Decades of Service

After a day of campaigning for the presidency, Senator John F. Kennedy arrived at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor on October 14, 1960, at 2:00 a.m., to get some sleep, not to propose the establishment of an international volunteer organization. Members of the press had retired for the night, believing that nothing interesting would happen.

But 10,000 students at the University were waiting to hear the presidential candidate speak, and it was there on the steps of the Michigan Union that a bold new experiment in public service was launched. The assembled students heard the future president issue a challenge: how many of them, he asked, would be willing to serve their country and the cause of peace by living and working in the developing world?

The reaction was both swift and enthusiastic, and since 1961, more than 45 years, nearly 200,000 Americans have responded to this enduring challenge. And since then, the Peace Corps has demonstrated how the power of an idea can capture the imagination of an entire nation.

1960s

On March 1, 1961, President Kennedy signs an executive order establishing the Peace Corps. By June 1966, more than 15,000 Volunteers are working in the field, the largest number in the Peace Corps' history.

1970s

For the Peace Corps, the 1970s are a time of change, far-ranging ambition, and specialized talent. Despite budget constraints, by December of 1974, Volunteers are serving in 69 countries, the largest number to date.

1980s

The 1980s prove to be a time both to reflect and to move forward for the Peace Corps. The agency celebrates its 25th anniversary and Congress passes legislation that makes the Peace Corps an independent federal agency.

1990s

The Peace Corps extends its service to China and Jordan; Crisis Corps is created.

2000s

The Peace Corps responds to HIV/AIDS, the tsunami of 2005, and Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

Last updated Dec 14 2009