“As a Rotarian & an RPCV, there are opportunities to make a difference if you are willing to act." – Peace Corps Journey
As Partnering for Peace (PFP) approaches its 10-year anniversary, now is the perfect time to reflect on the impact of this unique organization. Founded in 2012, PFP aims to foster partnerships between Rotary International and the United States Peace Corps through service, friendship, and mentorship.
In honor of this collaboration, we generated a word cloud from tweets about Rotary and Peace Corps. This word cloud tells a powerful story of international volunteer collaboration advocating for the peace, sustainability, and transformation of vulnerable communities. Working together, Rotary and Peace Corps bridge cultures and connect continents for a better future.
What does this visual representation mean? Let’s dive into four of the main word cloud terms:
1. Rotary & Peace Corps
Rotary International and the United States Peace Corps intersect at the center of PFP. By partnering together with the support of PFP, the two agencies aim to increase their collective impact globally.
PFP established a formal partnership with Rotary in 2015 and recently renewed the MOU. A group of Returned Peace Corps Volunteer (RPCV) Rotarians inspired the agreement. In addition, PFP joined the National Peace Corps Association (NPCA) as an affiliate organization. PFP has continued to grow from this small group of founders into a global membership of nearly 150 RPCV Rotarians.
The relationship between PFP, Rotary, and Peace Corps encourages ongoing networking, technical support, and fellowship. This collaboration maximizes the influence and sustainability of volunteer projects to promote peace.
2. Kickoff
Peace Corps and Rotary held a kickoff event for their historic collaboration. In 2016, the two organizations agreed to participate in a one-year pilot program in the Philippines, Thailand, and Togo. The agreement enabled the two organizations to share their resources and knowledge to boost the impact of development in the three target countries.
Peace Corps Acting Director Carrie Hessler-Radelet noted that “we are eager to join together in common efforts to inspire volunteerism across the country and around the world.” This kickoff encouraged volunteers from both organizations to expand existing connections to achieve lasting impact.
3. Collaboration & Partnership
Not surprisingly, collaboration and partnership are central to this word cloud. PFP’s mission focuses on promoting collaboration and partnership efforts between the Peace Corps and Rotary communities of the Peace Corps and Rotary according to the partnership’s objectives and each organization’s strategic priorities.
4. Retirees
As Americans live longer, healthier lives, older volunteers are on the rise for both Rotary and Peace Corps. Some older volunteers, like Douglas Crumley, joined Rotary Club to “feel like [they’re] doing more than taking up space.” Retirees seek out volunteer opportunities to stay engaged in the community, form friendships, and give back to others.
Both Rotary and Peace Corps, which have no upper age limit for volunteers, are actively enlisting older adults to get involved. The Peace Corp began working with the AARP in 2011 to connect older volunteers with service opportunities. Similarly, Rotary clubs across the country try to set dues at an affordable rate and provide diverse opportunities that allow people with all ability levels to participate.
The “myriad of volunteer projects give retirees outlets for their professional skills,” explains the New York Times. Volunteering allows older Americans to use their lifetime of knowledge to help others while exploring new adventures and reigniting old passions.
Together, these words paint a vivid picture of the power of relationships. PFP, Rotary, and Peace Corps have made incredible strides in mobilizing communities to advocate for education, health care, economic growth, environment, youth development, and agriculture. To learn more about Partnering for Peace, look for us at the Rotary International Convention in Houston, Texas, this June! Register today!.