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Commemorative Edition peace March 2011 Times ANNIVERSARY Fifty Years of Peace and Friendship

The Peace Corps was officially estab- famine, food security, and illiteracy are lished by President John F. ’s issues that continue to challenge the on March 1, 1961. Just countries we serve. Our work has had a five months later, a group of Americans direct impact on local communities in stepped off a plane in Accra singing 139 host countries. ’s national anthem in Twi. The pioneering spirit of that first group of Volunteers endures today. Although much has changed since “For every young American 1961, the Peace Corps’ mission remains who participates in the the same. The agency was established Peace Corps—who works to promote world peace and friend- ship through three simple, yet monu- in a foreign land—will know mental, goals: 1. To help the people of that he or she is sharing interested countries in meeting their need for trained men and women; 2. To in the great common task help promote a better understanding of bringing to man that of Americans on the part of the people served; and 3. To help promote a better decent way of life, which is understanding of other people on the the foundation of freedom part of Americans. and a condition of peace.” Then-Sen. Kennedy inspired our mission during a 2 a.m. impromptu –President John F. Kennedy, The Peace Corps’ first group of Volunteers leave Washington, D.C., for Ghana on campaign stop at the University of March 1, 1961 August 30, 1961. Fifty-one Volunteers served in the country during that initial year. Michigan on October 14, 1960. Today, Volunteers face many of the same chal- of our respective eras. A belief in ser- we carry forward the torch of President lenges and opportunities President We can all take pride in being part vice isn’t limited to our Volunteers, but Kennedy’s dream, realized every day Kennedy and first Director Sargent of a legacy of service that continually includes our dedicated staff members through the dedication and efforts of Shriver envisioned. Poverty, disease, adapts and responds to the challenges and friends around the world. Together our Volunteers.

R. Fondly Remembered As the Peace Corps commemorates its Shriver, known simply as Sarge to distinguished career, Sarge came to em- 50th year, it also mourns the passing of many, died at the age of 95 on January body the idea of public service.” R. Sargent Shriver, whose imprint on 18, 2011—nearly 50 years to the day that “Sargent Shriver was Peace Shriver’s five children and 19 the agency is unequalled. President John F. Kennedy stated in his Corps’ founding father, grandchildren also shared their memo- inaugural address, “Ask not what your ries. Tim Shriver, who serves as CEO country can do for you, ask what you can friend, and guiding light for of Special Olympics, the organization do for your country.” the past 50 years. Because his mother A day after making that historic of his determination and founded, said his father never coddled speech, President Kennedy called on the children but “coached us to pursue Shriver to head a task force, leading to vision, more than 200,000 those big, big ideas.” the establishment of the Peace Corps. Americans have served He encouraged others to see the Shriver, President Kennedy’s world the way his father did, “I hope brother-in-law, frequently joked that in 139 countries as Peace you, too, will carry a little Sarge in you.” the reason the president asked him Corps Volunteers around We at the Peace Corps Times to lead such efforts was that everyone the world since 1961.” couldn’t agree more, and know that all thought the program would fail and that Peace Corps Volunteers past, present, when the day of reckoning arrived “it –Director Aaron S. Williams and future will continue to carry a little would be easier to fire a relative than a RPCV/ bit of Sarge in their hearts. friend.” (1967-1970) Thank you Sarge! However, just six weeks after Presi- dent Kennedy’s inauguration, Shriver delivered a report to the White House, 22, 2011, in Potomac, Maryland. Family boldly stating, “Having studied at your members joined returned Volunteers, This edition of the Peace Corps Director R. Sargent Shriver was a request the problems of establishing a world leaders, entertainers, philanthro- Times is dedicated to our friends frequent visitor to Peace Corps posts Peace Corps, I recommend its immedi- pists, and others in eulogizing a man in the Peace Corps community during the agency’s early years. Here, ate establishment.” That can-do atti- who touched countless lives. who are no longer with us. he speaks to Peace Corps trainees in tude was among the memories shared President Obama said in a state- Tanganyika (). at Shriver’s funeral mass on January ment, “Over the course of his long and October 14, 1960 March 1, 1961 June 1961 August 30, 1961 September 22, 1961 October 14, 1961 September 1964

