News
January Monthly Issue Spotlight: National Poverty in America Month
Addressing poverty requires solutions like living wages, affordable healthcare, education access, and housing support. By Mike Roman (Kiribati 2000-2002) January is National Poverty in America Month, a time to confront the reality of poverty in the United States and reflect on a conversation with my father, who worked tirelessly to lift our family out of poverty. When I joined the Peace Corps, he asked, “Why would you go overseas to help when there are so many problems here?” I remember riding in the car with him after church, the engine’s hum filling the silence. His hands gripped the wheel firmly, his...
Two Returned Peace Corps Volunteers awarded the Presidential Citizens Medal
A Recognition for the Peace Corps Community: Two RPCVs are among the twenty individuals who were awarded the Presidential Citizens Medal on January 2nd, 2025. The awards were given to former Connecticut Senator Chris Dodd (RPCV Dominican Republic 1966–68), and to Evan Wolfson (RPCV Togo 1978–80) a leader in the marriage equality movement. Congratulations to these two outstanding RPCVS! From the January 2nd press release: "The Presidential Citizens Medal is awarded to citizens of the United States of America who have performed exemplary deeds of service for their country or their fellow citizens. President Biden believes these Americans are bonded...
Blessed be the Peacemakers: A Tribute to President Jimmy Carter Through the Eyes of Former Peace Corps Director Richard Celeste
A Tribute to President Jimmy Carter Through the Eyes of Former Peace Corps Director Richard Celeste By Benjamin DeMarais Throughout American history, few leaders have embodied the spirit of peace and service as fully as President Jimmy Carter. His tireless dedication to humanitarian causes, both during and after his presidency, stands as a testament to a life devoted to the betterment of others. In a recent interview with the National Peace Corps Association, former Peace Corps Director Richard Celeste, who was appointed by President Carter, reflected on his legacy, offering a personal perspective on the former president's enduring impact. Through...
Please consider making a contribution to help the people of Vanuatu.
A Message to the Peace Corps Community from Friends of Vanuatu On December 17th, the capital city of Vanuatu, Port Vila, was struck by a 7.4 magnitude earthquake. And on Sunday morning, December 22, a second quake of 6.1 magnitude struck the island. Aid efforts have been hampered by toppled concrete buildings and landslides according to news reports. There has been considerable damage throughout the capital and adjacent communities: over 10 buildings have either collapsed or are no longer structurally sound, which includes the hospital where triage tents have been set up outside the rubble. There have also been reports...
December Monthly Issue Spotlight: Universal Human Rights and Climate Change
Climate-induced migration in Pacific Island states like Kiribati highlights a profound global justice issue. By Mike Roman (RPCV Kiribati 2000–2002) Communities that have contributed least to climate change are now facing its most severe consequences, including permanent displacement, large-scale migration, and the looming reality of forced relocation. This imbalance establishes a moral imperative and a potential legal claim for support from wealthier, high-emission nations. Kiribati's history offers a stark precedent for this ongoing crisis. In the early 20th century, British colonial authorities extracted phosphate from Banaba Island, stripping it of its habitability. As a result, the Banaban people were forcibly...
2024 Election Roundup: Much To Do, We Need You!
We need your support as we enter a new year with a new congress. By Jonathan Pearson Congratulations to Returned Peace Corps Volunteer John Garamendi (RPCV Ethiopia 1966–68), who was elected to serve his seventh term in the U.S. House of Representatives, winning nearly 75% of the vote in northern California’s 8th Congressional District. Garamendi is the only RPCV currently serving in congress. At Least 70 New Members In the House of Representatives, 66 new members (34 Democrats, 32 Republicans) will be sworn into office in January. This includes a handful of lawmakers who joined the House late in...
Remembering Roger Lewis (1941–2024)
Roger Lewis' Contribution to the Peace Corps Commemorative was Foundational and Enduring By Jonathan Pearson For years, many within the Peace Corps community desired a presence among the national treasures that are dotted on or near Washington’s National Mall, to recognize the contributions of a quarter million Peace Corps Volunteers and former staff who served our nation. One of those efforts was sparked in 2001 on the West Lawn of the United States Capitol, when Kevin Quigley and his wife, Susan Flaherty, were attending the annual Memorial Day concert. Looking over the National Mall, a conversation began where they lamented...
20K UNITED
We are less than twenty days from Election Day, and for weeks, members of Congress have been back home campaigning. But that does not mean all has been quiet on Capitol Hill – at least as far as NPCA is concerned. Our Advocacy team has been turning up the heat on the Hill, holding over 20 meetings with staff of both House and Senate members of the Appropriations Committees during the past 5 weeks. Led by Advocacy Director Jonathan Pearson (Micronesia 1987-89), and Advocacy Intern Cynthia Capurso (Madagascar 2019-2020), the team draws on their volunteer experiences, passion for global service,...
August/September Advocacy Wrap Up
Highlights Including The Colorado Challenge We are extremely grateful to all advocates who took action during our annual August/September mobilization! We can confirm at least 46 activities held (or scheduled) in 28 states, with more to come as some activities are extending into October. The work continues. While Congress has adjourned until after the November elections, they will return to take on passing spending bills for the new federal fiscal year (FY 2025) which began October 1st with government funding on hold at FY 2024 levels, and a December 20th deadline to approve new spending levels. We have already begun...
Peace Corps Achievements – August & September 2024
News and updates from the Peace Corps community — across the country, around the world, and spanning generations of returned Volunteers and staff. By Benjamin DeMarais John E. Fleming (pictured, Malawi 1967–69) released a memoir reflecting on his experiences as the only African American Volunteer in his cohort during his Peace Corps service in Malawi. Rod Rylander (Belize 2000–02) is addressing America's housing crisis by developing solar-powered homes in New Mexico, constructing a self-sustaining prototype with a $50,000 budget. Margaret Sanchez (Botswana 1990–92) has been recommended as the next chancellor of Kauaʻi Community College, drawing on her extensive Peace Corps experience...