Madeline and Clint Kellner discovered during their in-person volunteer service in Guatemala a benefit of going as a couple – your partner serves as an additional support system. After returning to the United States, the two decided to serve again but, due to COVID-19, Madeline and Clint were forced to leave Peru after only 10 weeks.
The couple credits the supportive Peace Corps post staff as one of the reasons they remained committed to serving South American counterparts through virtual service.
In being able to pivot and work remotely, together, my colleagues, counterparts, the participants in our training showcased how that collaboration might work.
The Peace Corps is full of inspiring people taking action to support others. Here are some of the first people you will meet on your application journey.
Audra Bass, who was among the the thousands of Peace Corps Volunteers evacuated in March 2020, returned to the U.S. determined to help her community during the COVID-19 pandemic.
On May 19, Peace Corps held this year’s second installment of the Thought Leaders Forum, featuring three returned Peace Corps Volunteers who are leaders in the field of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).
The most important thing I learned during my service was how to redefine success. In the beginning, I felt I needed to achieve the objectives of my program quickly and work on big projects to be successful. However, I learned that success doesn’t come very quickly, so I found joy in smaller things, like seeing a family boiling their water consistently or having a good conversation.
In 2016, my husband Clint and I left our jobs and our home of almost 25 years behind in California to serve for the first time as Peace Corps Volunteers in Guatemala.
Peace Corps Response sends Volunteers on highly specialized assignments for 12 months or less. If you have a background in teaching English as a foreign language, special education, or developing training materials, these might be the positions for you!
Each and every day is a chance to protect and better our planet. Whether they’re an educator, agriculturalist, or environmentalist, Peace Corps Volunteers strive to make a positive environmental impact in their countries of service.
As I leave my hut in the morning, I see the white sails of fishermen dancing along the horizon; in the afternoon, whales breach less than a mile from shore; and, in the light of the setting sun, I watch seabirds feeding before roosting for the night.