In a 2 a.m. campaign speech, President Kennedy Tanganyika I and The first group Congress passes the The “dropped National then-Sen. John F. Kennedy signs Executive I begin of Peace Corps Peace Corps Act. postcard” in Geographic challenges University of Order 10924, training for Volunteers, empha- features a Peace Michigan students to contrib- establishing the service. Trainings Ghana I, arrives sizes a need for Corps cover ute two years of their lives to Peace Corps. are conducted in Accra to cross-cultural story. help people in countries of the across the U.S. serve as understanding. developing world. teachers. 1970s 1980s June 1966 September 1966 July 1, 1971 November 1974 October 1977 May 16, 1979 December 29, 1981 January 1983

More than Lillian Carter, 68, With Executive Order 11603, Christopher Dodd of Carolyn Robert- President Peace Corps The longest-serving Peace 15,000 Volun- the mother of President Nixon folds the Connecticut son Payton is the Carter signs an becomes an Corps Director, Loret Miller teers are serving President Jimmy Peace Corps into a new (RPCV/Dominican Republic, first female and executive order independent Ruppe, and USAID establish in the field. Carter, departs for federal volunteer agency 1966-1968) and the first African that grants the federal agency. the Small Project Assistance Historically, this service in . called ACTION. However, of American to be Peace Corps full (SPA) program. Today, SPA is the highest the Peace Corps' original (RPCV/, 1962-1964) Peace Corps autonomy. funds activities in over 40 number of Congressional mandate are the first RPCVs elected Director. Peace Corps posts. Peace Corps remains unchanged. to Congress. Volunteers. 1990s September 1985 1988 1990 1993 1995 December 1995 February 1997

There are more Barbara Jo White The first group of Peace The first Camp GLOW (Girls Crisis Corps (known today as Thirty-three women entering (RPCV/Dominican Republic, Corps Volunteers to serve (RPCV/, Leading Our World) is Peace Corps Response), a Peace Corps service than men, 1987-1989) creates the first in Central and Eastern 1963-1965) becomes established in . Camp program that provides short-term Volunteers a first in the World Map Project. Europe depart for the first RPCV to be GLOW continues to encour- humanitarian service to countries depart to work agency’s history. Volunteers continue to use , , the appointed as Peace age young women to be worldwide, begins in Antigua. with teachers in the project as an educa- , and the Corps Director. leaders in their communities. post-apartheid tional tool worldwide. Slovak Republic. . 2000s 2010s May 2003 September 2005 2010 March 1, 2011 2011

The Peace Corps commits For the first time, Volunteers Peace Corps re-opens three historic Director Aaron S. Williams The Peace Corps an additional 1,000 are deployed domestically programs in Colombia, , participates in a commemo- commemorates 50 years of Volunteers to fight when Peace Corps assists and and surpasses the ration of President promoting world peace and HIV/AIDS as part of relief operations in the Gulf 200,000 mark in total Americans Kennedy’s historic campaign friendship with special legislation signed into law. Coast region following who have served as Peace Corps speech at the University of events in the U.S. and Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Volunteers. Michigan. throughout the world.

DID YOU KNOW ... ? By the Numbers, as of February 2011 18 Director Aaron 86 Colleges and universities 250+ 3,457 University of 45,653 Applica- S. Williams is the 18th provide Volunteers the Languages are California, Berkeley alumni tions were received in 1 University of Colorado at 9 Countries were being Peace Corps opportunity to get a master’s taught to Peace have served in the Peace 1964, the most in Peace Boulder ranks as the Top served in 1961: , Director. He is also degree through the Peace Corps Corps Volunteers. Corps, making it the “Top Corps’ history. College for Peace Corps Colombia, India, Ghana, the fourth RPCV to Masters Internationl program. Historic College.” Volunteers in 2011, with 117 Nigeria, , the serve in that capacity. 466 Volunteers are 87,600+ alumni currently serving. , St. Lucia, and Arthur Goodfriend of Volunteers are 5,399 Friends of the Peace 87 currently matched with a Tanganyika (Tanzania). 28 Is the Honolulu, Hawaii, was the oldest serving in Corps on Facebook. Go Returned Volunteers classroom through the 4 average age of a Volunteer in Peace Corps , making to facebook.com/peace are serving as members Coverdell World Wise Per every 100,000 Volunteer in 2011. history. He was 87 when he it the largest corps to join our fans. of the U.S. Congress 10 Schools Correspondence Vermont residents served completed his service in 1994. program in the Match program. as Volunteers in 2010—the 35 Percent Peace Corps. 7 Percent of Peace largest per capita ratio. of Volunteers serve ...still Corps Volunteers California has sent the most in education—the 130 Americans 537 Students 8,521 Volunteers counting currently serve with their Volunteers historically, with largest of the Peace are serving as Peace participate in the have served the The number of spouses. 27,356 Volunteers since 1961. Corps’ six sectors. Corps Response Peace Corps Philippines, tops among lives affected by Volunteers. Fellows/USA program. Peace Corps countries. the Peace Corps.

