NPCA Representative's Report - October 2009

On August 24, Aaron Williams, who was a member of the NPCA board was sworn-in as Peace Corps Director. Aaron was a volunteer in the Dominican Republic (67-70) and has extensive experience in international development. See: (www.peacecorps.gov/index.cfm?shell=resources.media.press.view&news_id=1473)

During the October 5th board meeting, Chuck Ludham resigned as the Asia/Pacific representative on the NPCA board. This is an elective position (ie not board-elected) so ChuckÕs position will be up for election in the spring.

The NPCA board-elected seat vacated by Aaron Williams was filled by Susan Solomon (RPCV Sierra Leone)

The NPCA hired a new Development Director, Khalsa Jacobs, who will work closely with the NPCAÕs Business and Development Committee in fundraising strategies for the Peace Corps 50th Anniversary in 2011.

The number of affiliated member groups is now 137.

The NPCA is in discussion with Peace Corps to convert WorldView into a digital publication for PCVs. (It is as yet undecided if a hard copy of the magazine will be published for the rest of its subscribers).

The Peace Corps Connect website continues to grow with over 16,000 members.

The Africa Rural Connect collaborative website was launched in July and has nearly 4,000 profiles. Budget-wise, the NPCA remains on stable ground. Income is down, but so are expenses.

The More Peace Corps campaign is seeking input from all members of the Peace Corps community (applicants, PCVs, family of PCVs, RPCVs, staff) on how to best improve and embolden the Peace Corps to meet the challenges of the 21st century. The results of a survey taken between October 9th and 22nd, will help determine the direction of the More Peace Corps campaign.

Joe Hindman - NPCA Western Rep