SUPPORTING THE PEACE CORPS

WHEREAS, The U.S. Conference of Mayors is one of the nation’s leading organizations dedicated to community building, civic engagement and the promotion of volunteerism; and

WHEREAS, the Peace Corps was established by President Kennedy’s executive order on March 1, 1961, with the mission to promote world peace and friendship and a better understanding between Americans and people of other countries; and

WHEREAS, Peace Corps has three goals:  1) To provide trained Americans to live and work overseas for the needs of host countries; 2) to share the American culture and perspectives overseas; and 3) to share the international experience gained overseas with Americans back in the United States; and

WHEREAS, for over 50 years, the Peace Corps has sent more than 200,000 American volunteers to 139 host countries to work on local community projects; and

WHEREAS, more than 9,000 Peace Corps and Peace Corps Response volunteers currently serve in 75 host countries in long-term (27-month) and short-term, high impact (3 to 12 months) assignments providing technical assistance and acquiring international expertise in six program sectors:  Youth Development, Education, Community and Economic Development, Health, Agriculture and Environment; and

WHEREAS, over 3,500 Peace Corps volunteers return to the United States each year with demonstrated technical, foreign language, project management, and cross cultural skills and become leaders in many different fields, including public service, education, international business, non-profit management,  health, and more.

WHEREAS, more than 200,000 returned Peace Corps volunteers live and work in communities throughout the U.S. and engage in activities that promote global understanding and service while educating Americans about the cultures and people of other countries; and

WHEREAS, the Peace Corps provides free, online resources for American educators and mentors to integrate global issues and cultural awareness into their classrooms through programs such as Coverdell World Wise Schools, and can facilitate the involvement of community and civic groups interested in supporting projects overseas through the Peace Corps Partnership Program.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that The U.S. Conference of Mayors recognizes the vital work of the Peace Corps around the world and the valuable contribution that returned Peace Corps volunteers make to communities in the United States upon their return from service overseas; and  

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that The U.S. Conference of Mayors will encourage local citizens to consider Peace Corps service; and

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that The U. S. Conference of Mayors will call on the thousands of returned Peace Corps volunteers living across the United States to support city initiatives and operations either on an organized volunteer basis or through staff recruitment; and

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that The U.S. Conference of Mayors encourages mayors across the United States to recognize March 1 as Peace Corps Day in their communities with events and programs; and

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that The U.S. Conference of Mayors will encourage local educators and community groups to utilize the free resources available through the Peace Corps and collaborations with returned Peace Corps Volunteers to enhance Sister City appreciation in the United States and elsewhere; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that The U.S. Conference of Mayors will provide a point of contact to Peace Corps for potential collaborative initiatives, activities and events.