ON THE SCREEN TV Series Movies “Volunteers,” with Tom Hanks, is widely regarded as the most famous “Peace Corps Movie,” but over the years, we have been mentioned numerous times in popular movies and television shows. If you have heard about another show that mentioned the Peace Corps, let us know at [email protected] “In our first year here, * Volunteers formed cooperative-run stores, Promoting peace and built roads, developed huge sustainable agricultural farms, helped build health

Afri ca centers, and more.” friendship in 139 countries Nicolette L. Pump RPCV/1988-1991 Shown are photos and quotations that provide a snapshot of the 139 countries Peace Corps has served. Over 200,000 (Dahomey 1968-1975) (Upper Volta 1967-1984) CÔte d’Ivoire Democratic Republic of Congo Equatorial Ethiopia Volunteers have served since 1961. Today, 8,655 serve in 77 countries. 1968-present 1966-1997; 2003-present 1967-1987; 1995-present 1983-1993 1962-present 1988-present 1972-1996 1966-1979; 1987-1998; 2003-2006 1988-1995 1962-1981; 1990-2003 (Zaire 1971–1991) 1970-1991 1988-1993 1995-1998 1962-1977; 1995-1999; 2007-present

“The reception was “ is a country of “It was kind of by incredible. They are contrast: incredible beauty accident that I ended up open, nonjudgmental along with equal amounts in Africa. It turned out to people. I was a third- of poverty. The Peace be a lot more important year Volunteer and Corps’ effort helped toward to me than I thought. I could have stayed industrialization, technology, Two years is such an forever.” and development—away from experience. I really felt Mary Schmida simplicity.” like I’ve changed.” RPCV/1988-1990 Joseph Sauder Lara Hall RPCV/1970-1972 RPCV/1995-1997 Ghana Guinea Guinea-Bissau † Mauritius † Nigeria Republic of Congo 1963-1967; 1973-2005 1961-present 1963-1966; 1969-1971; 1985-present 1988-1998 1964-present 1967-present 1962-1990; 2008-present 1993-present 1963-1976; 1978-present 1971-present 1966-1967; 1971-present 1969-1976 1998-present 1990-present 1962-present 1961-1976; 1992-1995 1991-1997

“These young men and women “If it hadn’t have been for “I am so thankful for represent what is good about my positive experiences , so thankful for America. I have met former in and then my placement there. Volunteers who have run major , I wouldn’t have I lived in an African aid programs here, invested met the many wonderful village with some of the in our businesses, and I even Volunteers, staff members, most amazing people on count them among my friends and local people who have Earth.” and close advisors.” so enriched my life.” Kevin Brendle President Paul Kagame Terry Armstrong RPCV/2004-2006 2009 RPCV/1989-1992 Rwanda São Tomé and Príncipe Seychelles Sierra Leone South Africa Swaziland Tanzania (Tanganyika 1961-1969) Zambia 1975-1993; 2008-present 1990-1996 1962-present 1974-1995 1962-1994; 1962-1970 1997-present 1984-1986 1968-1996; 2003-present 1961-1969; 1979-present 1967-present 1962-present 1964-1972; 1991-1999; 2001-present 1994-present 1991-2001 2010-present “I heard, then-Senator Barack “Peace Corps service in “When I do travel Obama espouse the importance set me on a path of again and go of Americans recommitting 30 years of international overseas, the magic to volunteerism and service, technical assistance which, and ‘specialness’ of including the Peace Corps. I in fact, included preliminary Timor will be the EMA* was home alone. I stood up, specification of water supply metric by which I will raised my hand in the air, and projects in and measure the rest of said aloud, ‘Okay! I will.’” Zaire.” the world.” Darlene Grant William M. Turner Jesse Wright Volunteer/2009-present RPCV/1962-1964 RPCV/2004-2005 Cyprus Czech Republic Hungary India Indonesia 1962-1979 1992-1997; 2003-present 1992-present 2003-present 1974-1979 1998-2006 1991-present 2007-present 1993-present 1962-1964 1990-1997 2002-2006 1992-2002 2001-present 1990-1997 1961-1976 1963-1965; 2010-present 1962-1976

