February, 2008 - Top Stories

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February, 2008: This Month's Top Stories Date: March 2 2008 No: 1235 February, 2008: This Month's Top Stories
Bush Meets with PCVs in Ghana 20 Feb
Jack Vaughn writes: Candidates 'discover' Peace Corps 28 Feb
Dan Lavin is going back to Sierra Leone 25 Feb
Peace Corps Returns to Rwanda 19 Feb
Doug Roberts returns to Vanuatu where son died 17 Feb
Paul H. Johnson writes: Criticism of Peace Corps 12 Feb
Doctoral Fellowship created for RPCVs at UC Berkeley 11 Feb
Jessi Griffin recovering after accident in Mozambique 10 Feb
Super delegates like Pat Waak are super important 6 Feb
Peace Corps pulls its volunteers out of Kenya 5 Feb
Robert Whittemore starts African Film Festival 4 Feb
Heidi Vogt writes: Modernity arrives via Cellphone 1 Feb
Bush's PC pledge nothing more than hot air 31 Jan
P. F. Kluge speaks in Saipan 28 Jan
600 RPCVs work in NY City Schools 27 Jan
Jim Walsh will be missed in Congress 25 Jan
Wisconsin RPCVs sponsor Freeze for Food 23 Jan
Maria Shriver reflects on Sargent Shriver 21 Jan
Mae Jemison says King's dream is call to action 20 Jan
André-Guy Soh remembers John Granville 16 Jan
Gaddi Vasquez addresses Placentia Rotary 16 Jan

New: More Stories from January and February 2008

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PC Celebrates African American History Month
Peace Corps Celebrates African American History Month 1 February 2008


Colombia Volunteers Hold Historic Reunion
Peace Corps Colombia Volunteers Hold Historic Reunion 1 February 2008


Paul Theroux finds India resurgent
Paul Theroux finds India resurgent 1 February 2008


Heidi Vogt writes: Modernity arrives via Cellphone
Mali RPCV Heidi Vogt, writes: In African village, the sound of modernity arrives via cellphone 1 February 2008


Obama's PC strategy embodies spirit of JFK
Mark Ludeking writes: Obama's Peace Corps strategy embodies spirit of JFK 1 February 2008


Barry Kitterman writes: "The Baker's Boy"
Belize RPCV Barry Kitterman writes: "The Baker's Boy" 3 February 2008


Paul Theroux is a man of strong dislikes
Paul Theroux is a man of strong dislikes 3 February 2008


Bush requests $343.5 million appropriation for PC
President George W. Bush unveiled his fiscal year (FY) 2009 budget today, in which he asks Congress to provide the Peace Corps with a $343.5 million appropriation 4 February 2008


Deputy Director Jody Olsen Visits Belize
Peace Corps Deputy Director Jody Olsen Visits Belize 4 February 2008


Robert Whittemore starts African Film Festival
RPCV Dr. Robert Whittemore's WestConn African Film Festival celebrates a dozen years of African cinema at annual festival 4 February 2008


Harris Wofford finds echoes of Kennedy in Obama
John Baer writes: In Obama, Harris Wofford finds echoes of Kennedy, King 4 February 2008


Toledo opposes judicial harassment against politicians
Alejandro Toledo supports accusations of judicial harassment against opposition politicians 4 February 2008


Peace Corps pulls its volunteers out of Kenya
Peace Corps pulls its volunteers out of Kenya 5 February 2008


Dodd On Vice Presidential Short List with Obama?
Dodd On Vice Presidential Short List with Obama? 5 February 2008


Chris Shays co-chairs McCain’s Connecticut campaign
Chris Shays serves as chair of McCain’s Connecticut campaign with Sen. Joe Lieberman, an independent Democrat 5 February 2008


Tom Weisner blasts Aurora Election Commission
Mayor Tom Weisner blasts Aurora Election Commission 5 February 2008


Doyle hits the campaign trail for Barak Obama
Doyle hits the campaign trail for Barak Obama 5 February 2008


Super delegates like Pat Waak are super important
Super delegates like Pat Waak are super important 6 February 2008


Guy Consolmagno to speak at University of Dallas
Guy Consolmagno to speak at University of Dallas 6 February 2008


Jack Vaughn: Once a Fighter, Always a Fighter
Bonnie Henry writes: Jack Vaughn: Once a Fighter, Always a Fighter 7 February 2008


Hill says Korea talks are at "critical challenging" point
Christopher R. Hill told lawmakers that six-nation disarmament talks are at a "critical, challenging" point 7 February 2008


Margaret Krome writes: Damaging Bush Budget
Margaret Krome writes: Bush budget designed for maximum damage 7 February 2008


Romney's departure leaves Petri disappointed
Romney's departure leaves Petri disappointed 7 February 2008


Turkey RPCV Chris Buetler supports Obama
Turkey RPCV Chris Buetler supports Obama 8 February 2008


Toledo Speaks on Latin American Democracy
Toledo Speaks on Latin American Democracy 8 February 2008


Alan Gottlieb writes: "Ultimate Excursions"
"Ultimate Excursions," by Ecuador RPCV Alan Gottlieb, follows Timothy Lake through his short-lived Peace Corps stint and then his foray into drugs and booze 9 February 2008


Michael O'Hanlon writes: Time for Kurdish Realism
Michael O'Hanlon writes: Time for Kurdish Realism 9 February 2008


An Interview with Reed Hastings
An Interview with Reed Hastings 9 February 2008


Arthur Dobrin writes: Blood on the postcard
Kenya RPCV Arthur Dobrin writes: Blood on the postcard 10 February 2008


Jessi Griffin recovering after accident in Mozambique
Peace Corps Volunteer Jessica (Jessi) Griffin is recovering after accident in Mozambique 10 February 2008


Mike Tidwell leads environmental campaign
For years, Mike Tidwell led an environmental campaign, one with few followers 10 February 2008


Doctoral Fellowship created for RPCVs at UC Berkeley
International House creates California's First Endowed Doctoral Fellowship for Peace Corps Volunteers at UC Berkeley 11 February 2008


Ibargüen announces $5 million Museum Endowment
Alberto Ibargüen announces $5 million endowment for the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA), North Miami 11 February 2008


PC gets a clean audit on financial statements
External auditors rendered an unqualified opinion — a clean audit — on the agency’s financial statements for fiscal 2007 11 February 2008


Paul H. Johnson writes: Criticism of Peace Corps
Paul H. Johnson at the University of Michigan writes: What counts as useful criticism of the Peace Corps? 12 February 2008


Nancy Scheper-Hughes opposes organ trafficking
Nancy Scheper-Hughes says Top transplant surgeons involved in organ trafficking 14 February 2008


Chris Matthews Pulls No Punches
Candid Talker Chris Matthews Pulls No Punches 14 February 2008


St. Clair Bourne Award established for Documentary Films
San Francisco Black Film Festival Establishes St. Clair Bourne Award for Best Documentary Film 15 February 2008


Peace Corps Deputy Director Visits Peru
Peace Corps Deputy Director Visits Peru 15 February 2008


Thomas Dine remembers Tom Lantos
Thomas Dine writes: Tom Lantos's liberal anti-authoritarianism 16 February 2008


Ellen Nesbitt happy she got to go to Kenya
Peace Corps Volunteer Ellen Nesbitt happy she got to go to Kenya 17 February 2008


Doug Roberts returns to Vanuatu where son died
Doug Roberts travels to Vanuatu to where his son, Peace Corps Volunteer John Roberts died in an accident last year 17 February 2008


Peace Corps Returns to Rwanda
Peace Corps Returns to Rwanda 19 February 2008


Bush Meets with PCVs in Ghana
President Bush Meets with Peace Corps Volunteers in Ghana 20 February 2008


Bush Meets with PCVs in Ghana
President Bush Meets with Peace Corps Volunteers in Ghana 20 February 2008


Joe Trauth chases bulldozers
Micronesia RPCV Joe Trauth chases bulldozers - and says he's proud of it 20 February 2008


Jeff Glenn survives 23-page application to join PC
Jeff Glenn survives 23-page application to earn Peace Corps placement in Mongolia 21 February 2008


