May 4, 2005: Headlines: COS - Romania: Older Volunteers: Gothamist: Romania RPCV Leslie Hawke says the Peace Corps should split into two organizations – one for young people and one for older, more experienced people
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May 4, 2005: Headlines: COS - Romania: Older Volunteers: Gothamist: Romania RPCV Leslie Hawke says the Peace Corps should split into two organizations – one for young people and one for older, more experienced people
Romania RPCV Leslie Hawke says the Peace Corps should split into two organizations – one for young people and one for older, more experienced people
Romania RPCV Leslie Hawke says the Peace Corps should split into two organizations – one for young people and one for older, more experienced people
Leslie Hawke, Outstanding U.S. Citizen
The 1960’s ended 35 years ago, but don’t tell that to Leslie Hawke, 52. In 2000 this Ft. Worth native left her well paying management position at a high flying tech company to join the Peace Corps at an age when most people who can afford it are contemplating early retirement. Assigned to Bacau - a market city of 200,000 in Northeastern Romania - her 20 years of Gotham City management experience was put to the test on behalf of an NGO developing community social service programs.
“When you’re young you’re idealistic and you want to change the world, but when you’re older you just become realistic and settle for the status quo?” Do you agree or disagree with that statement?
It is certainly true that when you have children to care for and support it changes your priorities dramatically. Self-expression, personal fulfillment and idealistic choices take a back seat to providing for your kids -- to whatever level you deem necessary. I’m lucky in a convoluted way in that I got my child rearing years behind me long before most of my peers. So at 48, I had the luxury of acting on my ideals and values without sacrificing anyone else’s welfare or comfort. Since I have been in Romania, I have never had to choose between doing what fulfills me and meeting my obligations to others. Strangely enough, I almost blew that by getting married again to a man in New York. Fortunately, he broke up with me before I had to deal with the inevitable conflicts of interest!
Why do you think there are so few members with significant life experience who join the Peace Corps?
It’s simple. The Peace Corps doesn’t market well to older people – and they still gear the whole experience to young people – from the language training to the treatment of volunteers. Personally, I think the Peace Corps should split into two organizations – one for young people and one for older, more experienced people. A country as developed and educated as Romania doesn’t need large groups of American kids “helping out” – it needs seasoned American adults training Romanian kids to make social change.
Given the life skills those with greater life experience could bring, do you have any ideas how to encourage enlistment by such people?
Actually, interviews like this are one way, but in terms of direct marketing, I’d advertise along the same channels that Viagra and Oil of Olay do!
It’s time to seriously rethink the program given the current demographics and international development needs. It is a WONDERFUL concept but it’s 50 years old. There IS still a need for young people right out of college in certain parts of the world. But Eastern Europe needs more experienced volunteers.
Do you have any tips to offer the aspiring and energetic social issues advocate?
Spend your first 20 years working in the business sector! You don’t learn how to kick ass and get things done by working for the government or a foundation – nor by working for most non-profits. In fact, quite the opposite. Most of the really effective leaders of non-profits that I know did not start out in the social service or public sector.
Interview by Raphie Frank
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Story Source: Gothamist
This story has been posted in the following forums: : Headlines; COS - Romania; Older Volunteers
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