FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Wednesday, June 8, 2011

Peace Corps Participates in the National Conference on Volunteering and Service

WASHINGTON, D.C., June 8, 2011 Peace Corps Deputy Director Carrie Hessler-Radelet (Western Samoa, 1981-1983) participated in a panel discussion yesterday on increasing service opportunities for Americans at the 2011 National Conference on Volunteering and Service. The annual conference was held in New Orleans, La. and brought together government agencies, non-profit organizations and other service institutions.

By working together, we are able to create more opportunities for Americans to serve their country both through domestic and international service, said Deputy Director Hessler-Radelet. Returned Peace Corps volunteers often continue their Peace Corps experience by serving in their local communities when they return home.

Other participants in the panel included Sonal Shah, director of White House Domestic Policy Councils Office of Social Innovation and Civic Participation, Mark Gearan, former Peace Corps director, and Earl Millet, Jr., a returned Peace Corps volunteer who served in Ecuador from 2003 to 2005. Millet was one of six domestic volunteers honored with a Service Impact Award at the conference for his continued service work.

Earlier this year, the Peace Corps and the Corporation for National and Community Service signed a five-year agreement to help strengthen ties between domestic and international service. The Peace Corps also recently partnered with five of the largest AmeriCorps grantees including City Year, Teach for America, the National Association of Community Health Centers, the Corps Network and Americas Service Commissions.

About the National Conference on Volunteering and Service: The annual conference provides attendees with an opportunity to learn, connect and be inspired through informative plenary sessions, workshops, special events, service projects, and exhibits. This years conference was convened by the Corporation for National and Community Service and Points of Light Institute.

About the Peace Corps: President John F. Kennedy established the Peace Corps on March 1, 1961, by executive order. Throughout 2011, Peace Corps is commemorating 50 years of promoting peace and friendship around the world. Historically, more than 200,000 Americans have served with the Peace Corps to promote a better understanding between Americans and the people of 139 host countries. Today, 8,655 volunteers are working with local communities in 77 host countries. Peace Corps volunteers must be U.S. citizens and at least 18 years of age. Peace Corps service is a 27-month commitment. Visit www.peacecorps.gov for more information.

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