Peace Corps Day is an annual holiday observed on March 1. It is a celebration of the Peace Corps volunteers. President John F. Kennedy created the programme on March 1, 1961. The mission of the volunteers is to aid underdeveloped countries by providing economic and social development through the use of technology, while simultaneously promoting world peace and mutual understanding between Americans and the populations served. Due to their exposure, these volunteers frequently possess teaching, cross-cultural, language, leadership, and community development skills that give them an advantage in the global economy of today. Numerous companies employ returned Peace Corps volunteers.
The background of Peace Corps Day
On March 1, 1961, President John F. Kennedy established the Peace Corps as a volunteer organisation in the United States. The United States Congress approved the Peace Corps Act on September 22, 1961. Sargent Shriver, the brother-in-law of John F. Kennedy, was the first director of the Peace Corps. Agriculture, Environment, Community Economic Development, Health, Education, and Youth in Development are the program’s six project sectors.
Walter Reuther, the president of the United Auto Workers, proposed in 1950 that the United States establish a voluntary agency that would send American youth abroad to accomplish humanitarian goals. Although Kennedy acknowledged the establishment of the Peace Corps, it was Senator Hubert H. Humphrey Jr. who took the initiative. He introduced the initial legislation to establish the Peace Corps in 1957, three years before Kennedy.
Applicants for the Peace Corps must be at least 18 years old, U.S. citizens, and must submit an application between six and nine months prior to their desired departure date. Applicants are limited to one application per year and have the option of narrowing their application by country of choice. Typically, placements are organised by the six project sectors. After being selected as volunteers, they are expected to serve in the foreign country for two years and must undergo three months of training beforehand. Prior to 2014, the application procedure could take up to a year.
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Activities on Peace Corps Day
Participate in a Peace Corps programme.
If you are aware of any upcoming Peace Corps programmes in your area, you can attend and even invite a returned volunteer to share their stories and experiences with the group. There, you will learn a lot.
Tell your story
Returned Peace Corps volunteers can share their stories and experiences with an audience. There are multiple programmes for which you can register to become a speaker.
Become a volunteer
You may also sign up as a volunteer. Thus, you will gain direct experience.
5 fascinating facts about the Peace Corps.
Former Peace Corps volunteers are prohibited from joining military intelligence for four years following their service.
There are 7,334 volunteers and trainees in total.
Africa is the region that has been served the most.
In 2018, the Peace Corps had volunteers in 141 countries and 235,000 volunteers.
They have been criticised for failing to respond to the sexual violence faced by many of their female volunteers.
PEACE CORPS DAY DATES
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | March 1 | Wednesday |
| 2024 | March 1 | Friday |
| 2025 | March 1 | Saturday |
| 2026 | March 1 | Sunday |
| 2027 | March 1 | Monday |
