NPCA Advocacy Network

One of the most exciting developments described and discussed at this month’s NPCA conference in Portland was the creation of a comprehensive electronically based Advocacy Network. The purpose of NPCA’s advocacy effort is to promote policies consistent with the Peace Corps experience. In order to effectively advocate to and lobby the Congress to accomplish such a goal, it is necessary to create an advocacy network of former volunteers and Peace Corps staff (now approaching the 200,000 mark).

Current NPCA advocacy efforts are concentrated on passing the Peace Corps Charter for the 21st Century which looks likely to occur, and appropriate funding for the Peace Corps and effective foreign aid. Specifically NPCA is calling for the allocation of $320 million in the Peace Corps budget as requested by the President. This appropriation bill is under attack and facing cuts.

Dave Hibbard and Terry AmRhein, two newly appointed members of the NPCA Board have taken on the responsibility to create the Advocacy Network that’s required to effectively advocate these and any other issue that may come up in the near or long term future. They are creating the invaluable infrastructure to be able to do this. Their aim is to identify Peace Corps advocates in every congressional district around the country. I’m urging every politically active member of our organization to join this network. And it’s really easy.

You can fill out an online form (and/or learn more about it all “Advocacy Training Guide”) After you join, you’ll be contacted in the future by email about advocacy issues of Peace Corps concern.