Peace Corps Week, February 25 to March 2008

Peace Corps Week, February 25 to March 3, 2008

The Power of Your Peace Corps Story (Theme)

Message from the Director

Becoming Peace Corps Volunteers was one of the most important decisions my wife, Nancy, and I made in our lives, and telling others about our experience as Volunteers in India over the years has been a privilege, especially during Peace Corps Week.

As a returned Volunteer, you know the work of the Peace Corps does not end with the return ticket home. In fact, the third goal of the Peace Corps asks each of us to educate our fellow Americans about other cultures, illustrate how important it is to serve those in need, and underscore how relevant the work of the Peace Corps continues to be. Peace Corps Week provides an ideal time for each of us to do this, allowing us to unite our voices to support the mission and goals of this great agency.

All Americans can be proud of Volunteers and the important contributions they make during and after their service. Please join us in celebrating the 47th anniversary of the enduring legacy of Peace Corps service by sharing your own powerful story with your community during Peace Corps Week. By doing so, you will help inspire the next generation of Volunteers.

Ron Tschetter

Director

India, 1966–68

[treat as breakout quote]

“I have presented my “Peace Corps Story” annually for over 20 years now. One former student who saw my presentation as an eighth grader has just entered the Peace Corps. This is a great affirmation of how valuable it is to share our Peace Corps story with others.” —Diane Joyce, Sierra Leone 1981–83, Peace Corps Week 2007 participant

What is Peace Corps Week?

Peace Corps Week 2008 will celebrate the 47th anniversary of the agency and the outstanding work of Volunteers and returned Volunteers through the years. It is a chance for each of us to tell our own unique and powerful Peace Corps story. During this special

week, we ask returned Volunteers and Peace Corps’ extended family members to promote world peace and friendship by taking action to:

• Help Americans become aware of other peoples and cultures; and

• Inspire civic responsibility through community action at home or abroad.

Your story inspires others

Being a part of the Peace Corps family means a commitment to caring about others and to community service. By continuing to share what we learned as Volunteers with other Americans, we foster and strengthen world peace and friendship. We invite you to support this vital endeavor during Peace Corps Week by telling your story and inspiring others to serve—whether as Peace Corps Volunteers or as volunteers in their local communities.

Take action and reach out to people in your community. Share your Peace Corps experience about your host country’s culture, the work you did, the difference helping others made to you, and the life lessons and skills you learned as a Volunteer. We can help you with ideas on how to reach out to your community during this special week and throughout the year. Visit www.peacecorps.gov/pcweek for more information.

Strength in numbers

Register with us—no matter how large or small your Peace Corps Week activity is. It is important to officially demonstrate the power of the Peace Corps community in delivering the third goal. You can quickly register online at www.peacecorps.gov/pcweek, or send in the attached card if you do not have Internet access.

You’ll receive a complimentary Peace Corps Week kit to help plan and promote your activity, along with souvenirs for your audience. Please register early to reserve this kit; the kits are mailed out at the end of January. If you prefer, you can also specify you do not need a kit when you register.

We’re here for you!

Questions? Comments? Speaking to a large group? Giving a talk overseas? Get in touch with the Peace Corps Week team at [email protected] or call 800.424.8580, extension 1961. And please feel free to contact us and share your Peace Corps story throughout the year. We’d love to hear from you!

PRIVACY ACT NOTICE: The collection of the information is authorized by the provision of the Peace Corps Act (22 USC 2501 et seq.). Information will be used to involve former Volunteers and family members of currently serving Volunteers in agency affairs and may be released to returned Peace Corps Volunteer groups, the media, and others for use in the recruitment process. Providing this information is voluntary. OMB approval number 0420-0529. Continuous use form. Estimated completion time: 3 minutes. Send comments on this form to: Office of Management and Budget, Paperwork Reduction Project (0420-0529), Washington, DC 20503. Approval from OMB has been granted to extend beyond the expiration date of 10/31/07 to 1/31/08. Final approval and a new expiration date are forthcoming.

Please register me for Peace Corps Week 2008!

February 25–March 3, 2008

• I’m a returned Volunteer and will make a presentation during Peace Corps Week. Country of Service_______________________________ Years of Service_________________________________

• This is also a change of address.

• I will make a presentation as a friend or family member of a Volunteer.

Please print clearly, your:

Name ________________________________

Former Name ________________________________

(if applicable)

Mailing Address ________________________________

________________________________

________________________________

City State Zip

Country ________________________________

(if outside the U.S.)

E-Mail Address ________________________________

Phone ________________________________

Career Field ________________________________

Current Organization ________________________________

Location: X:\Peace Corps Week Coordinator\OMB PCW Brochure & Survey\PC Week 08 text for OMB 9.13.07.doc

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