The opportunity to live in and help another culture in a different part of the world is a valuable experience in which too few individuals participate. The United States Peace Corps provides an opportunity to gain knowledge and help communities around the world.
In 1961, then Sen. John F. Kennedy challenged University of Michigan students to live in and promote peace in developing countries. The Peace Corps, a federal government agency, was the result of this challenge.
The Peace Corps reports more than 210,000 volunteers involved in projects in 139 countries since the start of the program. Currently there are 8,073 volunteers in 76 countries.
If more college graduates spent their first two years after college in the Peace Corps, more countries would get the help they desperately need. These recent college graduates would also gain unique experience and knowledge of the world before entering their work industry.
The U.S. has the resources and manpower to spread support and peace to other communities, but these entities are not being utilized. The largest volunteer effort is in education, followed by health and economic development. The possibilities of more volunteers could dramatically increase the results and success of these work areas.
If devoting two years of your life isn’t an ideal situation, simply donating to the Peace Corps is an option that also makes an important impact. The Peace Corps budget reached $375 million in 2012 and is only expected to grow to $377 million in 2013.
Donating or volunteering would allow for more effort in current projects as well as the creation of new projects. Becoming involved in the Peace Corps is something every American should seriously consider.
more countries would get the help they desperately need. These recent college graduates would also gain unique experience and knowledge of the world before entering their work industry.
The U.S. has the resources and manpower to spread support and peace to other communities, but these entities are not being utilized. The largest volunteer effort is in education, followed by health and economic development. The possibilities of more volunteers could dramatically increase the results and success of these work areas.
If devoting two years of your life isn’t an ideal situation, simply donating to the Peace Corps is an option that also makes an important impact. The Peace Corps budget reached $375 million in 2012 and is only expected to grow to $377 million in 2013.
Donating or volunteering would allow for more effort in current projects as well as the creation of new projects. Becoming involved in the Peace Corps is something every American should seriously consider.
Michelle Gustafson, Senior, General Studies