Since 1961, more than 240,000 American Peace Corps volunteers have provided assistance in 142 country partners, fulfilling requests for assistance. PCVs and their work have changed innumerable lives for the better through projects that range from developing fish hatcheries to connecting patients to lifesaving medical treatments.
I know firsthand the impact the Peace Corps has, because I served in Azrou, Morocco, working in small-business development with artisans working on traditional crafts such as rug-weaving, rock-carving, metal-working and woodworking. It was important to keep traditions alive while introducing the artisans to 21st-century markets and opportunities.
The original Peace Corps Act was signed into law in Sept. 1961 by President John F. Kennedy. The Peace Corps Act has not been updated and reauthorized for more than 20 years.
Recently, Democrats and Republicans on the House Foreign Affairs Committee came together and passed H.R. 1456 by a vote of 44 to 4. And the Senate Foreign Relations Committee passed its version of the legislation (S.4466) by a voice vote with no opposition. Congress must update and reauthorize the Peace Corps Act now.
To meet the challenges of a modern world, the Peace Corps institution needs to be updated. The Peace Corps Reauthorization Act (H.R. 1456) includes provisions to improve in-service and post-service health care; extend the critical mission of a Sexual Assault Advisory Council; enhance several volunteer financial benefits; and expedite applications for volunteers wishing to return to service after COVID brought them home.
Now is the time to capitalize on this bipartisan momentum and pass this needed legislation. As of this month, 470 PCVs have returned to service in 23 countries, and more volunteers are preparing to leave for service.
By relying on volunteers, the Peace Corps is one of the least-expensive programs in the U.S. government. It composes roughly 1% of the International Affairs Budget, taking up only about 0.01% of the federal budget.
For such a small investment, we return such a large global impact. Former President of Ghana John Mahama remembers his Peace Corps teacher John Woodfin from Alabama, who helped him understand both science and the United States. Former President of Angola Festus Mogae was quick to call on Peace Corps to help in the terrible AIDS epidemic.
Please join me and the 1,500 returned Peace Corps Volunteers across Hawai‘i and write to our four congressional representatives, urging them to pass the Peace Corps Reauthorization Act this year. Coming together to support and improve the Peace Corps is an important step toward deepening our nation’s commitment to service and our nation’s highest ideals.
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Sharon Keld is the advocacy coordinator for Returned Peace Corps Volunteers of Hawai‘i.
