I agree it's a bad idea to single out serving PCVs as being better than others. The circumstances are so different in each setting it's like making a case that water is more important than say shelter. It depends if the judge is cold or thirsty...Silly and irelevant.

By susan buchanan (155.206.6.108) on Tuesday, November 15, 2005 - 11:42 am: Edit Post

I don't know, in some ways I think it would have been nice as a PCV to have a book of ideas of what the agency considered to be successful volunteer projects. Sort of sets the bar high and helps you gauge what you're doing in the field. Just being there and doing your daily jobs and tasks is enough, but some volunteers excel and go above and beyond. I think a little recognition for these volunteers isn't a bad thing. I see this as Peace Corps finding another way to highlight the agency, work of volunteers, and service... ya gotta have a compelling news hook to get good coverage in the media.

By Bill Strassberger (n005.dhs.gov - 63.162.143.5) on Tuesday, November 15, 2005 - 11:59 am: Edit Post

Actually, this has been done before. Loret Ruppe presented three awards to three best PCVs, representing the three regions at the time, Africa, Inter-America, and NANEAP. Barbara Bush helped to present the awards the year I am recalling (1998 or 1999), but I believe this was done more than once. The PCVs were flown in from post for the event.

I don't see any problem with it but I also don't see PCVs generally competing for such an award. It is a nice way to highlight current volunteer service to promote the organization and remind Americans that Peace Corps is still in business.

By Anonymous (adsl-71-131-45-64.dsl.sntc01.pacbell.net - 71.131.45.64) on Sunday, November 20, 2005 - 11:23 am: Edit Post

Award or no award, Peace Corps is NOT seen as doing development work in the world. They are not taken seriously by the global community and certainly not by agencies doing the real, sustainable work. It's perfect that PC would award volunteers for creating sustainable programs b/c they themselves have no intention to invest in a place or peoples for any long term. It's up to some naive American who will spend 2 years in a place to be the genius. Yeah, definitely a disconnected administration. Good idea, create some luxury competition in the middle of crisis-poverty.

By Colleen Clark (dialup-4.156.189.2.dial1.boston1.level3.net - 4.156.189.2) on Sunday, November 27, 2005 - 2:19 pm: Edit Post

Who's the brave "Anonymous" who says the PC is "NOT seen as doing development work in the world?"
Is the Peace Corps in competition with USAID, Care, Crisis Corps etc etc etc?
I don't think so. PCV's have a different mission.
But any way you look at it, awards are a bad idea.
English teacher, Turkey, 1964-66