FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Thursday, March 1, 2012

Peace Corps Week Promotes Global Service; Honors Returned Volunteers

WASHINGTON, D.C., March 1, 2012 In commemoration of the 51st anniversary of President John F. Kennedys signing of the executive order establishing the Peace Corps on March 1, 1961, returned Peace Corps volunteers (RPCVs) from across the United States are participating in service projects, recruitment events and information sessions to honor the contributions of Peace Corps volunteers. The weeklong celebration runs from Feb. 26 to March 3, 2012 and also includes a career conference with nearly 400 RPCVs in Washington, D.C.

Peace Corps volunteers return to the United States as global citizens with international experience and significant leadership and language skills, said Peace Corps Director Aaron S. Williams (Dominican Republic, 1967-1970). Peace Corps service is a life-changing experience, and I encourage all returned, current, and prospective Peace Corps volunteers to use Peace Corps Week as an opportunity to advance Peace Corps third goal of promoting a better understanding of other cultures.

Throughout Peace Corps Week, the agencys nine regional recruiting offices are hosting more than 100 recruitment events across the country and college campuses. Events include service projects, virtual information sessions, Peace Corps anniversary celebrations, and panel discussions on the importance of public service.

Nearly 400 recently returned Peace Corps volunteers are also participating in a career conference at the Paul D. Coverdell Peace Corps Headquarters in Washington, D.C. with 40 prospective employers from nonprofits, businesses and federal agencies. Search for a Peace Corps week event in your region or state by visiting the Peace Corps Events Page.

Thousands of Peace Corps Volunteers return home each year with on-the-ground global experience, foreign language proficiency, and unparalleled levels of resiliency and flexibility. Whether you are just out of college, mid career or retired, the skills you learn during Peace Corps service enhance your marketability with prospective employers, said Eileen Conoboy, director of Peace Corps Office of Third Goal and Returned Volunteer Services. Its great to see so many global companies and non-profit organizations putting such a high value on the Peace Corps experience.

In 2011, the Peace Corps commemorated 50 years of promoting world peace and friendship around the world. The Peace Corps was the featured program at the 2011 Smithsonian Folklife Festival on the National Mall in Washington D.C. The festival highlighted the contributions and accomplishments achieved by Peace Corps volunteers, staff members and host countries in 139 countries over the last 50 years.

About the Peace Corps: Since President John F. Kennedy established the Peace Corps by executive order on March 1, 1961, more than 200,000 Americans have served in 139 host countries. Today, 9,095 volunteers are working with local communities in 75 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 and the agencys 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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