FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Tuesday, December 18, 2012

Peace Corps Named One of the Best Places to Work in the Federal Government

Agency is also No. 1 among small agencies for diversity and inclusion

WASHINGTON, D.C., December 18, 2012 – For the second year in a row, the Peace Corps was named the fourth best small federal agency to work for on the Best Places to Work in the Federal Government list. Peace Corps also took the number one spot among small federal agencies for support for diversity and inclusion.

Twenty-nine small federal agencies were ranked this year. Peace Corps has been participating in the rankings for three years, and this is the third year in a row that Peace Corps has ranked in the top five for small agencies The rankings are calculated by the Partnership for Public Service through an employee satisfaction survey of 700,000 federal employees from more than 360 federal agencies.

“Every year, thousands of Peace Corps volunteers are making a difference in communities overseas, and they are able to do so because of the talented staff that supports them,” said Acting Director Carrie Hessler-Radelet. “Our staff is deeply committed to the Peace Corps’ mission of promoting peace and friendship across the globe on behalf of the United States. I believe that commitment is one of the most important elements in creating a positive work environment. I’m pleased that the Peace Corps has once again been recognized as one of the best places to work in the federal government.”

The rankings represent an in-depth look at the views of federal employees. Agencies are ranked in 10 workplace categories, including leadership, work/life balance, training and development, diversity, and teamwork. The rankings are compiled by the Partnership for Public Service from the U.S. Office of Personnel Managements (OPM) annual Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey and additional data. The Partnership for Public Service first produced the “Best Places to Work” in the Federal Government rankings in 2003.

About the Peace Corps: Since President John F. Kennedy established the Peace Corps by executive order on March 1, 1961, more than 210,000 Americans have served in 139 host countries. Today, 8,073 volunteers are working with local communities in 76 host countries in agriculture, community economic development, education, environment, health and youth in development. Peace Corps volunteers must be U.S. citizens and at least 18 years of age. Peace Corps service is a 27-month commitment and the agency’s mission is to promote world peace and friendship and a better understanding between Americans and people of other countries. Visit www.peacecorps.gov for more information.

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