million for the Peace Corps for Fiscal Year 2016".
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The truly inspiring story of this year's Harris Wofford Global Citizen Award winner - Berhane Daba of Ethiopia - and Long Island RPCV Mary Meyers Bruckenstein was shared at the closing awards ceremony at Peace Corps Connect.
On Thursday, Berhane traveled to Capitol Hill to tell lawmakers how an individual Peace Corps Volunteer changed the trajectory of her life.
(Photo: Berhane Daba with Barbara Fleck - center - Ecuador RPCV and staff of New York Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand. Ethiopia RPCVs and Long Island RPCV group members Bette Bass - left - and Mary Meyers Bruckenstein - right also participated in Hill meetings.)
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Advocacy Coordinators Meet
Peace Corps Connect provided an opportunity for several of our NPCA Advocacy Coordinators to meet, connect face-to-face, and discuss best practices and pressing needs.
We were thrilled that Coordinators from Northern California, Colorado, St. Louis, Florida and (our June featured advocate) North Carolina were able to be with us.
Contact us if you are interested in coordinating advocacy efforts in your area!
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Two Senators who helped lead efforts to advance two legislative victories for the Peace Corps community were recently honored with NPCA's 2015 Congressional Leadership Award.
Senator Rob Portman (R-OH) was honored for helping to lead efforts to pass the Peace Corps Commemorative Act, while Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) was recognized for her work on the Peace Corps Equity Act.
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August - September
District Office Meetings
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The official start of summer is still a week away...And we're already talking about summer's end??
We have to think ahead when it comes to planning for our fifth annual August/September district office meetings initiative! Read more, and contact us if you can help with meetings in your region! | |
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June Global Issue- Road Safety
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Our global issue of the month continues to focus on improving the conditions of international road construction in the developing world.
An important letter on this topic is now circulating in the House of Representatives, and we want you to help get your lawmaker to sign on! Take Action Now!
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Featured Advocate - Jack Allison
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An early Peace Corps health care volunteer who went on to become an emergency care physician, Jack Allison (Malawi 1966-69) of Asheville, North Carolina is planning to organize a local event in conjunction with Peace Corps Health Justice Awareness Day.
"I firmly believe that all RPCVs should do what they are able to help our fellow RPCVs to receive the relief that they rightfully deserve," says Allison.
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NPCA Advocacy By the Numbers
400+ Peace Corps Connect attendees hearing addresses by RPCV Congressmen Sam Farr and John Garamendi
410 million President Obama's Peace Corps funding request for Fiscal Year 2016
40+
Participants who attended the session "Supporting those Who Served: The Health of our Community"
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Advocacy Photo of the Month
Meet the newest member of the House Peace Corps Caucus!
Representative Andy Barr (R-KY) joined the Peace Corps Caucus soon after meeting with RPCV constituents in late May at his Lexington district office.
Congratulations to RPCVs Jack and Angene Wilson, and Lauren Goodpaster for their successful advocacy effort!
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FUTURE FEATURED ADVOCATE?Want to nominate someone to be a future featured advocate for an upcoming advocacy news update? Contact us. TWITTERDid you follow advocacy related items at Peace Corps Connect via Twitter? Follow us today. MERCHANDISEShow your Peace Corps pride in style. Check out our online store!
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KNOW YOUR SENATORSFollow this link to find and contact your Senators. Tell them your Peace Corps story. The Peace Corps community and the White H ouse are joining f orces to expand access to education for girls around the world.
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KNOW YOUR REPSThe same goes for your House Reps. Find them and let them know why Peace Corps service is important.
PEACE CORPS FACTS
From countries served to volunteer demographics, get some basic Peace Corps facts here. We honor the service and remember those within the Peace Corps community who have passed away in the last several months here.
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