Connecting Rotary-PC

From the Peace Corps Recruiting Team

Friends at Partnering for Peace,

On behalf of the Rotary Task Team within Volunteer Recruitment and Selection at Peace Corps, I wanted to take this opportunity to extend a thank you for the support you provided during the 2021 Rotary International Convention. All of the recruiters who participated in this year’s convention commented on what important perspectives, resources, and stories your members brought to the discussion. Your knowledge of both Peace Corps and Rotary International have been essential in getting convention participants one (or more) steps closer to bringing both organizations together.

We look forward to the continued collaboration with Partnering for Peace and greatly appreciate how generously you have volunteered your time and energy to bring Peace Corps and Rotary together. As I don’t have the contact information for everyone who joined the convention, please do share this message with your members.

Kind Regards,  

ABBEY KNICKERBOCKER (she, her, hers)

Senior Recruiter - Upper New York and Western MA/CT

Returned Volunteer, Dominican Republic

(518) 253-6954

In the heart of the Double Lake Recreation Area, amidst towering trees and the symphony of nature, the Service Above S'mores camping trip unfolded, leaving an indelible mark on the lives of Rotarians and Returned Peace Corps Volunteers (RPCVs) alike. Co-sponsored by the Rotary Club of Houston Skyline and the Houston Peace Corps Association, this rendezvous in the wilderness became a testament to the power of collaboration and shared values.

Nature's Symphony and Campfire Chronicles: Crafting Memories in the Wilderness

The adventure kicked off with check-in on Friday, October 6, 2023, and campers quickly discovered that this wasn't just a camping trip; it was a VIP pass to the great outdoors. Pro tips were exchanged, tents were pitched, and the anticipation of escaping city chaos heightened. As the sun set, the camping crew found themselves immersed in a weekend of laughter, camaraderie, and nature therapy.

"Rotary and Peace Corps are grounded in similar values, which is why the partnership between the two service organizations makes so much sense," remarks Josh Spencer, President of the Houston Peace Corps Association.

The nights were adorned with Campfire Chronicles, where marshmallow-roasting, jokes, and off-key renditions of camp songs created bonds among the camping crew. Stargazing became an extravaganza, with the absence of city lights offering a front-row seat to the galaxy's greatest show.

International Flavors: Breaking Bread and Bridging Borders

Amidst the rustling leaves, an unexpected delight awaited the camping crew. Diyar Talal, Rotary Skyline's Community Solutions Program (CSP) Fellow from Iraq, brought a touch of international flavor to the adventure. Alongside his Iraqi guests, Diyar curated a culinary experience that transcended cultural boundaries.

"Camping in the United States was a must-have experience for me, and I was fortunate to fully enjoy a memorable Peace Corps-Rotary camping trip," shared Diyar Talal. "It served as a bridge, connecting me to American culture while also providing me with the opportunity to share my own cultural heritage."

As the sun cast its first rays, the aroma of Middle Eastern spices filled the crisp morning air. Delicacies from Iraq adorned the breakfast table, creating a cross-cultural tapestry against the backdrop of the Double Lake wilderness. The breakfast gatherings became a celebration of friendship, food, and the shared love for the great outdoors.

Josh Spencer, President of the Houston Peace Corps Association, expressed, "I’m happy that such kindred spirits were able to enjoy each other’s company and the outdoors. The Houston Peace Corps Association and I look forward to many more of such productive engagements with Rotary."

Cristian Saldivar, a recently inducted member of the Rotary Club of Houston Skyline, shared, "My experience was very joyful, and I left the camping with a bunch of good friends that I expected to keep in touch with for a long time."

Diyar Talal encapsulated the essence of the experience, stating, "Interacting with people from diverse travel backgrounds was a true delight, and I was thrilled to introduce my fellow participants to the flavors of Iraqi cuisine during our breakfasts."

Steps for Co-Sponsoring Camping Trips in Your Locale

1. Identify Common Interests: Find common ground and shared values between your Rotary Club and local Peace Corps Association.

2. Establish Clear Communication: Open channels for effective communication between the two organizations to coordinate logistics and plan the event seamlessly.

3. Select an Ideal Location: Choose a camping site that offers a retreat into nature, providing an escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. If you have multiple Rotary Clubs or RPCV groups involved, find a site that’s easily accessible for all.

