FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Tuesday, August 7, 2007

Media Advisory: Peace Corps Director Celebrates 50+ in Oakland and San Francisco on Wednesday, August 8, 2007

Bay Area Takes Spotlight for New Peace Corps Initiative

Peace Corps Director Ron Tschetter makes his first visit to the Bay Area on Wednesday, August 8, 2007 as part of a nationwide initiative to attract more older Americans into the Peace Corps.

The Peace Corps, an independent federal agency, matches skilled Americans with two-year volunteer assignments in more than 70 countries. Of the 7,749 Volunteers currently serving, 382 (or 5 percent) are 50-plus Volunteersthose aged 50 or older. Peace Corps service has no upper age limit.

The San Francisco Bay Area plays an active role in fulfilling the Peace Corps mission for international peace and friendship. From the Bay area alone, 262 residents currently serve as Peace Corps Volunteers around the world, 23 of whom are 50+ Volunteers.

TWO MEDIA OPPORTUNITIES:

On Wednesday, August 8, 2007 from 3:00-3:45 p.m., Peace Corps Director Ron Tschetter Gives the Presidents Volunteer Service Award, a Photo Opportunity and Interview Availability in Oakland. The prestigious award goes to Berkeleys Margaret Pratley, 81, and Raleigh Ellison, 77, for commitment to volunteer service.

WHERE: Plaza in front of Ronald V. Dellums Federal Building, 1301 Clay Street, Downtown Oakland (near the post office entrance)

VISUALS: Peace Corps Director and local former Peace Corps Volunteers presenting awards to two notable locals in outdoor ceremony


Also on Wednesday, August 8, 2007 from 6:00-8:00 p.m., Director Tschetter Speaks on Initiative to Recruit Baby Boomers, Seniors; Holds Public Event in San Francisco

Media set-up and interviews: 6:00-6:30 p.m. (Program 6:30-8:00 p.m.)

WHERE: The San Francisco Public Library, Koret Auditorium, 100 Larkin Street (at Grove); Located on the Librarys lower level; Enter 30 Grove St., proceed downstairs

VISUALS: Capacity crowd expected

Note: This is not a library-sponsored program. For more information, contact:
Nathan "Hale" Sargent, 510.452.8446; 612.978.5923 (cell); or [email protected]

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