Tschetter in Bulgaria
Tschetter in Bulgaria 22 February 2008


Peace Corps Director Visits Bulgaria
Peace Corps Director Visits Bulgaria 22 February 2008


Bush Meets with PCVs in Ghana
President George W. Bush has paid tribute to American Peace Corps volunteers serving in Africa and urged them to do their best to contribute to human development in the host countries 22 February 2008


Dan Lavin is going back to Sierra Leone
Dan Lavin is going back to Sierra Leone this month 25 February 2008


Peace Corps Director Visits Macedonia
Peace Corps Director Visits Macedonia 26 February 2008


Josh Swiller has Cochlear Implant
Zambia RPCV Josh Swiller has Cochlear Implant 26 February 2008


Dodd endorses Obama for President
Dodd endorses Obama for President 26 February 2008


Obituary for Psychiatrist Ken Bredesen
Obituary for Peace Corps Psychiatrist Ken Bredesen 26 February 2008


Jack Vaughn writes: Candidates 'discover' Peace Corps
Jack Vaughn writes: At the very time people are beginning to ask the tired old question of whatever happened to the Peace Corps, the agency has become the model for crafting all the new presidential platforms 28 February 2008


Madeleine Tavares writes: A daughter in Kenya
Madeleine Tavares writes: A son in Iraq, a daughter in Kenya 29 February 2008

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Dodd vows to filibuster Surveillance Act Date: October 27 2007 No: 1206 Dodd vows to filibuster Surveillance Act
Senator Chris Dodd vowed to filibuster the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act that would grant retroactive immunity to telecommunications companies that helped this administration violate the civil liberties of Americans. "It is time to say: No more. No more trampling on our Constitution. No more excusing those who violate the rule of law. These are fundamental, basic, eternal principles. They have been around, some of them, for as long as the Magna Carta. They are enduring. What they are not is temporary. And what we do not do in a time where our country is at risk is abandon them."

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March 2, 2008: This Month's Top Stories Date: March 2 2008 No: 1236 March 2, 2008: This Month's Top Stories
Bush Meets with PCVs in Ghana 20 Feb
Jack Vaughn writes: Candidates 'discover' Peace Corps 28 Feb
Dan Lavin is going back to Sierra Leone 25 Feb
Peace Corps Returns to Rwanda 19 Feb
Doug Roberts returns to Vanuatu where son died 17 Feb
Paul H. Johnson writes: Criticism of Peace Corps 12 Feb
Doctoral Fellowship created for RPCVs at UC Berkeley 11 Feb
Jessi Griffin recovering after accident in Mozambique 10 Feb
Super delegates like Pat Waak are super important 6 Feb
Peace Corps pulls its volunteers out of Kenya 5 Feb
Robert Whittemore starts African Film Festival 4 Feb
Heidi Vogt writes: Modernity arrives via Cellphone 1 Feb
Bush's PC pledge nothing more than hot air 31 Jan
P. F. Kluge speaks in Saipan 28 Jan
600 RPCVs work in NY City Schools 27 Jan
Jim Walsh will be missed in Congress 25 Jan
Wisconsin RPCVs sponsor Freeze for Food 23 Jan
Maria Shriver reflects on Sargent Shriver 21 Jan
Mae Jemison says King's dream is call to action 20 Jan
André-Guy Soh remembers John Granville 16 Jan
Gaddi Vasquez addresses Placentia Rotary 16 Jan

New: More Stories from January and February 2008

What is Wrong at the US Embassy in Bolivia? Date: February 10 2008 No: 1227 What is Wrong at the US Embassy in Bolivia?
Last summer Peace Corps Inspector General David Kotz cited the lack of cooperation from the US embassy in Bolivia in the search for missing Peace Corps Volunteer Walter Poirier III. Now a member of the US Embassy Staff in Bolivia is accused of asking Peace Corps Volunteers "to basically spy" on Cubans and Venezuelans in the country. Could US Ambassador Philip S.Goldberg please explain what is going on at the embassy that he has been running in La Paz since 2006?

January 12, 2008: This Month's Top Stories Date: January 13 2008 No: 1221 January 12, 2008: This Month's Top Stories
Jack Vaughn, Peace Corps Legend 12 Jan
Hill Puts Gentle Pressure on North Korea 11 Jan
Sarah Chayes writes Bhutto's decision tarnishes her memory 10 Jan
Tom Petri is a Republican who 'gets it' 10 Jan
Robert Strauss writes: PCVs lack maturity and experience 9 Jan
James Rupert writes: Musharraf May Use Election Delay 7 Jan
Senate Increases Funding for Peace Corps 4 Jan
Chris Dodd addresses supporters after Iowa Caucuses 3 Jan
John Granville Shot Dead in Sudan 2 Jan
Kathleen Stephens appointed ambassador to South Korea 19 Dec
Obituary for St. Clair Bourne 18 Dec
Dr. Robert Zeigler warns of global rice shortage 13 Dec
PCV Blythe Ann O’Sullivan dies in Suriname accident 8 Dec
David Kotz named new Inspector General at SEC 6 Dec
Obama calls for doubling the size of the Peace Corps 5 Dec
Obituary for Henry Hyde - Friend of the Peace Corps 29 Nov
Robert M. Gates calls for “soft power” tools 27 Nov
Kevin Quigley writes: To win the peace, Restore the corps 27 Nov
Michael Adlerstein says UN renovation will be done right 27 Nov
Peru Trade Pact is Victory for Toledo 24 Nov
Crisis Corps is now Peace Corps Response 19 Nov
Tony Hall works for Middle East peace 13 Nov

Peace Corps Volunteers Remain Safe in Kenya Date: January 5 2008 No: 1218 Peace Corps Volunteers Remain Safe in Kenya
The U.S. Peace Corps has evacuated 35 of its volunteers from western Kenya because of the violence that has rocked the country since the disputed December 27 presidential election. The Peace Corps has 144 volunteers based in Kenya, although the organization says 22 of them are currently out of the country. An agency statement says the remaining volunteers have been consolidated in a variety of locations. Latest News: Peace Corps says volunteers in Kenya remain safe.

November 12, 2007: This Month's Top Stories Date: November 12 2007 No: 1210 November 12, 2007: This Month's Top Stories
Chris Dodd's service began with Peace Corps 9 Nov
Matthew McCue called back to Iraq from Peace Corps 9 Nov
Tschetter Visits Turkmenistan 9 Nov
Lara Weber writes: Oprah Winfrey's stumble 9 Nov
Heather Thompson works with P Diddy 7 Nov
Karen Hughes' public diplomacy came to nothing 4 Nov
James Rupert writes: Musharraf seizes power 3 Nov
Martin Puryear is Man of Mysteries 2 Nov
Sarah Chayes says Taliban score major victory 1 Nov
John Sullivan runs Sudan Divestment Task Force. 30 Oct
Tom Bissell writes: Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro 28 Oct
Chris Shays to seek 12th term 25 Oct
Helen Dudley can't stop giving 25 Oct
Joseph Acaba named to STS-119 Shuttle Crew 22 Oct
Vince Floriani in USA Today's All-USA Teacher Team 22 Oct
Kelly J. Morris writes "The Bight of Benin" 20 Oct
Charles Shelan was Buddhist monk Wondam’s teacher 19 Oct
Peace Corps returning to Liberia 18 Oct
David Peckham started Village Bicycle Project 16 Oct
Alberto Ibarguen announces grant for "Project Impunity" 15 Oct
Campbell Memorial Park boosts ecotourism 15 Oct
Bowers Family keep daughter's dream alive 15 Oct

