Art/Cultural Exhibit to promote Peace Corps 3rd Goal and Celebrate 50 years of Peace Corps

As RPCVs, we hear often of our responsibilities to promote the Third Goal: “Helping promote a better understanding of other peoples on the part of Americans.”
Exactly what does this mean? What does this look like?

Now as we prepare to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Peace Corps, what does THAT mean? (Has it really been that long since Kennedy asked “Not what our country can do for us, but what can we do for our country?)

Let’s use this wonderful opportunity to tell the stories of the countries in which Peace Corps Volunteers have served; to celebrate the rich histories, the art, the culture, the peoples of the multiple places in which we have served.

Below is a proposal for a series of exhibits using the Express Pro office space/lobby on Main Street, Spokane. Phenomenal location and offers wonderful space to present our story!

Who: Inland Northwest RPCVs
What: Art/ culture / folk art exhibit to celebrate/tell the story of the countries in which Peace Corps has served or is currently serving
Where: Express Pro office space / lobby Main Street Spokane
How: RPCVs share their collective art and folk art items and the stories these pieces represent to display in Ira’ offices for a defined period of time.
We should also look for artists (visual, media, musical, etc.) who are in the Inland Northwest who are from the countries where Peace Corps has served (and may have been impacted positively from their experience with PCVs).
Sources to identify/find these artists: Embassy offices, consulate offices, local universities, newspaper articles, etc

KINDS OF THINGS THAT WOULD BE INTERESTING FOR THIS EXHIBIT:
Pictures from your experiences or of sights within the country…. Framed, no smaller than 8 x 10. Also digital images (.jpg that we could use in a digital frame for an ongoing exhibit)
Clothing… local traditional dress or ceremonial costumes (Example: Colombian ruanas!)
The “stuff” we all seem to have: baskets, crafts, batik, carvings, religious artifacts.
Also, do not limit your potential exhibit items to just those items from the country in which you served, but if you have traveled to other parts of the world where Peace Corps Volunteers have served, then items that you have collected from these travels.
Items that you are able to provide need to be identified so they can be returned to you after the exhibit. Also, need to provide description/story of the item you provide. Be available for the first Friday exhibit to share your experience with attendees (informal format).

Art/Cultural Exhibit - September 2010

Please provide items for exhibit by August 27. Suggestion for special event: African drumming, and if the spirit moves you, African dancing?

Art/Cultural Exhibit - November 2010 is EMEA Region (change of display)

Some initial ideas. Colombian Coffee Tasting? Jamaica (and rum) Food Tasting? Give us some more ideas. Tell us how you can help.

Art/Cultural Exhibit - January 2011 The Americas

Tell us how you can help. Give us your ideas.

Let's save the Colombian Coffee and the Jamaican rum for January and February!!!

Art Exhibit - March 2011 APAC

Tell us how you can help. Give us your ideas.

April 25 Event Words from Ira Amstadter

1. Wow we had a great event. Many thanks to the Beebe’s for hosting a great party and their wonderful hospitality!! We had over 50 people there and a little ceremony of sorts in the backyard. Very cool!!! I’ve attached the words spoken in your behalf to the group.

“We are proud of you – you go forth on a path that all of us have traveled, a path of unknowns, a path of intention to serve the world , a path to bring forth American spirit with intention and peace. All of our experiences have been different, different countries, different American images- to overcome or enhance, different times and all at different points in our lives. Our service activities were also quite different and for some of us our countries of service have had difficult and challenging times. We honor these differences and respect the commonality that in many ways sets us apart and puts us in a unique and special group- returned Peace Corps Volunteers.

We all join in wishing you strength and resiliency- when you tire of the challenges and frustrations of circumstances beyond your control seek out the children and play- forget your project or assignment and dance in the eyes of the children wherever you go- they are our collective future and we stand united in saluting you for your intention and action as you “walk your talk”. Thank you and go in Peace!!!!!”

2. First Friday approaches on May 7th and I will be out of town for a wedding. Is there someone that would like to put some legs on organizing this? I could give someone the key to use the Express conference room – please let me know.

3. Bloomsday is this coming Sunday- as per usual there is a group that forms here at Express from 0700 with a potluck breakfast- you are all most welcome!!

4. Upcoming recruiting events that you are all most welcome to enhance with your presence. YOUR Peace Corps is VERY actively recruiting – can you help spread the word?

May 6th Thursday 6:30 to 9:30 pm Coffee social 113 west Indiana
May 7th Friday Eastern Washington University – RIVERPOINT Campus Room 117 Phase 1 Building, 600 North Riverpoint Blvd

For more information please call Elly Slakie 206 239 6616 or email @ eslakie@peacecorps.gov

TWO Expense paid Volunteer Opportunities in KENYA

Encore! will recruit TWO Volunteers to teach undergraduate courses in critical care nursing, adult health/medical surgical nursing and community health nursing, and master's level courses in, HIV/AIDS, nursing informetics. The Moi University, Department of Nursing has also requested faculty training in collaborative research, curriculum development, protocol development, renal, accidental/emergency care, critical care, neonatal, and burns.

SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS:
· 3-5 years experience teaching nursing content and skills at the University level
· 3-5 years experience designing and conducting faculty workshops
· RN or Master's degree in nursing, or a PhD
· Experience living in Africa

TIMEFRAME: THIS IS A THREE TO FOUR- MONTH POSITION,. Now, we are seeking volunteers for June 2010 until early September 2010. Volunteers who are interested in returning to the project in 2011 will be given preferential placement.

COSTS: Airfare, emergency medical evacuation insurance, room/board and local transportation for the assignment will be provided, plus a small stipend. Volunteer will need to cover the cost of their own health insurance, passport, visa, vaccinations and other personal expenses.

Contact: Kay Dixon , Director of Volunteer Placement, Encore!
Home: (Spokane, Washington) 509 868 0302

Bloomsday 2010

Join the group that convenes at Express starting 0730 Bloomsday morning (May 2) - potluck breakfast, hot coffee, warm and clean bathrooms and a place to leave clothes to pick up later.

Remember Rwanda

Today is the 16th anniversary of the Rwandan 100 day genocide- please take a moment to reflect upon this and let it serve to be a rallying for us all. Rwanda’s truth and reconciliation is something the world has never seen- much to be learned as the light of truth illuminates the darkness of heart of their recent past.

First Friday at Express

Every first Friday (except when there are exceptions) join us for drinks and cocktails at the Express. From there, we decide on what to eat and which restaurant to try for dinner. First Friday in April, 7 showed up, Ira led the discussion on stuff, and then we walked to Isabella's. The chef happened to be Ira's friend!

KSPS Project

Since 2001 we have taken pledges for more than $283,000. In March 2009, total pledge amount was more than $26,000. This year, considering the recession, pledges were for $11,754.

Once in Afghanistan

Produced in 2008, the film includes recollections of the group of 16 women who went into the Peace Corps in the late 1960's. The documentary begins with reminiscences about the US-based training program. Seeing Afghanistan for the first time is described along with reactions of single, young American women to the Afghan people including the roles of Afghan men and women, and the Afghan reaction to the volunteers. The documentary also focuses on efforts of trying to vaccinate as many people as possible by travelling from village to village, going into areas which never had foreigners before. At the end of the film, members of the group talk about their return to the US. Ask Martha Haynes to borrow copy.