WASHINGTON, D.C., Feb. 27, 2015 – In honor of the agency’s 54^th anniversary on March 1, the Peace Corps will kick off its annual Peace Corps Week celebration this Sunday commemorating the far-reaching contributions of Peace Corps volunteers. A variety of events and activities will take place across the country through March 7 that encourage current and returned volunteers to shine a spotlight on their host country heroes and the friendships and relationships they developed with local community members during their service.

“We invite Americans nationwide to join us in celebrating the inspiring work of our volunteers and the great value of cross-cultural exchange,” Peace Corps Director Carrie Hessler-Radelet said. “Peace Corps service sparks life-changing relationships between volunteers and members of their host communities, and this week, volunteers past and present will highlight those partnerships that made a lasting difference.”

More than 90 Peace Corps Week festivals are taking place across 30 states that offer the American public the chance to learn about the countries and people Peace Corps volunteers serve. In coordination with U.S. schools, community centers, and boys and girls clubs, returned volunteers are hosting these festivals to share photos, music, culture and stories from their countries of service. Find a festival in your area here.

Students are also invited to participate in live video chats with current Peace Corps volunteers and their host country heroes happening throughout the week. See the schedule and register to join here. Already more than 1,500 students in 26 states plan to tune in.

Finally, in the lead up to Peace Corps Week, the Peace Corps launched a video challenge that asked current and returned volunteers to submit a short video introducing their host country hero to the world. Five total winners will be announced from among 45 submissions during Peace Corps Week on Peace Corps’ Facebook page.

Motivated by a desire to serve others, Peace Corps volunteers integrate into their communities abroad and develop lasting relationships as they work toward sustainable change. Volunteers return home with leadership, community development and language skills and a new perspective that fuels their success in today’s global economy.

The Peace Corps has eight regional recruitment offices across the U.S. that work closely with prospective volunteers. Find the recruitment office near you by visiting the Peace Corps website here, and browse service opportunities by country, work area and departure date at peacecorps.gov/openings.

For a full list of Peace Corps Week activities, visit the Peace Corps Week webpage.

About the Peace Corps: The Peace Corps sends the best and brightest Americans abroad on behalf of the United States to tackle the most pressing needs of people around the world. Volunteers work at the grassroots level to develop sustainable solutions that address challenges in education, health, economic development, agriculture, environment and youth development. Through their service, volunteers gain a unique cultural understanding and a life-long commitment to service that positions them to succeed in today’s global economy. Since President John F. Kennedy established the Peace Corps in 1961, nearly 220,000 Americans of all ages have served in 140 countries worldwide. For more information, visit www.peacecorps.gov and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

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