Peace Corps instills values by El Salvador RPCV Bianca T. Gentile
Peace Corps instills values
As a former Peace Corps volunteer in El Salvador, I would like to speak on behalf of the organization. The Dayton Daily News has published stories that assume all volunteers have their safety compromised. This is untrue, and distant from the pure mission of the Peace Corps.
The Peace Corps is an opportunity for Americans of all ages to engage in local development efforts and participate in the civic affairs of communities in need.
It allows Americans who are traditionally ignorant about foreign affairs to broaden their perspectives, and exchange cultures while establishing friendships that bridge race, ethnicity and language.
The volunteer experience instills the values of community engagement that our country is based on.
Without the civic-minded Peace Corps volunteer, America could appear to be a nation without respect for its neighbors and their plights against poverty.
Please consider that Peace Corps volunteers return home with new values that fortify our nation. As a country, we are only as strong as our people.
Don't hurt the organization - look at the larger picture. An overwhelming number of volunteers return safely and are proud to have been part of something so important to just a few.
Bianca T. Gentile Greenville, N.C.
