DECLARATION OF PURPOSE SEC. 2. [2501] (a)
The Congress of the United States declares that it is the policy of the United States and the purpose of this Act to promote world peace and friendship through a Peace Corps, which shall make available to interested countries and areas men and women of the United States qualified for service abroad and willing to serve, under conditions of hardship if necessary, to help the peoples of such countries and areas in meeting their needs for trained manpower, particularly in meeting the basic needs of those living in the poorest areas of such countries, and to help promote a better understanding of the American people on the part of the peoples served and a better understanding of other peoples on the part of the American people.
About
“Through the years, Peace Corps Volunteers have been connected by their passion for service and love for their host countries.
The transformative impact of the Peace Corps on the communities we serve and the Volunteers themselves can be measured in many ways. A shared cup of tea with a host mother that leads to a greater understanding of Americans. A new school library built, or a safe latrine where there wasn’t one before. A young boy prepared to serve his own community, a young girl who sees herself as equal to her male classmates. A Volunteer with a clear career path and a lifelong passion. Here are just some of the ways the Peace Corps measures impact.”
The Founding Moment
“After a day of campaigning for the presidency, Senator John F. Kennedy arrived at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor on October 14, 1960, at 2:00 a.m., to get some sleep, not to propose the establishment of an international volunteer organization. Members of the press had retired for the night, believing that nothing interesting would happen.
But 10,000 students at the university were waiting to hear the presidential candidate speak, and it was there on the steps of the Michigan Union that a bold new experiment in public service was launched. The assembled students heard the future president issue a challenge: How many of them, he asked, would be willing to serve their country and the cause of peace by living and working in the developing world?
The reaction was both swift and enthusiastic, and since 1961, over 220,000 Americans have responded to this enduring challenge. And since then, the Peace Corps has demonstrated how the power of an idea can capture the imagination of an entire nation.
Following up on the idea he launched at the University of Michigan, President Kennedy signed an executive order establishing the Peace Corps on March 1, 1961. Three days later, R. Sargent Shriver became its first Director. Deployment was rapid: Volunteers began serving in five countries in 1961. In just under six years, Director Shriver developed programs in 55 countries with more than 14,500 Volunteers.”
Full Text of Speech
“I want to express my thanks to you, as a graduate of the Michigan of the East, Harvard University.
“I come here tonight delighted to have the opportunity to say one or two words about this campaign that is coming into the last three weeks.
“I think in many ways it is the most important campaign since 1933, mostly because of the problems which press upon the United States, and the opportunities which will be presented to us in the 1960s. The opportunity must be seized, through the judgment of the President, and the vigor of the executive, and the cooperation of the Congress. Through these I think we can make the greatest possible difference.
“How many of you who are going to be doctors, are willing to spend your days in Ghana? Technicians or engineers, how many of you are willing to work in the Foreign Service and spend your lives traveling around the world? On your willingness to do that, not merely to serve one year or two years in the service, but on your willingness to contribute part of your life to this country, I think will depend the answer whether a free society can compete. I think it can! And I think Americans are willing to contribute. But the effort must be far greater than we have ever made in the past.
“Therefore, I am delighted to come to Michigan, to this university, because unless we have those resources in this school, unless you comprehend the nature of what is being asked of you, this country can’t possibly move through the next 10 years in a period of relative strength.
“So I come here tonight to go to bed! But I also come here tonight to ask you to join in the effort…
“This university…this is the longest short speech I’ve ever made…therefore, I’ll finish it! Let me say in conclusion, this University is not maintained by its alumni, or by the state, merely to help its graduates have an economic advantage in the life struggle. There is certainly a greater purpose, and I’m sure you recognize it. Therefore, I do not apologize for asking for your support in this campaign. I come here tonight asking your support for this country over the next decade.
“Thank you.”
Peace Corps Moldova (www.peacecorps.gov/Moldova/)
Peace Corps Moldova has three projects that it oversees. The first two are health education and English education. Volunteers in these programs teach at a local school and help kids develop self-confidence, English, and good health practices that will help them the rest of their lives. The third program is called community organizational development, of which I am a part. These volunteers go into villages and work with NGOs and local governments to implement projects and to create new ways to better the community around them. This can be improving management practices of a community center, organizing a Judo studio, or educating people on how to care for those with special needs. Projects heavily depend on the communities needs and what the volunteers is able to provide help with.
Sean in Moldova-land 