2008.01.13: January 13, 2008: Headlines: COS - China: Speaking Out: New York Times: China RPCV Michael Levy writes: Robert L. Strauss' criticism of the Peace Corps is an insult to those who work tirelessly — at great sacrifice and, at times, with little enjoyment — to fulfill their missions
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2008.01.09: January 9, 2008: Headlines: COS - Liberia: Country Directors - Cameroon: Speaking Out: New York Times: Liberia RPCV Robert L. Strauss writes: Too often young volunteers lack the maturity and professional experience to be effective development workers in the 21st century:
2008.01.13: January 13, 2008: Headlines: COS - China: Speaking Out: New York Times: China RPCV Michael Levy writes: Robert L. Strauss' criticism of the Peace Corps is an insult to those who work tirelessly — at great sacrifice and, at times, with little enjoyment — to fulfill their missions
China RPCV Michael Levy writes: Robert L. Strauss' criticism of the Peace Corps is an insult to those who work tirelessly — at great sacrifice and, at times, with little enjoyment — to fulfill their missions
"Mr. Strauss also suggests that the Peace Corps is satisfied if “volunteers are enjoying themselves.” This is, quite frankly, an insult to those who work tirelessly — at great sacrifice and, at times, with little enjoyment — to fulfill their missions. As a volunteer, I spent more than a year in direct dialogue with my Chinese counterparts before helping to set up a weekend program for children. My “customers” — peasant farmers and their children — were immensely grateful."
China RPCV Michael Levy writes: Robert L. Strauss' criticism of the Peace Corps is an insult to those who work tirelessly — at great sacrifice and, at times, with little enjoyment — to fulfill their missions
Who Helps Whom in the Peace Corps?
Published: January 13, 2008
To the Editor:
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Kelly Blair
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Op-Ed Contributor: Too Many Innocents Abroad (January 9, 2008)
In “Too Many Innocents Abroad” (Op-Ed, Jan. 9), Robert L. Strauss criticizes the Peace Corps, saying that often its “young volunteers lack the maturity and professional experience to be effective development workers in the 21st century.”
The agency, he says, “neglects its customers.” In fact, volunteers are trained to integrate into their host communities and listen carefully.
As a volunteer, I spent more than a year in direct dialogue with my Chinese counterparts before helping to set up a weekend program for children. My “customers” — peasant farmers and their children — were immensely grateful.
Mr. Strauss also suggests that the Peace Corps is satisfied if “volunteers are enjoying themselves.” This is, quite frankly, an insult to those who work tirelessly — at great sacrifice and, at times, with little enjoyment — to fulfill their missions.
In applying the metrics of management consulting to the Peace Corps, Mr. Strauss ignores the essence of this marvelous organization: its humanity.
If he wants to deal with “customers,” his matrix for analysis makes sense. The Peace Corps, however, deals with people.
Michael Levy
Northampton, Mass., Jan. 9, 2008
Links to Related Topics (Tags):
Headlines: January, 2008; Peace Corps China; Directory of China RPCVs; Messages and Announcements for China RPCVs; Speaking Out
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Story Source: New York Times
This story has been posted in the following forums: : Headlines; COS - China; Speaking Out
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