FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Tuesday, June 22, 2010

Peace Corps Releases Comprehensive Agency Assessment Report

WASHINGTON, D.C. Director Aaron S. Williams is pleased to announce the completion of the Peace Corps Comprehensive Agency Assessment Report. Director Williams stands firmly behind the assessment and will brief agency staff, U.S. Congress, and returned Peace Corps volunteer groups on how the agency will implement the reports strategic vision and recommendations.

This is an exciting time to be a part of the Peace Corps as we strengthen and reform agency operations and invest in quality improvements, said Director Williams. This report will serve as a plan for excellence and represents the Obama Administrations commitment to efficient and effective government while expanding public service opportunities for all Americans.

Williams made a commitment during his July 2009 confirmation hearing to undertake a comprehensive assessment of Peace Corps operations. In December 2009, Congress included a provision in the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2010, requiring the Director of the Peace Corps to submit a comprehensive assessment report. Subsequently, Williams assembled a team that worked independently over the past six months to evaluate and make recommendations to strengthen and reform Peace Corps operations. The final report was submitted to Congress on June 14, 2010.

The team led an extensive outreach effort to develop the assessment, conducting research and gathering suggestions from Volunteers, returned Volunteers, agency staff, federal agencies, Peace Corps partners, the National Peace Corps Association, and many others. Additionally, a literature review of articles from Peace Corps supporters and critics informed the report.

The final assessment report is available at the following links: http://files.peacecorps.gov/multimedia/pdf/opengov/PC_Comprehensive_Agency_Assessment.pdf.
http://files.peacecorps.gov/multimedia/pdf/opengov/PC_Comprehensive_Agency_Assessment_Appendices.pdf.

As Peace Corps approaches its 50th anniversary, its service legacy continues to promote peace and friendship around the world with 7,671 volunteers serving in 77 host countries. Historically, nearly 200,000 Americans have served with the Peace Corps to promote a better understanding between Americans and the people of 139 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.

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