From the Heart of Our Community: Nearly 2,000 Voices on the Future of the Peace Corps
Thank you to everyone who joined our recent town hall on April 9. We came together—Returned Volunteers, currently serving PCVs, family members, and allies—to reflect and mobilize in response to the DOGE visits to Peace Corps headquarters.
While the DOGE visits raised eyebrows, NPCA President Dan Baker stated during our town hall that Peace Corps headquarters was aware of the visit and prepared for it. The visit does not necessarily signal a crisis or “the beginning of the end.” As of now, no Peace Corps operations have been disrupted.
We are one community, one voice—our strength lies in our unity.
Below is a summary of what we heard directly from participants—your voices, your truths. These aren’t just talking points; they are lived experiences, deep concerns, and the beginning of a movement. To maintain anonymity, the quotes are not attributed.
🌍 A Threat to Identity, Legacy, and Future Opportunity
“Peace Corps changed my life. To see it diminished feels like erasing a part of who I am.”
Many shared how the Peace Corps shaped their worldview, careers, and lifelong values. Several noted that their children or friends are currently serving or are in the application process. Cuts wouldn’t just impact today’s volunteers—they would end opportunities for future service and connection.
Others expressed concern about their professional futures, especially those eyeing roles in Peace Corps Response or as Country Directors. Career professionals working in global development lamented the potential loss of a trusted talent pipeline rooted in Peace Corps values.
🕊️ Impact on Diplomacy and Global Development
“Peace Corps is our soft power. It’s how we show up in the world.”
Participants stressed that Peace Corps isn’t just about service—it’s a cornerstone of U.S. diplomacy. Volunteers help build trust, not just infrastructure. Cuts would harm host communities that rely on support in health, education, and agriculture.
Respondents raised alarm about local staff and communities already affected by grant freezes and program disruptions—especially in programs connected to HIV education and grassroots development.
🌐 The Third Goal at Risk
“When you cut Peace Corps, you don’t just cut funding—you cut off voices that bridge cultures.”
Peace Corps’ Third Goal—bringing global understanding back home—was a recurring theme. Volunteers return with hard-earned knowledge, empathy, and perspective. Without new generations of RPCVs, our communities risk losing this vital cross-cultural insight.
⚖️ Fears for the Agency’s Future
“If we don’t speak up now, we may lose the Peace Corps we know forever.”
Participants voiced concerns about the politicization of Peace Corps and how cuts could signal a shift away from people-to-people diplomacy. There were worries about data misuse and the loss of Peace Corps as an independent agency.
✊ What Comes Next: Actions from Our NPCA Community
As one RPCV put it during our town hall:“Peace Corps is the best of what America has to offer. Let’s make sure they don’t forget it.”
From the responses we collected during our town hall, here are some concrete ways people are already stepping up:
🎤 Storytelling as Advocacy
Sharing Peace Corps stories—in editorials, emails to Congress, or on social media—is one of the most powerful tools we have. These personal experiences humanize policy debates. Show the world the power of the Peace Corps. Your experience not only shaped lives abroad, but it also brought lasting impact back to the U.S. Let your voice highlight the global and local value of service in our advocacy action.
🏛️ Organized, Local Advocacy
The National Peace Corps Association’s annual “National Days of Advocacy” in support of the Peace Corps continues through April. Meanwhile, most members of Congress are back in their states or districts through April 27th. Seek local meetings NOW with your representatives to express your support for the Peace Corps. Fill out this form to share your plans.
🌍 Network Amplification
Participants are activating their alumni groups, reconnecting with host country partners, and enlisting friends and family in the advocacy effort—especially those in influential districts.
💪 Third Goal Bonus: Some are supporting grassroots-led efforts in host countries to continue making an impact, regardless of U.S. policy shifts.
🧡 A Final Word from One of You:
“Peace Corps is a global family of service. To defund it would be to extinguish one of the most community-driven legacies of our nation.”
We couldn’t have said it better. Thank you for showing up and speaking out. If you couldn’t make the call, there will be more opportunities to get involved. Stay tuned—and stay ready to Stand Up For Service.
Want to join future town halls or get more involved? Keep an eye out—we’ll share upcoming dates through our newsletter. Make sure to subscribe here.
In the meantime, if you’re fired up and want to take action now, here’s a quick link to contact your representatives and let them know why this matters.