“In the hours, days, and weeks “I gained a great “As a high school English after the tragedy of 9/11, I admiration and affection teacher, I was able to give an learned about true hospitality for Lithuanians of all walks accurate view of American from the neighbors who visited of life as I learned their culture as the society and called, fellow teachers at stories and watched as they underwent major changes. The school, and even people in dealt with the tumultuous best part of my experience Aizpute who stopped to speak changes that were still was the bond I made with my with me and offer condolences.” taking place.” students and the community.” Katherine Prentice Samuel W. Setliff Stephen Chapman RPCV/2000-2002 RPCV/1994-1996 RPCV/1997-1999 Kyrgyz Republic Macedonia Pakistan Philippines Poland Romania 1997-present 1993-present 1993-present 1992-2002 1966-1969 1992-2002 1996-present 1970-1975; 1990-1998 1993-present 1991-present 1963-present 1962-2004 1973-1983 1961-1967; 1988-1991 1961-1990; 1992-present 1990-2001 1991-present

“Before Peace Corps “I remind myself of those “I learned how time is different service, I had never people so far away, so for everyone. In , I been out of the United different from me, and could be so frustrated when States. I came to realize all I want to do now is sit somebody made plans with me that the news from with them again, sharing I AP* and then didn’t show up, but I around the world was another cup of tea and also saw how fun things could real–it affected people’s our hopes for world happen on a whim, without an lives.” peace.” appointment.” Cristy Ecton Peggy Schaeffer Sylvia Grisez RPCV/2000-2001 RPCV/1977-1979 RPCV/1992-1994 Slovak Republic (Ceylon 1962-1972) Ukraine Anguilla Antigua-Barbuda Argentina Barbados (British Honduras 1962-1973) † Chile 1992-2003 1990-2002 1966-1981 1962-1964; 1967-1970; 1983-1998 1962-present 1962-1996 1962-1971 1993-present 1992-present 1992-2005 1973-1990; 1991-1994 1980-1991 1967-present 1992-1994 1968-1990 1962-present 1962-1971; 1990-present 1962-1981 1961-1982; 1991-1998

“I blame a lot of where I “I went back to my town am today because of the in Sabah almost 20 years Peace Corps. Just the skills after I was a Volunteer that you learn are ones that and never expected to you’ll use for the rest of see so many of my former your life, whether you’re in students. They said, ‘You the business industry or a taught us to think and to school teacher.” be different.’ ” Astronaut Joe Acaba Julia Chang Bloch RPCV/1994-1996 RPCV/1964-1966 Colombia Dominican Republic & Carriacou Guatemala Honduras Jamaica (Gilbert & Ellice Islands 1974-1979) Micronesia (FSM) Montserrat 1961-1981; 2010-present 1982-1995 1963-present 1967-1970; 1975-present 1962-present 1962-present 1962-1980; 1993-present 1968-1998; 2003-present 1966-1979; 1985-present 1963-present 1966-1971; 1995-present 1982-1987; 1990-1991; 1996-2005; 1962-present 1962-present 1974-2008 1962-1983 1966-1996 2004-present 1966-present 1974-1995 2010-present “My service deeply “We came as Peace Corps “The Peace Corps deepened impacted my life by leading to work to teach them our passion for equality and Share Our Legacy me to meet people who told some of our skills, while our desire to devote our lives to me ‘get into the shade’ and they taught us to slow serving wherever needs appear. To learn more about the Peace Corps’ history and once I was there, invited me down, live in the present Not only are we early RPCVs, 50th anniversary events visit peacecorps.gov/50 to slow down, drink terere and feel the rhythms of life. but we have a PC baby and our How will you commemorate our 50th anniversary? [iced herbal tea] and listen Sometimes I think they youngest son, Mark, served in the to a story.” were the better teachers.” Peace Corps in Ghana.” Send your photos and stories to pctimes@ Dan Westerhof Grace Spillane Diana and Ray Howard peacecorps.gov. Share your experiences through our RPCV/2004-2008 RPCV/1984-1986 RPCVs/1965-1967 digital library. Go to peacecorps.gov/collections. Republic of Palau (Western Samoa St. Kitts-Nevis St. Lucia St. Vincent-Grenadines Turks-Caicos 1968-1979; 1991-present 1994-2002 1963-1971; 1990-present 1981-2001 1966-present 1962-1974; 2002-present 1986-present 1967-1978) 1967-present 1971-2000 1966-1999; 2004-present 1961-present 1967-present 1995-present 1967-present 1980-1985 1977-1997 1963-1973; 1991-1997 1990-present 1962-1976