October 14, 2007: This Month's Top Stories Date: October 14 2007 No: 1203 October 14, 2007: This Month's Top Stories
UN Secretary-General Visits Peace Corps 12 Oct
David Robeck adopted four orphans in Russia 14 Oct
Juan Donald Dontugan remorseful for killing Julia Campbell 12 Oct
PCV John Roberts dies in accident in Vanuatu 12 Oct
Richardson proposes PCVs earn back their college tuition 10 Oct
Bruce Cumings writes: North Korea: neutral instead of nuclear 9 Oct
Volunteerism is dropping significantly 9 Oct
Josh Swiller recalls being deaf in the Peace Corps 8 Oct
Bob Bates gained near-legendary status as mountaineer 7 Oct
New search for Peace Corps Volunteer Walter Poirier III 6 Oct
James Rupert writes: Attacks by Taliban mounting 6 Oct
Peace Corps Returns to Ethiopia 4 Oct
Chris Matthews and “the book interview from hell” 3 Oct
Knox College starts Peace Corps preparatory program 22 Sep
Julia Chang Bloch exhibits African American Art Treasures 19 Sep
Garamendi says students should push for change 17 Sep
NPCA raises $1 million in Microlending program 13 Sep
Dodd says Iraq Has Left Us More Vulnerable 12 Sep
David Whitman's photo exhibition opens Sep 9 in Key Biscayne 8 Sep
Dodd-Feinstein increases Peace Corps funding by $10 million 7 Sep
Kevin Denny writes: Malawi Village uplifts AIDS orphans 3 Sep

What is the greatest threat facing us now?  Date: September 12 2007 No: 1195 What is the greatest threat facing us now?
"People will say it's terrorism. But are there any terrorists in the world who can change the American way of life or our political system? No. Can they knock down a building? Yes. Can they kill somebody? Yes. But can they change us? No. Only we can change ourselves. So what is the great threat we are facing? I would approach this differently, in almost Marshall-like terms. What are the great opportunities out there - ones that we can take advantage of?" Read more.

Senator Dodd's Peace Corps Hearings Date: July 25 2007 No: 1178 Senator Dodd's Peace Corps Hearings
Read PCOL's executive summary of Senator Chris Dodd's hearings on July 25 on the Peace Corps Volunteer Empowerment Act and why Peace Corps Director Ron Tschetter does not believe the bill would contribute to an improved Peace Corps while four other RPCV witnesses do. Highlights of the hearings included Dodd's questioning of Tschetter on political meetings at Peace Corps Headquarters and the Inspector General's testimony on the re-opening of the Walter Poirier III investigation.

September 2, 2007: This Month's Top Stories Date: September 6 2007 No: 1193 September 2, 2007: This Month's Top Stories
Blackwill has contract to undermine Iraqi government 29 Aug
Frank Delano returns to Ghana 31 Aug
Mike Honda's comfort woman resolution passes 28 Aug
Margaret Pratley at 81 is oldest PCV 23 Aug
"Pepo" Saavedra Iguina sings with heart of poet 23 Aug
Campbell's mother recalls her daughter in testimony 22 Aug
Ex-Americorps head appointed Associate Director 20 Aug
Tschetter in Paraguay for 40th anniversary of program 20 Aug
Niki Tsongas is front-runner for Congressional seat 19 Aug
Mike Sheppard announces Peace Corps Wiki 16 Aug
Mark Schneider writes: Getting answers on Pakistan 15 Aug
Al Kamen writes: A Little Iraq Nostalgia 15 Aug
Victor DeMasi studies butterflies 14 Aug
Obituary for Morocco Country Director Everett Woodman 13 Aug
Carol Miles helps increase African seed production 13 Aug
Bruce Anderson back at Anderson Valley Advertiser 13 Aug
Joe Keefe writes: Dodd deserves the Oval Office 13 Aug
Malaysia RPCVs find each other after 35 years 10 Aug
Molly Brown monitors farms from space 10 Aug
Colin Gallagher writes: Surveillance of US Citizens 8 Aug
Scott Lacy starts African Sky 6 Aug
Charles Murray to address Centre for Independent Studies 6 Aug

Paul Theroux: Peace Corps Writer Date: August 15 2007 No: 1185 Paul Theroux: Peace Corps Writer
Paul Theroux began by writing about the life he knew in Africa as a Peace Corps Volunteer. His first three novels are set in Africa and two of his later novels recast his Peace Corps tour as fiction. Read about how Theroux involved himself with rebel politicians, was expelled from Malawi, and how the Peace Corps tried to ruin him financially in John Coyne's analysis and appreciation of one of the greatest American writers of his generation (who also happens to be an RPCV).

Dodd issues call for National Service Date: June 26 2007 No: 1164 Dodd issues call for National Service
Standing on the steps of the Nashua City Hall where JFK kicked off his campaign in 1960, Presidential Candidate Chris Dodd issued a call for National Service. "Like thousands of others, I heard President Kennedy's words and a short time later joined the Peace Corps." Dodd said his goal is to see 40 million people volunteering in some form or another by 2020. "We have an appetite for service. We like to be asked to roll up our sleeves and make a contribution," he said. "We haven't been asked in a long time."

Public diplomacy rests on sound public policy Date: June 10 2007 No: 1153 Public diplomacy rests on sound public policy
When President Kennedy spoke of "a long twilight struggle," and challenged the country to "ask not," he signaled that the Cold War was the challenge and framework defining US foreign policy. The current challenge is not a struggle against a totalitarian foe. It is not a battle against an enemy called "Islamofascism." From these false assumptions flow false choices, including the false choice between law enforcement and war. Instead, law enforcement and military force both must be essential instruments, along with diplomacy, including public diplomacy. But public diplomacy rests on policy, and to begin with, the policy must be sound. Read more.

Ambassador revokes clearance for PC Director Date: June 27 2007 No: 1166 Ambassador revokes clearance for PC Director
A post made on PCOL from volunteers in Tanzania alleges that Ambassador Retzer has acted improperly in revoking the country clearance of Country Director Christine Djondo. A statement from Peace Corps' Press Office says that the Peace Corps strongly disagrees with the ambassador’s decision. On June 8 the White House announced that Retzer is being replaced as Ambassador. Latest: Senator Dodd has placed a hold on Mark Green's nomination to be Ambassador to Tanzania.

Peace Corps Funnies Date: May 25 2007 No: 1135 Peace Corps Funnies
A PCV writing home? Our editor hard at work? Take a look at our Peace Corps Funnies and Peace Corps Cartoons and see why Peace Corps Volunteers say that sometimes a touch of levity can be one of the best ways of dealing with frustrations in the field. Read what RPCVs say about the lighter side of life in the Peace Corps and see why irreverent observations can often contain more than a grain of truth. We'll supply the photos. You supply the captions.

PCOL serves half million Date: May 1 2007 No: 1120 PCOL serves half million
PCOL's readership for April exceeded 525,000 visitors - a 50% increase over last year. This year also saw the advent of a new web site: Peace Corps News that together with the Peace Corps Library and History of the Peace Corps serve 17,000 RPCVs, Staff, and Friends of the Peace Corps every day. Thanks for making PCOL your source of news for the Peace Corps community. Read more.

Suspect confesses in murder of PCV Date: April 27 2007 No: 1109 Suspect confesses in murder of PCV
Search parties in the Philippines discovered the body of Peace Corps Volunteer Julia Campbell near Barangay Batad, Banaue town on April 17. Director Tschetter expressed his sorrow at learning the news. “Julia was a proud member of the Peace Corps family, and she contributed greatly to the lives of Filipino citizens in Donsol, Sorsogon, where she served,” he said. Latest: Suspect Juan Duntugan admits to killing Campbell. Leave your thoughts and condolences .

Warren Wiggins: Architect of the Peace Corps Date: April 15 2007 No: 1095 Warren Wiggins: Architect of the Peace Corps
Warren Wiggins, who died at 84 on April 13, became one of the architects of the Peace Corps in 1961 when his paper, "A Towering Task," landed in the lap of Sargent Shriver, just as Shriver was trying to figure out how to turn the Peace Corps into a working federal department. Shriver was electrified by the treatise, which urged the agency to act boldly. Read Mr. Wiggins' obituary and biography, take an opportunity to read the original document that shaped the Peace Corps' mission, and read John Coyne's special issue commemorating "A Towering Task."

