About Us
The West Cascade Peace Corps Association (WCPCA) was founded in the 1980s by a group of returned Peace Corps volunteers as a means of staying connected while carrying out our mission:
To promote humanitarian and educational programs in connection with accomplishing the third goal of the Peace Corps as mandated by Congress in 1961, "To promote a better understanding of other people on the part of the American people."
As our group grew, we found that equally important was providing fellowship to newly returning volunteers as they readjust to life in the United States, supporting the work of the Peace Corps recruiter at the University of Oregon, and funding humanitarian projects that support the goals of the Peace Corps.
Most of our members come from Oregon's southern Willamette Valley, especially Eugene-Springfield, but we have members from throughout Oregon as well as current PCVs. Membership is open to all RPCVs, Peace Corps staff, and supporters. We invite prospective Peace Corps volunteers, active Peace Corps volunteers, and their relatives and friends to take part in our activities and join the organization. Our membership dues are low and free memberships are available to all during their first year as a member of the organization and to students. See the Membership page for details.
We participate in community activities and service projects. Favorite activities include taking part in the annual Eugene Celebration parade, speaking to school and community groups, and volunteer work with Food for Lane County. We contribute funds to humanitarian programs, both in the US and abroad, including those organized by Peace Corps volunteers. Funds come from membership dues, donations, fundraising activities, and distributions of the Beryl Brinkman Memorial Fund.
WCPCA hosts social activities that include a bimonthly potluck dinner with a Peace Corps related program. There is a book group whose participants read and discuss books written by RPCVs about their Peace Corps experience. Most activities take place in Eugene. Dates and sites for all activities are posted on the Calendar page.
We stay connected with our membership through a monthly e-newsletter. Interested parties may request to be included on our e-mailing list and participate in our activities without joining the organization.
The University of Oregon in Eugene is proud to be one of the leading institutions in recruiting Peace Corps volunteers. WCPCA works closely with the campus Peace Corps recruiter to maintain this admirable record.
WCPCA is an affiliate of the National Peace Corps Association and is recognized by the IRS as a non-profit charity with 501(c)(3) status. Thus all membership dues and donations to the organization are tax deductible to the full extent of the law. Documents related to the organization’s business operation are posted on the Business page.
