Peace Corp promise of global volunteers

The World

Fifty years ago this month, then-Senator John F. Kennedy delivered a rousing speech asking the nation to take part in the global community. Kennedy’s call for the nation’s young to volunteer their time and efforts would soon become the Peace Corps.

Half a century later, has Kennedy’s legacy of volunteerism faded? We discuss the Peace Corps’ success and relevance in the 21st century with two people who have first hand experience, both then and now. Elyse Peterson served two tours as a Peace Corps volunteer. Her latest was a five month project in Antigua. We also speak to Kevin Lowther. Kevin volunteered in Sierra Leone in 1963 and is the retired regional director of Southern Africa for Africare.

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