HAVE YOU EVER THOUGHT ABOUT JOINING THE PEACE CORPS?

 

Have you ever thought about joining the Peace Corps– not only to experience a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, but also to help others in need in less-developed countries? Well, if you have, you have a unique opportunity to get inside information about service in the Peace Corps at a special event scheduled here next Thursday afternoon, April 17, 1-2pm, at the Key West Public Library at 700 Fleming Street. Steve Hunsicker, the Peace Corps recruiter for South Florida, will host the event. Steve served as a Peace Corp volunteer in the Kingdom of Tonga for two years 2007-09. He will talk about some of his experiences as a volunteer in Tonga, as well as answer questions about serving in the Peace Corps and the application process.

Since the Peace Corps was created, more than 215,000 Americans of all ages have served in 139 countries worldwide. Thirty-six of those volunteers have been from Key West, including Richard Hatch, owner of the popular Blue Heaven Restaurant here. He served in Gabon, in central Africa, 1983-85, teaching math and English– in French. Key Wester Kate Ahern is a brand new Peace Corps volunteer. Within a few months, she will be leaving to serve in Panama.

Actually, I can tell you something about the application process. I have applied to serve and I am well into the year-long application process. Yeah, yeah, if you know me, I know what you must be thinking. And no, the Peace Corps has no age limit. After running the Blue Paper for 18 years, I sold the paper and retired in 2012– and began to look for a new adventure. And the Peace Corps was a logical choice for me. When President Kennedy announced the creation of the Peace Corps in 1961, I was immediately interested. But at that time, I had just gotten out of the Army and returned to college. And after college, there was the career thing and the family thing. But throughout the years, I continued to be interested in the Peace Corps. Of particular interest was the Peace Corps’ objective of helping people in developing nations. When I returned to graduate school in mid-life, my doctoral dissertation researched journalism education in the Third World.

I don’t think there is any doubt that the Blue Paper has made a difference in Key West over the past two decades. But service in the Peace Corps would take “making a difference” to a whole new level.

Although I have been nominated by my recruiter to serve, I am still waiting for an official invitation and a two-year assignment. But the Peace Corps experience has already started for me– with the application process. They want to know EVERYTHING, Bubba! I am still going through the extensive legal and medical background checks. But, frankly, I am impressed. They are not about to send someone who has medical problems or who has a questionable legal background to represent the United States for two years in a remote country on the other side of the world.

Volunteer opportunities fall into six work areas: Education, Health, Business Development and ICT, Agriculture, Environment and Youth and Community Development. While most Peace Corps assignments require a college degree, there are some positions available for applicants with 3-5 years of relevant work or life experience and a demonstrated interest in public service. Language, cross-cultural and technical training is provided before arriving in country of service. While Peace Corps volunteers should not expect to get rich during their assignments, there are significant perks in serving. For example, all basic expenses are paid, including travel to and from country of service, a monthly living and housing allowance, full dental and medical coverage, 48 paid vacation days and emergency leave for family emergencies. Some categories of student loans may be available for deferment or partial cancellation. Upon completion of service, volunteers receive a $7,425 “readjustment” allowance (pre-tax). Also, transition job support services are available, which include advantages in federal employment. Peace Corps service also opens up a number of unique graduate school opportunities.

The Thursday afternoon event is free and open to the public. This event is sort of a big deal for Key West. This may be the first time that a Peace Corps recruiter has ever come to Key West– or at least the first time in many years. So if you have ever thought about serving in the Peace Corps, you will want to show up for this meeting. Also, this is a meeting for parents of potential Peace Corps volunteers– and anyone else who is interested in learning about the Peace Corps. For information in advance, you may want to log onto the Peace Corps website at www.peacecorps.gov.