Service In The Peace Corps
Much has been said and published about this past Veterans Day and the service and sacrifice given to our country by veterans. The Peace Corps is a less recognized service to our country that has had 250,000 volunteers since 1961 working in over 60 countries, helping ameliorate some of the causes that lead to wars.
Volunteers are presently working in Agriculture, Economic Development, Education, Environment, Health and Youth Development. The Peace Corps uses the talents and commitments of people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities to promote peaceful relations between people.
Service with the Peace Corps helps promote a better understanding of America on the part of the peoples served and a better understanding of other peoples on the part of Americans. My own service with the Peace Corps was for two years as a village community development worker in Iran (1965-67). If anything, I gained a greater understanding of Iran, its long history and, above all, the people with whom I worked and grew to respect.
There are many reasons and causes for warfare among nations, but if we want to help reduce the chances of catastrophic conflicts between nations, service in the Peace Corps is a small, but significant, way to contribute to a more peaceful world. Right now, the Peace Corps is working toward a goal of recruiting 8,000 new volunteers. Here is a great opportunity to help other struggling people, gain a better understanding of each other and promote a more stable world.