Chris Dodd's Vision for the Peace Corps Date: September 23 2006 No: 996 Chris Dodd's Vision for the Peace Corps
Senator Chris Dodd (RPCV Dominican Republic) spoke at the ceremony for this year's Shriver Award and elaborated on issues he raised at Ron Tschetter's hearings. Dodd plans to introduce legislation that may include: setting aside a portion of Peace Corps' budget as seed money for demonstration projects and third goal activities (after adjusting the annual budget upward to accommodate the added expense), more volunteer input into Peace Corps operations, removing medical, healthcare and tax impediments that discourage older volunteers, providing more transparency in the medical screening and appeals process, a more comprehensive health safety net for recently-returned volunteers, and authorizing volunteers to accept, under certain circumstances, private donations to support their development projects. He plans to circulate draft legislation for review to members of the Peace Corps community and welcomes RPCV comments.

He served with honor Date: September 12 2006 No: 983 He served with honor
One year ago, Staff Sgt. Robert J. Paul (RPCV Kenya) carried on an ongoing dialog on this website on the military and the peace corps and his role as a member of a Civil Affairs Team in Iraq and Afghanistan. We have just received a report that Sargeant Paul has been killed by a car bomb in Kabul. Words cannot express our feeling of loss for this tremendous injury to the entire RPCV community. Most of us didn't know him personally but we knew him from his words. Our thoughts go out to his family and friends. He was one of ours and he served with honor.

Meet Ron Tschetter - Our Next Director Date: September 6 2006 No: 978 Meet Ron Tschetter - Our Next Director
Read our story about Ron Tschetter's confirmation hearing before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee that was carried on C-Span. It was very different from the Vasquez hearings in 2001, very cut and dried with low attendance by the public. Among the highlights, Tschetter intends to make recruitment of baby boomers a priority, there are 20 countries under consideration for future programs, Senator Dodd intends to re-introduce his third goal Peace Corps legislation this session, Tschetter is a great admirer of Senator Coleman's quest for accountability, Dodd thinks management at PC may not put volunteers first, Dodd wants Tschetter to look into problems in medical selection, and Tschetter is not a blogger and knows little about the internet or guidelines for volunteer blogs. Read our recap of the hearings as well as Senator Coleman's statement and Tschetter's statement.

Peace Corps' Screening and Medical Clearance Date: August 19 2006 No: 964 Peace Corps' Screening and Medical Clearance
The purpose of Peace Corps' screening and medical clearance process is to ensure safe accommodation for applicants and minimize undue risk exposure for volunteers to allow PCVS to complete their service without compromising their entry health status. To further these goals, PCOL has obtained a copy of the Peace Corps Screening Guidelines Manual through the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and has posted it in the "Peace Corps Library." Applicants and Medical Professionals (especially those who have already served as volunteers) are urged to review the guidelines and leave their comments and suggestions. Then read the story of one RPCV's journey through medical screening and his suggestions for changes to the process.

The Peace Corps is "fashionable" again Date: July 31 2006 No: 947 The Peace Corps is "fashionable" again
The LA Times says that "the Peace Corps is booming again and "It's hard to know exactly what's behind the resurgence." PCOL Comment: Since the founding of the Peace Corps 45 years ago, Americans have answered Kennedy's call: "Ask not what your country can do for you--ask what you can do for your country. My fellow citizens of the world: ask not what America will do for you, but what together we can do for the freedom of man." Over 182,000 have served. Another 200,000 have applied and been unable to serve because of lack of Congressional funding. The Peace Corps has never gone out of fashion. It's Congress that hasn't been keeping pace.

Peace Corps stonewalls on FOIA request Date: April 12 2006 No: 869 Peace Corps stonewalls on FOIA request
The Ashland Daily Tidings reports that Peace Corps has blocked their request for information on the Volkart case. "After the Tidings requested information pertaining to why Volkart was denied the position — on March 2 — the newspaper received a letter from the Peace Corps FOIA officer stating the requested information was protected under an exemption of the act." The Dayton Daily News had similar problems with FOIA requests for their award winning series on Volunteer Safety and Security.

History of the Peace Corps Date: March 18 2006 No: 834 History of the Peace Corps
PCOL is proud to announce that Phase One of the "History of the Peace Corps" is now available online. This installment includes over 5,000 pages of primary source documents from the archives of the Peace Corps including every issue of "Peace Corps News," "Peace Corps Times," "Peace Corps Volunteer," "Action Update," and every annual report of the Peace Corps to Congress since 1961. "Ask Not" is an ongoing project. Read how you can help.

PC announces new program in Cambodia Date: March 29 2006 No: 849 PC announces new program in Cambodia
Director Vasquez and Cambodia's Deputy Chief of Mission Meng Eang Nay announced a historic new partnership between the Peace Corps and the Kingdom of Cambodia that will bring volunteers to this Southeast Asian country for the first time. Under King Norodom Sihamoni and Prime Minister Hun Sen, Cambodia has welcomed new partnerships with the U.S. government and other U.S. organizations.

Invitee re-assigned after inflammatory remarks Date: March 21 2006 No: 839 Invitee re-assigned after inflammatory remarks
The Peace Corps has pulled the invitation to Derek Volkart to join the Morocco Training Program and offered him a position in the Pacific instead after officials read an article in which he stated that his decision to join the Peace Corps was in "response to our current fascist government." RPCV Lew Nash says that "If Derek Volkart spoke his mind as freely in Morocco about the Moroccan monarchy it could cause major problems for himself and other Peace Corps volunteers." Latest: Volkart reverses stance, takes new assignment in Paraguay.

March 1, 1961: Keeping Kennedy's Promise Date: February 27 2006 No: 800 March 1, 1961: Keeping Kennedy's Promise
On March 1, 1961, President John F. Kennedy issues Executive Order #10924, establishing the Peace Corps as a new agency: "Life in the Peace Corps will not be easy. There will be no salary and allowances will be at a level sufficient only to maintain health and meet basic needs. Men and women will be expected to work and live alongside the nationals of the country in which they are stationed--doing the same work, eating the same food, talking the same language. But if the life will not be easy, it will be rich and satisfying. For every young American who participates in the Peace Corps--who works in a foreign land--will know that he or she is sharing in the great common task of bringing to man that decent way of life which is the foundation of freedom and a condition of peace. "

Paid Vacations in the Third World? Date: February 20 2006 No: 787 Paid Vacations in the Third World?
Retired diplomat Peter Rice has written a letter to the Wall Street Journal stating that Peace Corps "is really just a U.S. government program for paid vacations in the Third World." Director Vasquez has responded that "the small stipend volunteers receive during their two years of service is more than returned in the understanding fostered in communities throughout the world and here at home." What do RPCVs think?

RPCV admits to abuse while in Peace Corps Date: February 3 2006 No: 780 RPCV admits to abuse while in Peace Corps
Timothy Ronald Obert has pleaded guilty to sexually abusing a minor in Costa Rica while serving there as a Peace Corps volunteer. "The Peace Corps has a zero tolerance policy for misconduct that violates the law or standards of conduct established by the Peace Corps," said Peace Corps Director Gaddi H. Vasquez. Could inadequate screening have been partly to blame? Mr. Obert's resume, which he had submitted to the Peace Corps in support of his application to become a Peace Corps Volunteer, showed that he had repeatedly sought and obtained positions working with underprivileged children. Read what RPCVs have to say about this case.

Military Option sparks concerns Date: January 3 2006 No: 773 Military Option sparks concerns
The U.S. military, struggling to fill its voluntary ranks, is allowing recruits to meet part of their reserve military obligations after active duty by serving in the Peace Corps. Read why there is opposition to the program among RPCVs. Director Vasquez says the agency has a long history of accepting qualified applicants who are in inactive military status. John Coyne says "Not only no, but hell no!" and RPCV Chris Matthews leads the debate on "Hardball." Avi Spiegel says Peace Corps is not the place for soldiers while Coleman McCarthy says to Welcome Soldiers to the Peace Corps. Read our poll results. Latest: Congress passed a bill on December 22 including language to remove Peace Corps from the National Call to Service (NCS) military recruitment program

Why blurring the lines puts PCVs in danger Date: October 22 2005 No: 738 Why blurring the lines puts PCVs in danger
When the National Call to Service legislation was amended to include Peace Corps in December of 2002, this country had not yet invaded Iraq and was not in prolonged military engagement in the Middle East, as it is now. Read the story of how one volunteer spent three years in captivity from 1976 to 1980 as the hostage of a insurrection group in Colombia in Joanne Marie Roll's op-ed on why this legislation may put soldier/PCVs in the same kind of danger. Latest: Read the ongoing dialog on the subject.

