PRE-CONFERENCE EVENTS

September 1822

Saturday, September 18

Affiliate Group Network Annual Meeting
1:00 PM - 5:00 PM

This is an unprecedented time for the Peace Corps community — when we need to reimagine and reshape our work for a changed world. Join the leadership teams from the vibrant network of more than 180 affiliate groups for the Affiliate Group Network Annual Meeting (AGNAM) — to be held online. This is the meeting of the year for NPCA affiliate groups — from our newest members to those who have nurtured our community for decades. It’s your opportunity to engage with, learn from, and share best practices with other affiliate groups. Bring your questions, concerns, challenges, and ideas!

Monday, September 20

Paraguayan Harp Concert with Friends of Paraguay
7:00 PM

Join Friends of Paraguay for a virtual concert with Nicolas Carter featuring Paraguay’s national folk instrument, the harp, and help us kick off a great week of events leading up to NPCA's 60th anniversary Peace Corps Connect Conference. Paraguay, fondly known as the heart of South America for both its location and the welcoming warmth of the Paraguayan people, has hosted more than 4,000 Peace Corps Volunteers since the first group arrived in 1967. Friends of Paraguay is thrilled to have the chance to share with you the country’s beauty and complexity through its music.

 

ROTARY-PEACE CORPS PARTNERSHIP: THE FUTURE IS BRIGHT
6:30 PM - 7:40 PM

Featuring the top leaders of Rotary and Peace Corps:  RI General Secretary John Hewko and Acting PC Director, Carol Spahn

  • Successes of the partnership and its future

  • How the partnership helps the agencies achieve their goals

  • Q&A featuring other organizational leaders

 

Tuesday, September 21

Virtual Workshop: How does graduate school fit into an RPCVs life of service and impact?  
8:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Carnegie Mellon University’s Heinz College of Information Systems and Public Policy

Carrie Rote and David Eber, Office of Admissions and Financial Aid at Heinz College

Are you thinking about graduate school? Join Heinz College of Information Systems and Public Policy at Carnegie Mellon University to learn more about many of the career paths RPCV’s pursue in their life of service and impact and how graduate school can build upon Peace Corps experience. Carrie and David will discuss how RPCV’s can determine if graduate school is the right fit, how to identify the right program, and options for funding graduate school. The presentation will also include videos and stories from RPCV’s who have graduated from Heinz College.

Wednesday, September 22

Virtual Advocacy Day

 

Mark the Moment

9:30 AM – 10:30 AM

September 22, 1961 at 9:45 AM. That was the moment when President John F. Kennedy signed congressional legislation that formally established the Peace Corps. Join NPCA to celebrate this moment. Former Congressman Joseph Kennedy III, and Peace Corps pioneers Bill Josephson and Bill Moyers are scheduled to join us. Register here.

 

Social Media Mobilization

1:30 PM – 2:30 PM

Have a Twitter account? Are you a regular on Facebook or Instagram? Got connections that run far and wide on LinkedIn? Make plans to be part of a nationwide social media mobilization to amplify the importance of the Peace Corps at this historic 60th anniversary moment. While activity is likely and encouraged throughout the day, you can also plan to stop by anytime during an hour-long zoom gathering to say hello to others, hear the latest from NPCA leaders and citizen advocates, and celebrate 60 years of the Peace Corps! Whether you stop by the virtual gathering or not, help amplify Peace Corps through social media: Register here and we’ll keep you in the loop.

 

Honor Those Who Have Served | In-Person Wreath Laying at John F. Kennedy Memorial at Arlington National Cemetery

3:45 PM – 5:30 PM

Northern Virginia Returned Peace Corps Volunteers (NOVARPCV) host a wreath-laying ceremony at the John F. Kennedy Memorial at Arlington National Cemetery. Speakers include Peace Corps Director Carol Spahn and NPCA President Glenn Blumhorst, who will speak on the legacy of the Peace Corps to honor President John F. Kennedy. Following speeches, attendees will walk together to the grave site of President John F. Kennedy, where a wreath and flowers will be placed. This is an in-person event. Learn more and register here.

 

Learn the Ropes: How to Become a Citizen Advocate

8:00 PM – 9:00 PM

If you’re interested in becoming a citizen advocate but aren’t sure how — or if you’re just wading in — this is the most important hour of the day. We need to substantially build our ranks to score significant victories in Congress in this key moment in Peace Corps’ history. Don't think you alone will make a difference? In this program, you’ll hear from NPCA advocates who absolutely have — bringing on board legislators who have never supported Peace Corps in the past. Don't think lawmakers listen to what you say? We will hear from RPCV Capitol Hill staff on that topic. Register here.

 

60th Anniversary Live ... from Capitol Hill?

Times TBD  

We will be monitoring Capitol Hill for possible Peace Corps-related actions and news on or about September 22 — related to advancing the Peace Corps Reauthorization Act, support for Peace Corps funding, or commemorating the 60th anniversary of the signing of the Peace Corps Act. Register here to be notified about any key Peace Corps developments that will be broadcast live from Capitol Hill.

 

From Rotary to Peace Corps – Continuing your Legacy of Service
6:30 PM - 7:40 PM

Since 2015, Rotary International and Peace Corps have enjoyed a strategic partnership to promote international understanding and building capacity in communities around the world. Rotarians work to build goodwill and serve others at home and abroad, and we invite you to grow your commitment by exploring opportunities for international service in the Peace Corps. During this event, you will hear from other Rotarians who have answered the call to continue their legacy of service. Note: We will be holding this event on a virtual platform instead of in-person. Please register to ensure that you receive access to join the event.