Dates reflect the years Peace Corps trainee(s) and/or Volunteer(s) were in each country, per the Peace Corps Office of Strategic Information, Research, and Planning. Shaded areas in the maps indicate countries where the Peace Corps serves as of February 16, 2011. *Africa=Africa region; EMA=Europe, Mediterranean and Asia Region; IAP=Inter-America and Pacific Region. † Suspended programs promoting and answering the call

The tools used to promote the opportunity for Peace Corps service have changed over time, each reflecting the nuance of its era. Through five decades Peace Corps’ communications have resonated with both potential Volunteers and the public, while staying true to the authenticity of the returned Volunteer experience. While the formats evolve, the message is constant – Peace Corps is a life-defining experience through serving others, whether the vehicle be direct mail, posters, public service announcements (PSAs), the Web, or social media. See the latest Peace Corps PSAs at www.peacecorps.gov/psa. Why Do We Serve? Over 200,000 Americans have answered the call to serve in 139 countries, but why do they do it? The follow- ing are thoughts from Volunteers who have given two years of service to benefit others.

to be flexible. I understand life a little be a part of the Peace Corps after see- bit better. I’m really helping and doing ing a returned Volunteer come back and something productive.” show slides when I was in junior high school.” Deputy Director Carrie Hessler-Radelet Peace Corps Volunteers represent the RPCV/Samoa (1981-1983) best America has to offer. Please share “I feel like I was ‘hardwired’ for the your stories about the Peace Corps at Peace Corps. My aunt was a Volunteer [email protected]. in Turkey in the early ’60s. In fact, she was the 10,000th Volunteer to complete her service. Then my grandparents served in Malaysia in the early ’70s. peace I was always intrigued by the stories corps Times they would tell and decided I wanted to A publication for Peace Corps Volunteers be a part of that whole experience.” serving worldwide Staff Visit youtube.com/peacecorps to enjoy 50 years of Peace Corps public service Diana Gomez RPCV/Armenia (1999-2001) Mark Huffman Editor/Writer announcements and interviews with Volunteers past and present. Kelly McCormack Writer “I have a business degree, and my back- Nicola A.P. Cullen Contributor Frank Fountain for me, in many ways, it was a way to ground was in fundraising for children, Kirsten Radewagen Contributor RPCV/India (1966-1968) really give back to the country that had orphans, and a nonprofit association Juan Carlos Polanco Design “The Peace Corps as articulated by helped our family be successful and to called the Mexican American Founda- Theresa Welling Design President Kennedy was one of the most serve. So in a nutshell, I don’t know if I tion. I joined the Peace Corps when I Bethany Poteat Design inspiring experiences of my early life. can say why I joined the Peace Corps, was 56 years old, and it was like being We welcome all Volunteer submissions It ignited an interest that I already had but more than anything, it was to re- born again, like having a second life. I and suggestions. Contact us at: for foreign cultures and the U.S. rela- pay a debt that, to some extent, I felt we enjoyed my work in the United States tionship with those countries. I saw it were obligated to America.” very much, but as I got older, I began to Peace Corps Times c/o Office of Communications as a great opportunity for me to get to think less about ‘me’ and more about Shannon Hy ‘we.’ I loved working for the Peace Corps; Paul D. Coverdell know a different culture—to operate and Peace Corps Headquarters RPCV/Paraguay (2004-2006) I felt like I did something for the world, function in that culture and to make a 1111 20th Street, NW contribution to mankind.” “I joined the Peace Corps because I for the planet.” Washington, DC 20526 always wanted to give back to society. or email Marta Metelko I grew up in a and Roger Conrad [email protected] RPCV/Costa Rica (1990-1992) understand the lack of resources, es- RPCV/Ethiopia (1973-1975) “As children of immigrants, we were pecially for people with disabilities. “My decision to join Peace Corps dates brought up to be very, very proud of be- I’ve grown and changed and learned back to elementary school when we did ing American and always taught that we throughout this whole experience. It a program where every student had to should give back to our country. And has taught me patience and the need pick a country. Also, I knew I wanted to