PC establishes awards for top Volunteers Date: November 9 2005 No: 749 PC establishes awards for top Volunteers
Gaddi H. Vasquez has established the Kennedy Service Awards to honor the hard work and service of two current Peace Corps Volunteers, two returned Peace Corps Volunteers, and two Peace Corps staff members. The award to currently serving volunteers will be based on a demonstration of impact, sustainability, creativity, and catalytic effect. Submit your nominations by December 9.

Peace Corps at highest Census in 30 years Date: October 22 2005 No: 745 Peace Corps at highest Census in 30 years
Congratulations to the Peace Corps for the highest number of volunteers in 30 years with 7,810 volunteers serving in 71 posts across the globe. Of course, the President's proposal to double the Peace Corps to 15,000 volunteers made in his State of the Union Address in 2002 is now a long forgotten dream. With deficits in federal spending stretching far off into the future, any substantive increase in the number of volunteers will have to wait for new approaches to funding and for a new administration. Choose your candidate and start working for him or her now.

'Celebration of Service' a major success Date: October 10 2005 No: 730 'Celebration of Service' a major success
The Peace Corps Fund's 'Celebration of Service' on September 29 in New York City was a major success raising approximately $100,000 for third goal activities. In the photo are Maureen Orth (Colombia); John Coyne (Ethiopia) Co-founder of the Peace Corps Fund; Caroline Kennedy; Barbara Anne Ferris (Morocco) Co-founder; Former Senator Harris Wofford, member of the Advisory Board. Read the story here.

PC apologizes for the "Kasama incident" Date: October 13 2005 No: 737 PC apologizes for the "Kasama incident"
The District Commissioner for the Kasama District in Zambia issued a statement banning Peace Corps activities for ‘grave’ social misconduct and unruly behavior for an incident that occurred on September 24 involving 13 PCVs. Peace Corps said that some of the information put out about the incident was "inflammatory and false." On October 12, Country Director Davy Morris met with community leaders and apologized for the incident. All PCVs involved have been reprimanded, three are returning home, and a ban in the district has since been lifted.

Returned Volunteers respond to Hurricane Katrina Date: September 12 2005 No: 729 Returned Volunteers respond to Hurricane Katrina
First and foremost, Give. Then volunteer with the Crisis Corps. Carol Bellamy says "In situations such as this one, money is needed the most" and added that Hurricane Katrina's impact on New Orleans is comparable to last year's tsunami. Thailand RPCV Thomas Tighe's Direct Relief International has committed an initial $250,000 in cash to assist hurricane victims. Mayor Tom Murphy (RPCV Paraguay) says Pittsburgh is ready to embrace refugees from devastated areas. Brazil RPCV Robert Backus is among the first Vermont doctors to volunteer to travel to Louisiana to treat victims. Latest: FEMA requests RPCVs to assist in recovery efforts through the Crisis Corps and the Peace Corps hopes to send 400 RPCVs to the Gulf Coast for short term assignments to assist victims with their applications for federal aid.

RPCVs contend for Academy Awards  Date: January 31 2005 No: 416 RPCVs contend for Academy Awards
Bolivia RPCV Taylor Hackford's film "Ray" is up for awards in six categories including best picture, best actor and best director. "Autism Is a World" co-produced by Sierra Leone RPCV Douglas Biklen and nominated for best Documentary Short Subject, seeks to increase awareness of developmental disabilities. Colombian film "El Rey," previously in the running for the foreign-language award, includes the urban legend that PCVs teamed up with El Rey to bring cocaine to U.S. soil.
Ask Not Date: January 18 2005 No: 388 Ask Not
As our country prepares for the inauguration of a President, we remember one of the greatest speeches of the 20th century and how his words inspired us. "And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you--ask what you can do for your country. My fellow citizens of the world: ask not what America will do for you, but what together we can do for the freedom of man."
RPCVs and Peace Corps provide aid  Date: January 4 2005 No: 366 Latest: RPCVs and Peace Corps provide aid
Peace Corps made an appeal last week to all Thailand RPCV's to consider serving again through the Crisis Corps and more than 30 RPCVs have responded so far. RPCVs: Read what an RPCV-led NGO is doing about the crisis an how one RPCV is headed for Sri Lanka to help a nation he grew to love. Question: Is Crisis Corps going to send RPCVs to India, Indonesia and nine other countries that need help?
The World's Broken Promise to our Children Date: December 24 2004 No: 345 The World's Broken Promise to our Children
Former Director Carol Bellamy, now head of Unicef, says that the appalling conditions endured today by half the world's children speak to a broken promise. Too many governments are doing worse than neglecting children -- they are making deliberate, informed choices that hurt children. Read her op-ed and Unicef's report on the State of the World's Children 2005.
Our debt to Bill Moyers Our debt to Bill Moyers
Former Peace Corps Deputy Director Bill Moyers leaves PBS next week to begin writing his memoir of Lyndon Baines Johnson. Read what Moyers says about journalism under fire, the value of a free press, and the yearning for democracy. "We have got to nurture the spirit of independent journalism in this country," he warns, "or we'll not save capitalism from its own excesses, and we'll not save democracy from its own inertia."
RPCV safe after Terrorist Attack RPCV safe after Terrorist Attack
RPCV Gina Abercrombie-Winstanley, the U.S. consul general in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia survived Monday's attack on the consulate without injury. Five consular employees and four others were killed. Abercrombie-Winstanley, the first woman to hold the position, has been an outspoken advocate of rights for Arab women and has met with Saudi reformers despite efforts by Saudi leaders to block the discussions.
The Birth of the Peace Corps The Birth of the Peace Corps
UMBC's Shriver Center and the Maryland Returned Volunteers hosted Scott Stossel, biographer of Sargent Shriver, who spoke on the Birth of the Peace Corps. This is the second annual Peace Corps History series - last year's speaker was Peace Corps Director Jack Vaughn.
Charges possible in 1976 PCV slaying Charges possible in 1976 PCV slaying
Congressman Norm Dicks has asked the U.S. attorney in Seattle to consider pursuing charges against Dennis Priven, the man accused of killing Peace Corps Volunteer Deborah Gardner on the South Pacific island of Tonga 28 years ago. Background on this story here and here.
Your vote makes a difference Your vote makes a difference
Make a difference on November 2 - Vote. Then take our RPCV exit poll. See how RPCV's are voting and take a look at the RPCV voter demographic. Finally leave a message on why you voted for John Kerry or for George Bush. Previous poll results here.
Kerry reaches out to Returned Volunteers Kerry reaches out to Returned Volunteers
The Kerry campaign wants the RPCV vote. Read our interview with Dave Magnani, Massachusetts State Senator and Founder of "RPCVs for Kerry," and his answers to our questions about Kerry's plan to triple the size of the Peace Corps, should the next PC Director be an RPCV, and Safety and Security issues. Then read the "RPCVs for Kerry" statement of support and statements by Dr. Robert Pastor, Ambassador Parker Borg, and Paul Oostburg Sanz made at the "RPCVs for Kerry" Press Conference.

RPCV Carl Pope says the key to winning this election is not swaying undecided voters, but persuading those already willing to vote for your candidate to actually go to the polls.

Take our poll and tell us what you are doing to support your candidate.

Finally read our wrap-up of the eight RPCVs in Senate and House races around the country and where the candidates are in their races.
Director Gaddi Vasquez:  The PCOL Interview Director Gaddi Vasquez: The PCOL Interview
PCOL sits down for an extended interview with Peace Corps Director Gaddi Vasquez. Read the entire interview from start to finish and we promise you will learn something about the Peace Corps you didn't know before.

