Peace Corps Volunteers are, or are in the process of becoming, both facilitators of success abroad and (often) leaders of successful initiatives at home after they return.

The City of San Jose Community Leadership Academy - at http://www.strongneighborhoods.org/neighborhooddev elopmentcenter.htm -- and the City of Salinas Neighborhood Leadership Academy described here - http://www.ci.salinas.ca.us/services/neighborhoods ervices/pdf/ComEngagementVS_Plan.pdf -- both are classic examples of how the federal government could funnel (and fund) third goal activities (not to mention RPCV energy) into improving our neighborhoods and communities during times of fiscal strain.

Leadership is vital to cultivate in organizations, neighborhoods, communities, local governments, and indeed, at the state and national level as well.

Respectfully,

Colin G. Gallagher, B.S., N.R.P.I. (HSU '97)
Candidate, Executive Master of Public Administration (GGU - August '09 Completion)
RPCV - El Salvador ('98 - '00)
(formerly) Member, Board of Directors, NorCal PCA, and Board Representative, Monterey Bay / Santa Cruz Contingent