The Peace Corps.
Contents
Summary
With the aim of promoting world peace and friendship, President John F. Kennedy established the Peace Corps on March 1, 1961. As written in the original mission statement,[1] the organization was based upon three goals:
- Helping the people of interested countries in meeting their need for trained men and women.
- Helping promote a better understanding of Americans on the part of the peoples served.
- Helping promote a better understanding of other peoples on the part of Americans.
The organization grew throughout the decade, fulfilling President Kennedy's call for American citizens to be the first in beginning the movement toward eventual international prosperity and peace. Drawing attention to the worldwide suffering that had previously been ignored, the Peace Corps became a cause that many could wholeheartedly contribute to and support. Thought some opposition did present itself throughout the 60s, more and more Americans began packing up and volunteering overseas, turning Kennedy's dream into a reality that still exists today.
Precursors
Gubernatorial Origins
- causal factors
- goals
Reception
- Significant events & actions
- watershed moments
- turning points and phases of the organization
Success?
- individuals both inside the organization and out who impacted it’s course
The Peace Corps Today
Volunteers now serve in 74 countries in Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, Central and South America, Europe and the Middle East working in areas such as education, youth outreach and community develpment.[2]