Peace Corps recognizes RPCVs of Wisconsin-Madison
Returned Volunteers Continue to Impact Current Volunteers; Group Donates to Peace Corps Partnership Program
WASHINGTON, D.C., October 7, 2003 – Peace Corps Director Gaddi H. Vasquez today commended a group of former Peace Corps volunteers for their continuing dedication and efforts to support the agency and volunteers around the globe.
Recently, the Returned Peace Corps Volunteers of Wisconsin-Madison organization committed to providing to the Peace Corps Partnership Program more than half of the profits from the sale of their International Calendar that centers on the Peace Corps experience. The group has already provided the generous gift of $20,000 as an advance on their future donations. Over the past two years, the Returned Peace Corps Volunteers of Wisconsin-Madison organization has donated $98,000 to the Peace Corps Partnership Program.
All proceeds from their calendar sales are used to support grassroots projects domestically and internationally. In spring of 2002, the group changed their policy on fund allocations to encompass a broader scope of projects. In turn, the organization committed to donating more than 65 percent of their profits to the Peace Corps Partnership Program.
Rose Ann Scott, Chair of the Finance Committee, recognizes the Peace Corps Partnership Program as “a safe, secure way to get money to Peace Corps volunteers around the world who are serving in places where small projects can make a difference.” The in-country community involvement required by the Program is also important to the group; all projects are community initiated and require 25 percent community contribution.
This widely recognized calendar has grown significantly since its founding in 1987, with nearly 40,000 calendars printed annually. The calendar is intended to share with others pictorial memories of Peace Corps volunteers’ experiences, as well as serve as a teaching aid that introduces Americans to the cultures of the world. The calendar has recently received global recognition, winning one of five silver medals at the 2003 International Gallery of Superb Printing. For more information about the award-winning calendar, please visit the Returned Peace Corps Volunteers of Wisconsin- Madison homepage at http://www.rpcvmadison.org.
If you are interested in donating directly to the Peace Corps Partnership Program, a list of Peace Corps projects in need of funding can be found on the Peace Corps Web site at www.peacecorps.gov/contribute/. The Office of Private Sector Initiatives may also be reached toll-free at 1.800.424.8580, ext. 2170, or via e-mail at pcpp@peacecorps.gov.
Since 1961, more than 170,000 volunteers have served in the Peace Corps, working in such diverse fields as education, health, HIV/AIDS education and awareness, information technology, business development, the environment, and agriculture. Peace Corps volunteers must be U.S. citizens and at least 18 years of age. Peace Corps service is a two-year commitment.
