From the Board of Directors: What’s in Store?

A preview of NPCA’s 2024–2026 strategic plan

by John Lee Evans

From left to right: Former Board Director Evelyn Ganzglass, Board Director Michael Roman, NPCA Director of Partnerships and Operations (and Former Board Director) Carla Brown-Ndiaye, and Board Vice Chair Bridget Davis, at NPCA’s 2024 Day of Advocacy in Washington, D.C.

The Board of Directors plays a key role in the mission of the National Peace Corps Association. The primary work of the Board is to set goals, policies, and budgets for the association. It actively participates in outreach to donors and potential donors. In addition, each director serves on one or more of six committees: Governance, Finance, Fundraising, Executive, DEI, and Affiliate Groups. Board activities this year have focused primarily on financial stability and strategic direction. The current Board has shown its commitment to NPCA’s financial security with each member giving at the Shriver Circle level ($1,000) for the first time in the organization’s recent history. In addition, its members have provided many hours of in-kind advising and have held regular meetings with NPCA president and CEO Dan Baker. In 2024, the Board approved the strategic three-year vision for NPCA (2024–2026) that was presented by Baker in December 2023. Key elements of that vision include:

• Championing the expansion and awareness of Peace Corps: The Board continues to support NPCA’s successful advocacy program throughout the year, and Board Directors contribute locally and nationally to the visibility of Peace Corps.

• Strengthening the global Peace Corps network: In 2024, the Board is placing increased importance on its support of RPCV groups and on improved communication among groups. We recognize that social service projects are best facilitated by the affiliate groups with NPCA’s support. The NPCA Board is also creating a formal standing committee consisting of group leaders and Board Directors to ensure RPCV groups get the support they need to carry out their work.

• Empowering individuals in their transition from service and through- out their lives: Peace Corps activities were temporarily suspended during COVID-19, making 2024 the first year in which Volunteers returned post-pandemic; and NPCA needs to be prepared for an increased number of returnees in subsequent years.

• Increasing diversity, equity, and inclusion: What better group to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion than RPCVs, with their experience living and working in a variety of cultures? The Board has applied the same principles to the recruitment of Board Directors. The current Board embodies diversity in terms of ethnicity, race, religion, sexual orientation, gender, political background, age, and geography. Skill sets include nonprofit management and governance, finance, fundraising, communications, and international development experience.

The Board Director election process has been streamlined, and participation last year was higher than ever before. All RPCVs are eligible for membership on the Board, and we highly encourage those who are interested in joining this dynamic Board now or in the future to learn more on our website and to submit an Expression of Interest form. It is our hope that you will be able to meet the NPCA Board of Directors and staff at the virtual Peace Corps Connect Conference in September 2024.

John Lee Evans (Honduras 1975–78) is chair of the Board of Directors of National Peace Corps Association.