Local Peace Corps Advocates Urge Support for Agency

50^th Anniversary Gathering Spotlights Critical Corps Needs

Kevin and Kay Dixon, RPCVs Colombia, were among the twenty-some Returned Peace Corps Volunteers (RPCVs) from Washington State who traveled to the Nation’s Capital with a message: Support legislation to honor and strengthen the Peace Corps mission of promoting peace and friendship around the world.

They were among more than 800 who participated in a September 22^nd Capitol Hill advocacy day, organized by the National Peace Corps Association. September 22^nd marked fifty years to the day of the final congressional passage and signing of the Peace Corps Act in 1961. More than 5000 participated in Peace Corps 50^th celebrations in Washington, DC between September 21 to 25.

The Dixons met with Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers, Fifth District of Washington, to request her support for Peace Corps initiatives going forward.

Advocates urged continued strong support for funding the Peace Corps, noting the positive role Peace Corps volunteers play in United States outreach to the world and emphasizing the forgotten dividend and many domestic benefits RPCVs provide to their communities here at home. Earlier this year, Peace Corps received a $26 million cut to its $400 million budget. Advocates are seeking to forestall further cuts. Some 8655 Peace Corps volunteers are currently in the field – an increase of nearly 1000 from a year ago and the highest number in 40 years.  Since 1961, more than 200,000 citizens have served as Peace Corps volunteers in nearly 140 countries.

Advocates urged bi-partisan support and cooperation to ensure passage of the Kate Puzey Peace Corps Volunteer Protection Act, designed to strengthen the agency’s training and response to volunteers serving overseas that are subjected to physical and sexual assault. Since this issue received much attention earlier this year, Congress, the Peace Corps and victims advocacy groups have taken significant steps forward to address the concern.

Congress is also considering legislation to authorize the creation of a commemorative work near the National Mall to mark the historic significance of the founding of the Peace Corps in 1961, and the ideals represented by its founding. This project would be entirely funded by private donations. Peace Corps advocates say passage of this legislation would serve as a capstone to this year’s 50^th anniversary celebration.