4. Organize Diverse Activities: Plan a variety of activities, from campfire rituals to kayaking adventures, ensuring there's something for everyone. Consider providing family-friendly entertainment and outings.

5. Encourage Cultural Exchange: Embrace diversity by incorporating elements of cultural exchange, such as sharing meals and stories from different backgrounds.

6. Promote Early Registration: Encourage participants to register early to ensure smooth logistics and adequate preparation.

7. Create a Shared Spreadsheet: Set up a shared spreadsheet where campers can sign up to cook one of the meals and coordinate camping equipment. This fosters collaboration and ensures everyone is well-prepared for the camping experience.

8. Capture Memories: Document the experience through photos, videos, and participant testimonials to share the impact of the collaboration.

By following these steps, Rotary Clubs and Peace Corps Associations can create memorable camping experiences that strengthen bonds, foster cultural exchange, and embody the spirit of service above self. The Service Above S'mores camping trip stands as a beacon, illustrating the potential for collaboration to create lasting connections in the great outdoors. As the embers of the campfire glowed and stars glittered above, the camping crew vowed to return, ensuring that the memories of this collaborative adventure endure until the next call of the wild.

Join fellow members of Partnering for Peace, Rotary Club members, RPCV’s and others September 18-22 for the third annual Rotary-Peace Corps Week to celebrate our connections, accomplishments and hopes.  The event is an exciting time to get together virtually in a series of a 60 to 90 minute panel discussion each day highlighting the goals, activities and projects of our unique organization and its role as a service support organization for the formal Rotary International-Peace Corps of the United States collaboration. Click here for the full list of events. Be sure to register for each individual event to receive the Zoom links. Be prepared to Zoom in and participate!

Your planning committee has worked on the RPCW for months to bring you a series of informative, fun and stimulating sessions that will deepen your commitment to world peace and whet your appetite for being involved in projects that enhance your Rotary and Peace Corps experiences.

The five sessions start at different times each day so if you are unable to make one live session, you can make another! If you miss any of the sessions, they will be recorded and available on the PFP website at partneringforpeace.org.

Here is the lineup for each of the days:

Monday, September 18, 5:30 p.m. EDT

Keynote Panel: Peace Through Service, Action and Diversity, featuring Jody Olsen, former Peace Corps Director, and Pat Merryweather-Argis, RI Vice President

REGISTER HERE

Tuesday, September 19, 8:00 p.m. EDT

How to Make the Rotary-Peace Corps Connection Work.  Learn how Rotary Clubs, RPCVs and current Peace Corps members work together, featuring PFP members Alan Kusonoki, Ellen Young and Charlie Hunt.

REGISTER HERE

Wednesday, September 20, 9:00 a.m. EDT

Connecting In-Country Rotary Clubs and Peace Corps Posts. Examples of how Rotary Clubs can add benefit and help support Peace Corps and  Rotary projects in countries where PCVs from the Club’s or District’s home base are actively serving. 

REGISTER HERE

Thursday, September 21, 2:00 p.m. EDT

Successful Examples of Joint Rotary-Peace Corps Projects, featuring Rotarian-RPCVs:

• Bob Roberts, RPCV Peru

• Natasha Wanchek, RPCV Ukraine

• Steve Werner, RPCV  S.Korea and Georgia

REGISTER HERE

Friday, September 22, 2:00 p.m. EDT

Rotary + Peace Corps: A Global Force for Peace. Group discussion focusing on Rotary Action Group for Peace, Rotary Peace Builder Clubs, including joint projects and peacebuilding activities. Kim Dixon, President of PFP will host along with Featured guests:

• Al Jubitz, Co-Founder Rotary Action Group for Peace

• Erin Thomas, RPCV, Peace Fellow, Co-Founder Rotary Action Group for Peace

• Barbara Muller, Rotary e-club of World Peace

• Mike Caruso, RPCV, Founder, Rotary Peacebuilder Clubs

REGISTER HERE

So there you have it! This event promises to be chock full of information and ideas for you to parlay into action to build the Rotary-Peace Corps partnership through Partnering for Peace. Be sure to attend as many sessions as you can so that you can build your personal and your organizations’ goals of fostering peace and strengthening the lives of individuals throughout the world! Once again, sign up HERE to make sure you are registered for a front-row seat!

