President's Corner - January 2023 Update
Dear members,
On a cool Washington morning of January 11th, I had the honor of representing Partnering for Peace at the live swearing in of Carol Spahn as the 21st Director of the US Peace Corps, celebrating with PC staff from around the world. The ceremony and Director Spahn’s acceptance speech captured the magic, the commitment, and the pride of the Peace Corps community. Director Spahn eloquently spoke of the many benefits of the Peace Corps and the importance of our work. I was most moved when she described the transforming humbleness that we experience when our hosts teach us daily customs, how to eat new foods, and to understand a new language. There is a unique understanding of what is said and what is left unsaid that lasts a lifetime.
Representative John Garamendi (D-CA) administered the oath of office, and shared his experience as a Peace Corps Volunteer. Garamendi emphasized the Peace Corps’ value to the US and the world in peace building. It was encouraging to see many Rotarians in the audience as well as Peace Corps national staff, former country directors and staff, and Returned Peace Corps Volunteers (RPCVs). As a result of our work, many of the attendees knew about Partnering for Peace. We have to keep the momentum going.
Peace Corps volunteers have now returned to 46 countries. Their presence provides us with greater opportunities for partnership between Rotary clubs (both internationally and in the US) and the Peace Corps community--domestically and in countries of service.
This year, we look forward to all our members and friends of Partnering for Peace reaching out to their counterparts in the spirit of building the partnership further.
Here are just a few ways you can help:
- Man a booth at your Rotary District meeting, (we can help).
- Seek out RPCVs in your community to share common interests.( we can help)
- Speak at a Rotary meeting or at an RPCV Affiliate Group near you (we can help).
- Engage in joint Rotary/PC projects, and share the story on our LinkedIn or Facebook page.
- WRITE about your joint project, either current or past. Your experiences help others develop and pursue their own ideas. Tell us about your project.
Finally I want to announce and welcome our new board members:. Keith Bell, Alan Kusunoki, Fred Cowan, Molly O’Brien, Ellen Young, and Terrance Stevenson. Learn more about them in next month's newsletter.
We want to hear from you. We have so many ways to help the partnership but need ALL our members' participation. Let us know how we can help you help build Partnering for Peace at info@partneringforpeace.org.
Respectfully submitted,
Kim Dixon
President Partnering for Peace
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