Plus the debate continues over Safety and Security.
Schwarzenegger praises PC at Convention Schwarzenegger praises PC at Convention
Governor Schwarzenegger praised the Peace Corps at the Republican National Convention: "We're the America that sends out Peace Corps volunteers to teach village children." Schwarzenegger has previously acknowledged his debt to his father-in-law, Peace Corps Founding Director Sargent Shriver, for teaching him "the joy of public service" and Arnold is encouraging volunteerism by creating California Service Corps and tapping his wife, Maria Shriver, to lead it. Leave your comments and who can come up with the best Current Events Funny?
 Peace Corps: One of the Best Faces of America Peace Corps: One of the Best Faces of America
Teresa Heinz Kerry celebrates the Peace Corps Volunteer as one of the best faces America has ever projected in a speech to the Democratic Convention. The National Review disagreed and said that Heinz's celebration of the PCV was "truly offensive." What's your opinion and can you come up with a Political Funny?
Chicago RPCV Conference Chicago RPCV Conference
The second city proved it is second to none in putting on an unforgettable event for the NPCA's 2004 Returned Volunteer Conference. Read what RPCV Chris Matthews of MSNBC's Hardball had to say about his service in Swaziland and what Nobel laureate and Landmine Activist Bobby Mueller had to say about US Mideast policy. Read our coverage of the closing ceremony, the opening ceremony, our photo essay of the Flag Procession, our collection of over five hundred photos from the procession, and what VOA said about the conference. Great job, Capca!
PC changes "cash in lieu" travel policy PC changes "cash in lieu" travel policy
Read and comment on this memo from Peace Corps' General Counsel that explains the new policy for paying "cash in lieu" to Volunteers at their Completion of Service (COS). New RPCVs can still take the long way home, though they will likely have less money in their pockets because of the new policy. Peace Corps received $30 million more this year than in FY03 but is there a budget crunch now at Peace Corps? What do you think of the new policy?
Peace Corps Safety Issues Peace Corps Safety Issues
Are Assaults increasing for Peace Corps Volunteers? Read the complete series on Volunteer Safety and Security from the Dayton Daily News and the Peace Corps' Response to the Series. Then join RPCV discussions here, here, and here.

RPCVs remember the Peace Corps Fallen
PCVs who have died in the Peace Corps by Date, Country of Service, and Cause.
Gaddi Vasquez Speaks Out Gaddi Vasquez Speaks Out
Read our report on the House International Relations Committee's hearings on Peace Corps Safety and Security, the Senate hearings on Safety and Security and PCOL's statement on a critical flaw in the proposed bill then read Director Vasquez's op-ed piece that says that Dayton Daily News portrayal of Peace Corps doesn't jibe with facts. Has DDN provided "slanted coverage" and "misinformation?" Read the op-ed and leave your opinion.
Promises not Funded are Promises Not Kept Promises not Funded are Promises not Kept
Read the op-ed on the President's promise to double the Peace Corps by 2007, why the Peace Corps is admitting that it isn't going to happen, and what RPCVs can do to help.
Election 2004 and the Peace Corps Election 2004 and the Peace Corps
Read our articles on what the candidates say they are going to do for the Peace Corps if elected, read which candidate's policies best support the Spirit and Mission of the Peace Corps, and take our poll of RPCVs for Bush or RPCVs for Kerry. Previous Poll Results are here at the top of the page.

By Admin1 (admin) (98.188.147.225) on Friday, March 18, 2011 - 3:34 pm: Edit Post

PC Celebrates African American History Month
Peace Corps Celebrates African American History Month 1 February 2008



Colombia Volunteers Hold Historic Reunion
Peace Corps Colombia Volunteers Hold Historic Reunion 1 February 2008



Paul Theroux finds India resurgent
Paul Theroux finds India resurgent 1 February 2008



Paul Theroux says: Bollywood films lack nutrition...
Paul Theroux says: Bollywood films lack nutrition 1 February 2008



Heidi Vogt writes: Modernity arrives via Cellphone
Mali RPCV Heidi Vogt, writes: In African village, the sound of modernity arrives via cellphone 1 February 2008



Lee Norris spent days thinking about how I could stimulate...
Lee Norris spent days thinking about how I could stimulate both critical thinking and imagination from students in Moldova who had known little but rote memorization questions from Soviet-approved writers 1 February 2008



Paraguay RPCV John Poertner writes: I made a fool of...
Paraguay RPCV John Poertner writes: I made a fool of myself for international understanding 1 February 2008



Brian Dunn writes: Visiting a school in Uganda...
Brian Dunn writes: Visiting a school in Uganda 1 February 2008



Obama's PC strategy embodies spirit of JFK
Mark Ludeking writes: Obama's Peace Corps strategy embodies spirit of JFK 1 February 2008



James Forsyth writes: How the 2008 campaign made the world...
James Forsyth writes: How the 2008 campaign made the world love America again 1 February 2008



Peace Corps volunteer Claire Schuenke forced to end Kenya work...
Peace Corps volunteer Claire Schuenke forced to end Kenya work 2 February 2008



Barry Kitterman writes: "The Baker's Boy"
Belize RPCV Barry Kitterman writes: "The Baker's Boy" 3 February 2008



Paul Theroux is a man of strong dislikes
Paul Theroux is a man of strong dislikes 3 February 2008



Gail Graor keeps promise to join Peace Corps after 44...
Gail Graor keeps promise to join Peace Corps after 44 years and serves in Macedonia 3 February 2008



Bush requests $343.5 million appropriation for PC
President George W. Bush unveiled his fiscal year (FY) 2009 budget today, in which he asks Congress to provide the Peace Corps with a $343.5 million appropriation 4 February 2008



Deputy Director Jody Olsen Visits Belize
Peace Corps Deputy Director Jody Olsen Visits Belize 4 February 2008



Will Romine was posted to Kyrgyzstan where he serves as...
Will Romine was posted to Kyrgyzstan where he serves as a Peace Corps Volunteer 4 February 2008



Travis Hellstrom to serve as Peace Corps Volunteer in Mongolia...
Travis Hellstrom to serve as Peace Corps Volunteer in Mongolia 4 February 2008



Robert Whittemore starts African Film Festival
RPCV Dr. Robert Whittemore's WestConn African Film Festival celebrates a dozen years of African cinema at annual festival 4 February 2008



Sengal RPCV Dr. Robert Whittemore started the WestConn African Film...
Sengal RPCV Dr. Robert Whittemore started the WestConn African Film Festival in the mid-1990s 4 February 2008



Shays says US provides intelligence on PKK to Turkey...
Shays says US provides intelligence on PKK to Turkey 4 February 2008



Harris Wofford finds echoes of Kennedy in Obama
John Baer writes: In Obama, Harris Wofford finds echoes of Kennedy, King 4 February 2008



Toledo opposes judicial harassment against politicians
Alejandro Toledo supports accusations of judicial harassment against opposition politicians 4 February 2008



Peace Corps pulls its volunteers out of Kenya
Peace Corps pulls its volunteers out of Kenya 5 February 2008



Dodd On Vice Presidential Short List with Obama?
Dodd On Vice Presidential Short List with Obama? 5 February 2008



Chris Shays co-chairs McCain's Connecticut campaign
Chris Shays serves as chair of McCain's Connecticut campaign with Sen. Joe Lieberman, an independent Democrat 5 February 2008



Tom Weisner blasts Aurora Election Commission
Mayor Tom Weisner blasts Aurora Election Commission 5 February 2008



Doyle hits the campaign trail for Barak Obama
Doyle hits the campaign trail for Barak Obama 5 February 2008



Bolivia Peace Corps Volunteer Helen writes: Having spent nearly a...
Bolivia Peace Corps Volunteer Helen writes: Having spent nearly a week in Bolivia, and over a week with my B47 compadres, I can say with the utmost certainty that this is where I am supposed to be. 6 February 2008



Super delegates like Pat Waak are super important
Super delegates like Pat Waak are super important 6 February 2008



Guy Consolmagno to speak at University of Dallas
Guy Consolmagno to speak at University of Dallas 6 February 2008



