Countries need help of Peace Corps volunteers

I am among those who proudly call myself a returned Peace Corps volunteer, having served in the Dominican Republic from 1985 to 1987. I worked as a loan officer with a goal of creating jobs through economic growth within the small-business community.

With the 65th anniversary this month of John F. Kennedy’s call to action that led to the Peace Corps, the initiative’s impact remains an important part of U.S. outreach to the world. During these times of serious global challenges and growing civic friction, Peace Corps volunteers remain on the job in approximately 60 countries, working in collaboration with underserved communities in a spirit of good will and friendship.

As returning volunteers, many utilize the skills they learned in service and apply them to their communities here at home. Approximately 3,000 Americans are currently serving in the Peace Corps, which is less than half the number of serving volunteers before the COVID-19 pandemic. Country demand for volunteers is significantly outstripping the supply of applicants.

While federal spending in the new fiscal year is filled with partisan differences, the Trump administration and both chambers of Congress are so far demonstrating bipartisan support to keep funding Peace Corps at or near current funding levels. For those who had thought in the past about joining the Peace Corps, or who believed Peace Corps no longer existed, this is an opportune time to serve our nation.

Visit peacecorps.gov to learn more about service with the Peace Corps.

Tom Aichele

Arlington Heights