I can write an essay about the problems of PCs current system. Some themes include, minimal volunteer support, lack of work, lack of training, inefficient use of resources, lack of strategy, misalignment between PCVs and staff, etc. If you talk to most volunteers, they will tell you that on a given day they don't really do much. If you talk to RPCVs most will tell you that they gained more for the experience than the HCNs. This goes for my country as well as the stories of friends and friends of friends that have served around the world. Sure they culturally integrate and drink tea under a tree and talk about life with HCNs but is that an efficient use of the organization or tax payer dollars.
ke18sb2000 writes: You are right, change in PC is needed. However, money and growth are not the changes it needs right now.
When I first read your post I was quite intrigued and went to the website to see what was being proposed. Unfortunately, I did not see any specific strategy plan as to how to improve PC nor how it intends to grow. It was the typical "rah rah" mentality that encompasses the PC community. Emotion of logic. Additionally, I felt as though many of the facts were made to lend support to your favor; however, don't necessarily indicate reality.
I am a current volunteer. Prior to joining PC, I worked in finance & management consulting. While I love being a volunteer and think that PC has a solid framework, brand, and infrastructure to operate as a successful organization, I sincerely believe that in its current state it does not need to be expanded nor should additional tax payers dollars be allocated.
I can write an essay about the problems of PCs current system. Some themes include, minimal volunteer support, lack of work, lack of training, inefficient use of resources, lack of strategy, misalignment between PCVs and staff, etc. If you talk to most volunteers, they will tell you that on a given day they don't really do much. If you talk to RPCVs most will tell you that they gained more for the experience than the HCNs. This goes for my country as well as the stories of friends and friends of friends that have served around the world. Sure they culturally integrate and drink tea under a tree and talk about life with HCNs but is that an efficient use of the organization or tax payer dollars.
I sadly feel that too often, PCVs and RPCVs get too caught up in the nostalgia of there service. Sure you make friends and sure you had a good time but it doesn't mean its a successful, and more importantly efficient run organization. Why should PC be available to everyone? America should be sending its best and brightest abroad, not anyone up for the adventure. We promise host country's professionals not companions. If anything, the standards of admission need to be increased.
Before any additional money is given and before any expansion is made, PC needs to take a hard look in the mirror and determine what it is. It needs to develop a clearly defined strategy. It needs to develop significantly better practices, in terms of recruiting/placement as well as training/service. Until these issues are addressed and improved, expanding PC will not help but hurt the organization.
Thank you for pointing out your website. I will be writing my senator and representatives. However, my letter will tell a different side of the story. I will ask them not to support any further expansion. Instead, I will ask them to push for an internal review, the creation of a new strategy and sweeping changes across the organization.
You are right, change in PC is needed. However, money and growth are not the changes it needs right now.
