FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Monday, February 26, 2018

Peace Corps Week Celebrates 57 Years of Making a Difference

WASHINGTON – In celebration of the Peace Corps’ 57^th anniversary on March 1, the agency kicks off Peace Corps Week to commemorate the contributions of volunteers and their communities worldwide. Throughout the week, the Peace Corps community will participate in events that underscore this year’s theme, “Highlighting Home.”

“Peace Corps volunteers develop enduring connections with the people and places where they serve,” said Acting Peace Corps Director Sheila Crowley. “Communities around the globe welcome volunteers into their hearts and homes. This year, Peace Corps Week is about sharing these life-changing experiences and honoring the communities volunteers call home during their service.”

More than 80 Peace Corps Week events are taking place across the country. Activities include discussion panels with returned volunteers, recruitment events, storytelling nights, video screenings and art shows. Returned volunteers participating in these events will share photos, music, culture and stories from their countries of service. For a full list of suggested activities, visit the Peace Corps Week page. Search for a Peace Corps Week event in your region or state by visiting the Peace Corps Events page.

In the lead up to Peace Corps Week, the Peace Corps launched a video challenge asking current and returned volunteers to submit a short video capturing the host families, faces and places that volunteers call home during their service. Five winners will be announced from the 16 finalists throughout the week on the Peace Corps’ Facebook page. Some of the top videos will be showcased at a free film screening at E Street Cinema in Washington, on March 1 from 6:30-8 p.m. Check out all of the videos here and register for the screening here.

The Peace Corps will also participate in a special event on February 28 hosted by the African Union honoring America’s connection to global diaspora communities. The event will feature Peace Corps, the Department of State, U.S. Agency for International Development and International diaspora Engagement Alliance (IdEA).

The Peace Corps has regional recruiters across the U.S. that work closely with prospective volunteers. Find a recruiter near you by visiting the Peace Corps website here, and browse service opportunities by country, work area and departure date here.

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