With the dawn of a new era of partnership, Diyar Talal's pioneering fellowship with the Rotary Club of Houston Skyline sets the stage for a world united by shared values and collaboration. As the first-ever U.S. Department of State Community Solutions Program (CSP) Fellow placed with a Rotary Club, Diyar is trailblazing a new era of cooperation between these two impactful organizations. This collaboration not only introduces fresh perspectives to Rotary Clubs but also amplifies the reach and impact of the CSP. The aim is simple yet profound: to encourage Rotary Clubs and Rotary Action Groups to host CSP Fellows, fostering a dynamic exchange of ideas, skills, and visions.

Diyar's journey exemplifies the transformative power of international professional development exchanges. Hailing from Iraq, Diyar is a beacon of hope and change in his community. As a CSP Fellow, he is tasked with an array of responsibilities, including contributing to the social media and marketing efforts of Partnering for Peace and Rotary-Peace Corps Week 2023. This role allows him to combine his passion for peacebuilding with his knack for strategic communication.

The Community Solutions Program, sponsored by the U.S. Department of State and implemented by IREX, aims to empower community leaders worldwide to tackle complex challenges in their communities and become agents of positive change. Diyar is a prime example of such leadership. His work in environmental issues, peace and conflict resolution, and civic engagement has earned him the opportunity to expand his impact on a global stage.

At the Rotary Club of Houston Skyline, Diyar's tasks are diverse and impactful. His involvement includes participating in and supporting intercultural dialogue events, furthering his understanding of activity implementation in an American context. Diyar is also set to deliver persuasive presentations on subjects ranging from global citizenship to peacebuilding. Through these presentations, he aims to captivate audiences and convey critical messages that transcend borders.

Another key facet of Diyar's role is his engagement in community service projects. By actively participating in such projects, he gains valuable insights into the local context, challenges, and opportunities within Houston's diverse community. This experience not only enhances Diyar's personal and professional growth but also serves as a bridge between cultures, connecting the dots between different communities and their shared goals.

Diyar's journey doesn't end with his CSP fellowship. Upon his return to Iraq, he plans to use his newfound knowledge and skills to enhance his Iraqi Travellers Cafe and "Conversation Beyond Borders"  initiative. This initiative, aimed at promoting peace through intercultural dialogue, is set to expand its impact within Iraq and internationally. The story of Diyar's journey, from a CSP Fellow in Houston to a catalyst for change in Iraq, exemplifies the power of collaboration, learning, and shared values in fostering a more harmonious world.

The partnership between CSP and Rotary is a beacon of hope and a testament to the potential of international collaboration. Through pioneers like Diyar Talal, who bridge cultures, break barriers, and inspire change, we witness the true essence of diplomacy and global citizenship. As Diyar's journey continues to unfold, we can only imagine the ripple effect his efforts will have on communities and individuals around the world, reminding us all that, together, we can build a more peaceful and connected planet.

Partnering for Peace (PFP)  was pleased to participate in the Rotary International Convention this year, with a booth and speaking opportunities.  Having a staffed PFP booth in the House of Friendship (HOF) Peace Park was big positive for the partnership. This was the first year that a Peace Park was included in the HOF and PFP was specifically invited by the Peace Rotary Action Group (Peace RAG)  to have a free booth next to the Peace Park. The Peace Park had a stage and various peace organizations including PFP were asked to have a booth all around the Peace Park. PFP’s booth was one of the best booths because we faced the Peace Park stage and we were close enough that we could hear everything and we had a lot of visibility and traffic at our booth. We raised awareness of and interest in the partnership, of Peace Corps and of the many current and potential benefits to Rotary at the International, District and Club levels. The other Rotary Peace organizations, such as the Institute for Economics and Peace, the Peace Fellows, the Peace Rotary Action Group, the Rotary Action Group to Combat Human Slavery, and many others, would like to partner with PFP and have PFP members helping them with their programs and projects.

We grew the PFP community by adding to the email list and added many personal connections. PFP would like to thank current PFP board members Cal Mann, Steve Werner, and Erica Brouillette and former PFP board member Bill Stumbaugh for helping with setting up the booth, staffing the booth, and speaking at a Special Briefing that took place on the Monday afternoon of the Convention. In addition to increasing awareness of the partnership between Rotary and Peace Corps among Americans attending the Melbourne Convention, there is a good possibility that Australian and Canadian Rotary clubs will develop a similar partnership with their country’s version of Peace Corps. And several Rotarians from Peace Corps countries came by to say how much meeting or being taught by a Peace Corps volunteer meant to them.

