WASHINGTON, D.C., November 17, 2003 – To commemorate the 43rd anniversary of the founding of the Peace Corps, Director Gaddi H. Vasquez announced that Peace Corps Week celebrations will be held on March 1 through March 7, 2004. The Peace Corps is encouraging former volunteers from across the country to once again become involved in this national celebration.

“Returned Peace Corps volunteers are in a unique position to bridge the gap of cultural understanding between Americans at home and the communities they served abroad. Their continued commitment to the mission of the Peace Corps is one of our greatest assets to engage new volunteers in Peace Corps service," said Director Vasquez.

During Peace Corps Week, former volunteers will be visiting classrooms, community organizations, and workplaces through the United States to share their experiences in developing countries. U.S. students will also participate in telephone conversations with currently serving volunteers working in dozens of countries around the world.

Last year, more than 7,000 former Peace Corps volunteers visited elementary schools, secondary schools, and colleges and universities throughout the U.S. More than half a million students welcomed returned Peace Corps volunteers into their classrooms nationwide.

Former volunteers who are interested in participating should contact the Peace Corps Day Coordinator at [email protected] or call 1-800-424-8580 (press 2, then extension 1961). Online registration is available on the Peace Corps Day website at www.peacecorps.gov/rpcv/peacecorpsday.

Since 1961, more than 170,000 volunteers have served in the Peace Corps, working in such diverse fields as education, health, HIV/AIDS education and awareness, information technology, business development, the environment, and agriculture. Peace Corps volunteers must be U.S. citizens and at least 18 years of age. Peace Corps service is a two-year commitment.

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