Peace Corps Volunteer "Uganda + Peace Corps + Nerd = Adventure" writes: Today...
Peace Corps Volunteer "Uganda + Peace Corps + Nerd = Adventure" writes: Today, I just heard from two other volunteers that someone1,2 in my group will be ETing (Early Termination - a.k.a going home without completing service) at the end of the month. And that's cool. Her reasons make sense and it seems like the right decision. 7 February 2008



Jack Vaughn: Once a Fighter, Always a Fighter
Bonnie Henry writes: Jack Vaughn: Once a Fighter, Always a Fighter 7 February 2008



Hill says Korea talks are at "critical challenging" point
Christopher R. Hill told lawmakers that six-nation disarmament talks are at a "critical, challenging" point 7 February 2008



Margaret Krome writes: Damaging Bush Budget
Margaret Krome writes: Bush budget designed for maximum damage 7 February 2008



Romney's departure leaves Petri disappointed
Romney's departure leaves Petri disappointed 7 February 2008



PCVs in Bolivia asked to 'Spy' by US Embassy Official...
PCVs in Bolivia asked to 'Spy' by US Embassy Official Vincent Cooper 8 February 2008



Peace Corps members asked to spy...
Peace Corps members asked to spy 8 February 2008



US Embassy Official Made Security Request to PCVs...
US Embassy Official Made Security Request to PCVs 8 February 2008



Peace Corps policy against intelligence connections is based on the...
Peace Corps policy against intelligence connections is based on the general authority of the Director of the Peace Corps 8 February 2008



The Democracy Center writes: US Embassy Asked Peace Corps and...
The Democracy Center writes: US Embassy Asked Peace Corps and Fulbright Scholars to Spy in Bolivia 8 February 2008



Obituary for Costa Rica RPCV Diana Josephine Forrester...
Obituary for Costa Rica RPCV Diana Josephine Forrester 8 February 2008



Turkey RPCV Chris Buetler supports Obama
Turkey RPCV Chris Buetler supports Obama 8 February 2008



Toledo Speaks on Latin American Democracy
Toledo Speaks on Latin American Democracy 8 February 2008



Peace Corps Names New Deputy Chief of Staff and Director...
Peace Corps Names New Deputy Chief of Staff and Director of Congressional Relations 8 February 2008



Bolivia Peace Corps Volunteer Diana writes: The Bolivian way of...
Bolivia Peace Corps Volunteer Diana writes: The Bolivian way of life 9 February 2008



Alan Gottlieb writes: "Ultimate Excursions"
"Ultimate Excursions," by Ecuador RPCV Alan Gottlieb, follows Timothy Lake through his short-lived Peace Corps stint and then his foray into drugs and booze 9 February 2008



Writer Alan Gottlieb served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in...
Writer Alan Gottlieb served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Ecuador in 1980-81 9 February 2008



Peace Corps Volunteer Natalie Austin leaves everything behind because of...
Peace Corps Volunteer Natalie Austin leaves everything behind because of Kenyan violence 9 February 2008



Michael O'Hanlon writes: Time for Kurdish Realism
Michael O'Hanlon writes: Time for Kurdish Realism 9 February 2008



An Interview with Reed Hastings
An Interview with Reed Hastings 9 February 2008



US Embassy Admits Peace Corps and Fulbright study program beneficiaries...
US Embassy Admits Peace Corps and Fulbright study program beneficiaries asked by US official Vincent Cooper to provide data about their "contacts with citizens from certain countries" 10 February 2008



Danna Hering was in Kenya when President Mwai Kibaki was...
Danna Hering was in Kenya when President Mwai Kibaki was elected in 2002 and remembers the parades in the streets and the overwhelming joy of the Kenyan people because previous President Daniel arap Moi had been in power for more than 20 years 10 February 2008



Arthur Dobrin writes: Blood on the postcard
Kenya RPCV Arthur Dobrin writes: Blood on the postcard 10 February 2008



Jessi Griffin recovering after accident in Mozambique
Peace Corps Volunteer Jessica (Jessi) Griffin is recovering after accident in Mozambique 10 February 2008



Mike Tidwell leads environmental campaign
For years, Mike Tidwell led an environmental campaign, one with few followers 10 February 2008



U.S. Ambassador to Bolivia, Philip S. Goldberg, denies that the...
U.S. Ambassador to Bolivia, Philip S. Goldberg, denies that the embassy asked anyone to spy 11 February 2008



Jean Friedman-Rudovsky writes: U.S. Diplomat Vincent Cooper Recalled After...
Jean Friedman-Rudovsky writes: U.S. Diplomat Vincent Cooper Recalled After 'Spying' Allegations in Bolivia 11 February 2008



An embassy spokesman told The Associated Press that Bolivia has...
An embassy spokesman told The Associated Press that Bolivia has not delivered any formal complaint or demand about Cooper 11 February 2008



Bolivian President Evo Morales declared a U.S. Embassy security officer...
Bolivian President Evo Morales declared a U.S. Embassy security officer Vincent Cooper to be an "undesirable person" after reports that the officer asked 30 Peace Corps volunteers to pass along information about Cubans and Venezuelans working in Bolivia 11 February 2008



American Official Asked Fulbright Scholar to Spy on Cubans and...
American Official Asked Fulbright Scholar to Spy on Cubans and Venezuelans in Bolivia 11 February 2008



Doctoral Fellowship created for RPCVs at UC Berkeley
International House creates California's First Endowed Doctoral Fellowship for Peace Corps Volunteers at UC Berkeley 11 February 2008



Ibargüen announces $5 million Museum Endowment
Alberto Ibargüen announces $5 million endowment for the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA), North Miami 11 February 2008



PC gets a clean audit on financial statements
External auditors rendered an unqualified opinion - a clean audit - on the agency's financial statements for fiscal 2007 11 February 2008



RPCV Susan Lettis will will speak about her experiences in...
RPCV Susan Lettis will will speak about her experiences in a rural village in northern Benin 12 February 2008



Robert Farley writes: The point of putting a wall between...
Robert Farley writes: The point of putting a wall between Peace Corps activities and intelligence gathering activities is that any hint of the latter contaminating the former puts the entire Peace Corps operation in jeopardy 12 February 2008



Bolivia Asks U.S. Envoy to Explain Spying Charge...
Bolivia Asks U.S. Envoy to Explain Spying Charge 12 February 2008



Jean Friedman-Rudovsky, a freelance journalist with correspondent for Time...
Jean Friedman-Rudovsky, a freelance journalist with correspondent for Time magazine based in Bolivia broke the story about the US embassy asking Peace Corps volunteers and a Fulbright scholar to spy on Cubans and Venezuelans in Bolivia 12 February 2008



Cuba Web reports that Bolivian Evo Morales declares US embassy...
Cuba Web reports that Bolivian Evo Morales declares US embassy security officer Vincent Cooper as a "persona non grata" 12 February 2008



Paul H. Johnson writes: Criticism of Peace Corps
Paul H. Johnson at the University of Michigan writes: What counts as useful criticism of the Peace Corps? 12 February 2008



US Official Will Not Return to Bolivia...
US Official Will Not Return to Bolivia 13 February 2008



US asked to explain scholar's allegations...
US asked to explain scholar's allegations 13 February 2008



Professor Jacqueline Wald, a Spanish lecturer of eight years, plans...
Professor Jacqueline Wald, a Spanish lecturer of eight years, plans to join the Peace Corps for a two-year eco-tourism project in Panama 13 February 2008



The subject of Packer's melancholy drama is a group that...
The subject of Packer's melancholy drama is a group that has been covered less assiduously in the national media: the Iraqis who actually did welcome and assist the U.S., and were hung out to dry in the hard winds of anti-American reaction 13 February 2008



Can I carry on without iTunes? Without Starbucks coffee? Without...
Can I carry on without iTunes? Without Starbucks coffee? Without CNN? Last Friday I was asked all of these questions at my Peace Corps interview. 14 February 2008



US embassy official accused of asking student to spy will...
US embassy official accused of asking student to spy will not return to Bolivia 14 February 2008



Government officials in Bolivia have filed espionage charges against a...
Government officials in Bolivia have filed espionage charges against a U.S. official who instructed Peace Corps volunteers and a Fulbright scholar to provide information on Cubans and Venezuelans living in Bolivia 14 February 2008