The Special Briefing with Steve, Cal, Bill and Erica was better attended than planned. Extra chairs had to be brought in and the enthusiasm and questions indicated a strong interest in the partnership. Many new Rotarian RPCVs attended and joined PFP. And a few District Governor Elects asked for someone from PFP to speak at next year’s District Conference. After the special briefing PFP had a Happy Hour that was also well attended and increased the fellowship we share together.

A few more details:

· Dozens of PC community members visited the booth: RPCV Rotarians, former PC host country staff, host country Rotarians who’d been counterparts to PCVs, family and friends of PC Volunteers (prospective, current and past),  Rotaractors, Interactors, and Peace Fellows, fans, supporters, past-applicants who didn’t go, etc. 

· US Rotary clubs can immediately begin building relationships with their local PC community members, such as the local PC Recruiter who might be able to connect them with PC Invitees or Applicants, local RPCV groups (find them at peacecorpsconnect.org/Affiliate Groups) 

· Many PC host country Rotarians have fond memories of the PCV(s) in their community. They are interested in connecting with PC in their country again. (We informed them of how we can help them connect with the PC office in their country (Go to PeaceCorps.gov and you can get the contact by country.)

· US Interactors have low awareness of PC but once they understand what it is, they have a high level of interest. Speaking to their clubs should be high on our priority list and also then speaking to the Rotary club that is the Interact Club’s sponsor.  

Finally, we had several Rotary leaders stop by the booth and express their support for the partnership, John and Marga Hewko, Stephanie Urchick (Rotary International President Nominee), Peter Kyle, immediate past RI board member, Al Jubitz, founder of the Peace Rotary Action Group, Fergal McCarthy, TRF Program Manager for the Peace and Conflict Area of Focus. We hope more PFP members will attend next year’s Convention in Singapore where we hope to have a booth if we find members to help staff it.

From Monday, September 18th through Friday, September 22nd, Partnering for Peace (PFP), with Rotary International and Peace Corps, will host its third annual collaborative, week-long event to celebrate the opportunities and successes of the formal Rotary/Peace Corps partnership.  

The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), first signed in 2014 between Rotary International and the U.S. Peace Corps, is aimed at providing Rotary connections and support to Peace Corps Volunteers in the field and the US and connect Returned Peace Corps Volunteers and clubs with Rotary and Rotaract Clubs upon completion of service.  

Rotary – Peace Corps Week’s goal is to foster wider awareness of the MOU, and this year’s event is designed to build on that success with the theme “Celebrating our Connections".  Through daily Webinars/zoom calls, we will discuss:

• How our PC and Rotary leaders view the Partnership opportunities

• How Rotary Districts are working with the PC Community, 

• How Peace Corps country staffs and volunteers are working with Rotary.

• Sharing Indepth Joint Project examples that you can replicate

• Celebrating the cause related groups in PC and Rotary (Climate, Refugees and Peace)

You’re invited to participate in Rotary-Peace Corps Partnership, during the week and throughout the year:

• Invite a speaker.  

• Invite Returned Peace Corps Volunteers (RPCVs) or Rotary members as guest speakers to share about their service at club meetings. Find a Peace Corps speaker HERE. or email info@partneringforpeace.org Find a Rotary Club near you here.

• Share a summary of a Rotary-Peace Corps partnership project you worked on 

• Organize a joint activity with your local Peace Corps group or Rotary club 

• Promote the partnership by publicizing it and sharing successful partnership projects in: 

• Rotary District newsletters 

• Local media 

• RPCV affiliate group newsletters 

• Attend sessions and activities during the week-long event.  Registration coming soon

For more information about this event, and more ideas of how to participate, please visit our website or contact events@partneringforpeace.org.  

On March 15, 2020 news spread that EVERY PEACE CORPS VOLUNTEER ON THE PLANET WAS BEING EVACUATED! Every single volunteer’s existing service was abruptly interrupted – while those volunteers preparing for FUTURE assignments faced uncertainty about their future plans.  The global Covid pandemic impacted everyone – wherever they were.  The well-established evacuation plans were launched, bringing the best of the United States’ humanitarian volunteers home to an uncertain future.

