Peace Corps wants diversity
Peace Corps wants diversity
By Donna De Marco
THE WASHINGTON TIMES
The Peace Corps is calling for volunteers from all walks of life. The global volunteer agency, based in Washington, has kicked off a recruitment campaign to attract more Americans of all ages and backgrounds.
"We are definitely emphasizing greater diversity from retirees to ethnic [groups]," said Peace Corps Director Gaddi H. Vasquez. "We want the volunteers to represent a cross section of America."
The public service campaign, created by BBDO Atlanta, uses the tag line "Life is calling. How far will you go?" and includes print, radio and television ads. Actors Matthew McConaughey and Eduardo Verastegui donated their time to record the voice-overs for the ads.
One print ad targets those over 50 years old.
"Do people tell you you're over the hill?" the ad asks. "What if you were? Over the hill, over a stream and over an ocean. To another continent. Thousands of miles from your own. Where elders are looked to as leaders ..."
"We want to break the stereotype that [the] only people who serve in the Peace Corps are younger," Mr. Vasquez said.
The campaign is also supported by a new 15-minute recruitment video, a catalog, a booklet showcasing volunteers and a newly designed Web site.
The Peace Corps has more than 7,000 volunteers.