Nancy Scheper-Hughes opposes organ trafficking
Nancy Scheper-Hughes says Top transplant surgeons involved in organ trafficking 14 February 2008



Chris Matthews Pulls No Punches
Candid Talker Chris Matthews Pulls No Punches 14 February 2008



St. Clair Bourne Award established for Documentary Films
San Francisco Black Film Festival Establishes St. Clair Bourne Award for Best Documentary Film 15 February 2008



Peace Corps Deputy Director Visits Peru
Peace Corps Deputy Director Visits Peru 15 February 2008



Background: Mark Weisbrot writes: Is Washington Undermining Democracy in Bolivia...
Background: Mark Weisbrot writes: Is Washington Undermining Democracy in Bolivia? 16 February 2008



Thomas Dine remembers Tom Lantos
Thomas Dine writes: Tom Lantos's liberal anti-authoritarianism 16 February 2008



Ellen Nesbitt happy she got to go to Kenya
Peace Corps Volunteer Ellen Nesbitt happy she got to go to Kenya 17 February 2008



Doug Roberts returns to Vanuatu where son died
Doug Roberts travels to Vanuatu to where his son, Peace Corps Volunteer John Roberts died in an accident last year 17 February 2008



Betty Primus entered the Peace Corps at age 58 and...
Betty Primus entered the Peace Corps at age 58 and served in Zambia as a healthcare volunteer 18 February 2008



Brazil RPCV Susan Luz recounts life in Iraq...
Brazil RPCV Susan Luz recounts life in Iraq 19 February 2008



Peace Corps volunteer Jacki Icenogle is back in Oregon after...
Peace Corps volunteer Jacki Icenogle is back in Oregon after two years in Mozambique 19 February 2008



Nigeria RPCV Steve Frykholm does graphic design work for the...
Nigeria RPCV Steve Frykholm does graphic design work for the Zeeland-based office furniture maker 19 February 2008



Peace Corps Returns to Rwanda
Peace Corps Returns to Rwanda 19 February 2008



Peace Corps returning to Rwanda...
Peace Corps returning to Rwanda 19 February 2008



NPCA finds reports asking PCVs "to basically spy" on Cubans...
NPCA finds reports asking PCVs "to basically spy" on Cubans and Venezuelans very troubling 20 February 2008



Bush Meets with PCVs in Ghana
President Bush Meets with Peace Corps Volunteers in Ghana 20 February 2008



Bush Meets with PCVs in Ghana
President Bush Meets with Peace Corps Volunteers in Ghana 20 February 2008



Gretchen Snoeyenbos serves as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Mali...
Gretchen Snoeyenbos serves as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Mali 20 February 2008



Joe Trauth chases bulldozers
Micronesia RPCV Joe Trauth chases bulldozers - and says he's proud of it 20 February 2008



Peace Corps recognizes Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) throughout...
Peace Corps recognizes Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) throughout the U.S. that are the top producers of Peace Corps Volunteers for 2008 20 February 2008



Guyana RPCV Jason Rosen writes: What is it going to...
Guyana RPCV Jason Rosen writes: What is it going to take to get folks to wake up to the fact that things in Guyana will not change until they come together like they never have before and resolve the political issues that have been around since the "bread basket of the Caribbean" was flourishing 21 February 2008



Jeff Glenn survives 23-page application to join PC
Jeff Glenn survives 23-page application to earn Peace Corps placement in Mongolia 21 February 2008



Barbara Bush says: Last summer, I met an American man...
Barbara Bush says: Last summer, I met an American man named Steve Bolinger who is helping to feed AIDS patients in Senegal. 21 February 2008



Vanessa Hunter served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Bolivia...
Vanessa Hunter served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Bolivia 22 February 2008



Micah Owens enjoying opportunity the Peace Corps presents in Bulgaria...
Micah Owens enjoying opportunity the Peace Corps presents in Bulgaria 22 February 2008



Tschetter in Bulgaria
Tschetter in Bulgaria 22 February 2008



Peace Corps Director Visits Bulgaria
Peace Corps Director Visits Bulgaria 22 February 2008



Peace Corps Volunteer "Be the change." writes: I came to...
Peace Corps Volunteer "Be the change." writes: I came to Cambodia to save the world. I don't mean that I was actually that naïve, or that my intentions were so ignorantly starry-eyed and cocky that I expected to achieve this. But what that idea represents was in me 22 February 2008



Bush Meets with PCVs in Ghana
President George W. Bush has paid tribute to American Peace Corps volunteers serving in Africa and urged them to do their best to contribute to human development in the host countries 22 February 2008



Honduras Peace Corps Volunteer Brianna Bond writes: Peace Corps possibilities...
Honduras Peace Corps Volunteer Brianna Bond writes: Peace Corps possibilities 22 February 2008



Bill Moyers interviews Sarah Chayes...
Bill Moyers interviews Sarah Chayes 22 February 2008



Gays take part in Peace Corps Week...
Gays take part in Peace Corps Week 22 February 2008



Peace Corps Week Highlights Work of Volunteers Worldwide...
Peace Corps Week Highlights Work of Volunteers Worldwide 22 February 2008



Matthew Britton spent three years in Mauritana, an Arabic country...
Matthew Britton spent three years in Mauritana, an Arabic country, which helped partially satisfy his desire to see the world 24 February 2008



Peace Corps volunteer Hannah Klausman adapts to the cold temperatures...
Peace Corps volunteer Hannah Klausman adapts to the cold temperatures and warm culture of Mongolia 24 February 2008



Dan Lavin is going back to Sierra Leone
Dan Lavin is going back to Sierra Leone this month 25 February 2008



Peace Corps Director Visits Macedonia
Peace Corps Director Visits Macedonia 26 February 2008



Josh Swiller has Cochlear Implant
Zambia RPCV Josh Swiller has Cochlear Implant 26 February 2008



Dodd endorses Obama for President
Dodd endorses Obama for President 26 February 2008



Obituary for Psychiatrist Ken Bredesen
Obituary for Peace Corps Psychiatrist Ken Bredesen 26 February 2008



Maggie and Gregg Nurrenbern served as Peace Corps Volunteers in...
Maggie and Gregg Nurrenbern served as Peace Corps Volunteers in Ecuador 27 February 2008



Darlene Cavey and her third-grade students talk via speakerphone...
Darlene Cavey and her third-grade students talk via speakerphone Tuesday with her son, Mike, who is a volunteer in the Peace Corps stationed in Turkmenistan in central Asia 27 February 2008



University of Arizona is home to a fellowship program that...
University of Arizona is home to a fellowship program that allows returned Peace Corps volunteers to earn graduate degrees while working at internships that benefit Southern Arizona 27 February 2008



RPCVs share meal in Oneonta...
RPCVs share meal in Oneonta 27 February 2008



Hugh O'Shaughnessy of BBC News writes: For Cubans, the recent...
Hugh O'Shaughnessy of BBC News writes: For Cubans, the recent Cooper affair was all part of a US strategy to tempt Cuban doctors to desert 28 February 2008



Jack Vaughn writes: Candidates 'discover' Peace Corps
Jack Vaughn writes: At the very time people are beginning to ask the tired old question of whatever happened to the Peace Corps, the agency has become the model for crafting all the new presidential platforms 28 February 2008



Edward Dalton served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Belize...
Edward Dalton served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Belize 29 February 2008



Angela Day writes: All Eyes On Bolivia...
Angela Day writes: All Eyes On Bolivia 29 February 2008



Cameroon RPCV Edwin J. Kay writes: When my wife, Janice...
Cameroon RPCV Edwin J. Kay writes: When my wife, Janice, and I tell people that we served in Peace Corps, they assume, because we are in our 60s, that we served in the 1960s. 29 February 2008



Madeleine Tavares writes: A daughter in Kenya
Madeleine Tavares writes: A son in Iraq, a daughter in Kenya 29 February 2008



Robert Donayre writes "What It Means to Serve: From Airborne...
Robert Donayre writes "What It Means to Serve: From Airborne Ranger to Peace Corps Volunteer" 29 February 2008