It’s been nine months since that day – months of continued uncertainty and disruption of what had been hopes and plans for overseas humanitarian service – for some, coming home meant an early end to the Peace Corps assignment; for those who had just begun their service, uncertainty as to when or if there would be a return to the overseas post.  With concerns about contagion, and the impossibility of air travel to far-flung places, the intervening months have been filled with anxiety, and disrupted dreams.  

Life’s realities also intervened – some of those who returned needed to find gainful employment in a stressed economy; others were welcomed back home to begin filling their days with on-line course-work or job searches.   For some of these volunteers, a local connection with a Rotary club might have helped volunteers upon their return – with local Rotarians providing referrals to job possibilities, volunteer opportunities and other activities – though in a new virtual world.  For others, these connections had not yet been established.  We should do something to change that!

The map in the middle of the “World View” Summer 2020 magazine of the National Peace Corps Association, reminds the reader of the incredible breadth of participation in the Peace Corps by our nations’ volunteers.  Every state, and several territories welcomed their Peace Corps representatives home unexpectedly – some having ended their service for good – others in limbo until the Covid-19 pandemic eases or a vaccine becomes available to them.  A formalized collaboration between the Peace Corps volunteers and their home communities might have alleviated some of the concerns – providing a network of connections able to help, encourage and support these uprooted citizens as they awaited news and tried to plan their futures.

Though many months have now passed since March, 2020, it’s not too late to establish connections between our nation’s Peace Corps volunteers and members of US Rotary clubs in their home communities.   The map sent by the National Peace Corps Association in its Summer 2020 publication shows 148 Peace Corps workers in my State of Illinois alone.  There are many more Peace Corps volunteers throughout Zone 29 (and parts of Zone 25B, which is in Region 36).   I can only offer to assist with these areas, but this initiative could be expanded throughout other regions throughout the US.   Using the resources of the Rotary/Peace Corps alliance, and Partnering for Peace, we should be able to connect these volunteers with Rotary Clubs in nearby communities.  Once we confirm these connections, we can give the volunteers the information about the local club and invite them to a meeting.  You have to start somewhere!

We should also be matching every NEW Peace Corps worker with a US Rotary club so that there is a connection between the Peace Corps worker at home and a local club – the home club might be able to fund small international  grants in the Peace Corps workers’ villages, and then expand the Rotary footprint more broadly through a global grant as time goes on.  Each volunteer has a story to tell, a village to help and a potential humanitarian grant to consider and support.  

There is another reason for suggesting these connections:   I am in the process of setting up a new Passport Club, the Northeast Chicagoland Passport Club, which might be an attractive alternative to potential Rotarians not interested in “traditional”  Rotary meetings.  Passport clubs typically meet virtually and focus on Rotary’s humanitarian service and global initiatives – a good fit with the Peace Corps philosophy.  Similar clubs are already in existence in California, Texas, Minnesota and other states which may also be of interest to RPCV’s.  It may also be possible for groups of former Peace Corps Volunteers to set up “cause-based” Rotary clubs to continue to support other Peace Corps initiatives.

Ideally, the establishment of these Rotary connections, through grants, local Rotary clubs, and potentially membership in virtual Passport or cause-based clubs, will enable Peace Corps volunteers to continue their passion for humanitarian service after they return home to the United States.  Collaboration with local Rotary clubs will (1) facilitate the process of funding in-country projects in the volunteer’s communities; (2) potentially scale-up small grants to other communities in the overseas country; (3) provide networking opportunities to the returning Peace Corps Volunteer through Rotary’s business connections; and (4) facilitate the continuation of global service through the volunteer’s lifetime through participation in Rotary’s global humanitarian service.

Partnering for Peace – now – in the Covid crisis – and long term -  can inspire collaboration and humanitarian service through 7000 Peace Corps volunteers now – and the countless former Peace Corps workers in our midst.  Let’s use this crisis to reignite the passions of the army of former Peace Corps volunteers – and introduce as many as possible to Rotary clubs in their communities so that they can share their stories, and possibly generate new ideas for grants and projects around the world.  

Let’s tell the story of our partnership – and the good it is doing worldwide.