FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Feb 25, 2009

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Peace Corps and the Corporation for National and Community Service have signed an agreement to promote joint recruiting efforts and will work together to strengthen institutional ties.

Both agencies are dedicated to meeting human needs and strengthening communities by engaging Americans in service and volunteering. Finding new ways to work together is a natural response to the growing understanding of the importance of civic engagement to improve the lives of those in need. Dr. Jody K. Olsen, Peace Corps acting director, and Nicola Goren, acting CEO of the Corporation, signed the agreement.

Peace Corps and the Corporation, primarily through its AmeriCorps programs, actively recruit volunteers from many of the same venues in the community and on college campuses. Combining efforts to present service opportunities through both federal agency programs allows interested participants to compare their options in considering international or domestic service.

“The outreach by our two organizations can be beneficial to those committed to volunteer service,” Dr. Olsen explained. “Thousands of skilled and talented people apply to Peace Corps so they can help others around the world. Unfortunately, we can only accept a small number of those who meet all the qualifications for Peace Corps service. Many applicants not accepted for overseas service are eager to find meaningful domestic programs where their volunteer service can truly make a difference to local communities. AmeriCorps programs provide such options throughout the country.”

Goren added, “At this time of economic distress, we need service and volunteering more than ever, both at home and abroad. President Obama has called for a new era of responsibility and Americans are ready to answer the call. We are thrilled to be strengthening our ties with the Peace Corps and working together to engage more Americans in service.

Upcoming joint recruitment events begin in late February and continue through March. Nine metropolitan events include representatives from Peace Corps, AmeriCorps, VISTA, and AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps.

As the Peace Corps approaches its 50th anniversary, its service legacy continues to promote peace and friendship around the world. Historically, over 195,000 Volunteers have helped promote a better understanding between Americans and the people of the 139 countries in which they have served. Applications to serve in the Peace Corps have increased 16 percent this past year, the largest boost in the last five years. Currently, 7,876 Peace Corps Volunteers are serving in 76 countries.Peace Corps Volunteers must be U.S. citizens and at least 18 years of age. Peace Corps service is a 27-month commitment. To learn more about the Peace Corps, please visit our website: http://www.peacecorps.gov.

In the past 15 years, more than 574,000 men and women have taken AmeriCorps’s pledge to “get things done for America,” providing more than 718 million hours of service, mobilizing tens of millions of volunteers, and improving the lives of countless citizens. AmeriCorps is administered by the Corporation for National and Community Service, which also oversees Senior Corps and Learn and Serve America. The Corporation is a federal agency that improves lives, strengthens communities, and fosters civic engagement through service and volunteering. Each year, the Corporation engages 4 million Americans of all ages and backgrounds in its programs. For more information, visit http://www.nationalservice.gov.

AmeriCorps, a federal agency, brings people together to tackle the country's most pressing challenges through national service and volunteering. AmeriCorps members and AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers serve with organizations dedicated to the improvement of communities. AmeriCorps helps make service to others a cornerstone of our national culture. Learn more at AmeriCorps.gov.