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Peace Corps Week recognizes the enduring legacy of President John F. Kennedy’s vision and the selfless dedication of American volunteers, observed annually in the week of March 1. This week celebrates the profound difference over 240,000 Americans have made in communities worldwide. Join us in honoring their commitment and exploring how you can support global peace and friendship.
Want to sponsor Peace Corps Week? Learn how
Expected Peace Corps Week Deals
Peace Corps Week is less about commercial deals and more about recognizing service and promoting the organization’s mission. Organizations like the National Peace Corps Association (NPCA) often host events, webinars, and fundraising drives to support returned Peace Corps Volunteers and ongoing initiatives. Universities with strong international relations programs may offer informational sessions or scholarship opportunities related to global service. Look for local community groups hosting appreciation events or virtual gatherings to share stories from returned volunteers. We will update this page with confirmed live events and awareness campaigns as March approaches.
Platform Guide for Peace Corps Week
Tag National Today (linkedin.com/company/nationaltoday) and use #PeaceCorpsWeek. Share stories of service or highlight the professional development gained through volunteering.
X/Twitter
Mention @NatlToday and use #PeaceCorpsWeek. Share news, historical facts, or quotes from President Kennedy about global service and diplomacy.
Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #PeaceCorpsWeek. Post photos and testimonials from returned volunteers or promote local community events.
Peace Corps Week Hero
John F. Kennedy
History of Peace Corps Week
The Peace Corps is an independent agency and volunteer program established and run by the United States Government. The main goal of the Peace Corps is to provide international social and economic development assistance. Most of the volunteers in the Peace Corps and anyone with a college degree can become a volunteer. Once you volunteer, you will get a three-month training post, which you will be posted abroad for a period of two to three years..
While it is true that President John F. Kennedy established the Peace Corps, the idea for establishing the Peace Corps predated President Kennedy. Several politicians like Henry Reuss, who was the representative of Wisconsin, suggested the creation of a “Point Four Youth Corps” in 1950. Later in 1960, when Senator John F. Kennedy was doing his presidential campaign at the University of Michigan, he noticed the crowd of 10,000 students had gathered to greet him. It is believed that it was at this moment he had birthed the idea of establishing the Peace Corps. Later in 1961, the Kennedy administration officially established the Peace Corps executive order on March 1.
In 2021, the Peace Corps celebrated its 60th anniversary, where the theme was “The Peace Corps through the Decades: Sixty Years, Countless Stories.” The event was celebrated in a virtual model, and over 1,600 people attended the national and local virtual events.
Today, from teaching digital literacy and leading health campaigns to boosting local entrepreneurship, volunteers in the Peace Corps work hard to solve some of the pressing global issues, thus making a difference in this world.
Peace Corps Week timeline
President John F. Kennedy proposes an idea to establish the Peace Corps.
Peace Corps are officially established by the United States Government.
15,000 volunteers are serving two-year terms in 46 countries this year.
Several volunteers are called back from duties in other countries due to the pandemic.
How Businesses Can Celebrate Peace Corps Week
Local businesses can honor Peace Corps Week by highlighting employees who are returned Peace Corps Volunteers (RPCVs), perhaps with a special internal recognition or feature on social media. Companies involved in international trade or development can host informational sessions about global careers. Restaurants could offer a ‘global-inspired’ menu item with a portion of proceeds benefiting the National Peace Corps Association. Consider sponsoring a local event that promotes global understanding and community service, aligning with the Peace Corps’ core mission.
Peace Corps Week FAQs
When is Peace Corps Week?
In 2027, Peace Corps Week is celebrated from Sunday, February 28, to Saturday, March 6. It’s a key period for recognizing the enduring spirit of global service and friendship.
How many Americans have served in the Peace Corps?
The Peace Corps boasts a proud history with more than 240,000 Americans having dedicated their time to international service across the globe. Each year, new volunteers join this impactful legacy.
What is the mission of the Peace Corps?
The agency’s mission centers on fostering peace and friendship worldwide through its three primary goals. These include providing skilled assistance, promoting mutual understanding between Americans and other cultures, and enriching the American public’s knowledge of the world.
How can I join the Peace Corps?
To become a Peace Corps Volunteer, interested individuals must meet specific eligibility criteria and complete a comprehensive application. The process emphasizes finding candidates with the right skills and commitment for impactful international service.
How to Observe Peace Corps Week
Join the Peace Corps
If you are waiting for that one glorious push to bring out that love of yours to help the world, this is it. If you are serious about making this world a better place, join the Peace Corps.
Educate others about Peace Corps
Educate your friends and family about the history of the Peace Corps and what they do to make this world better every day. You might even inspire someone to become a volunteer!
Share your stories
If you have experience being a volunteer for the Peace Corps, share your favorite story from your trip. Through your story, let people know about the Peace Corps and the excellent work they do.
5 Cool Facts About Peace Corps That Everyone Should Know
The oldest volunteer was, you know, old
The oldest volunteer for the Peace Corps was Arthur Goodfriend of Honolulu, who was 87 years old.
There were 15,556 volunteers once
The highest number of volunteers serving at one time was 15,556 volunteers back in 1967.
Many languages
The number of estimated languages spoken by Peace Corps volunteers is 224.
C.I.A. is banned from the Peace Corps
President Kennedy ordered the Central Intelligence Agency not to meddle in Peace Corps’ affairs due to false propaganda that the program’s volunteers were undercover spies.
Over 300 have given their lives
Over the years, more than 300 volunteers have died in service.
Why Peace Corps Week is Important
Peace Corps actually make a difference
The Peace Corps is one of the very few organizations in the world that sternly follows its commitment to helping underdeveloped nations get better. Peace Corps volunteers work hard to deliver their promises.
Peace Corps is for everyone
Peace Corps is for anyone who likes to bring a change in the world. There is no upper age limit for joining the Peace Corps.
Peace Corps helps America too
Although the Peace Corps is designed to work in developing and underdeveloped countries, they also help America. They assisted in Hurricane Katrina's relief efforts.
Peace Corps Week dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | March 1–7 | Sunday–Saturday |
| 2027 | February 28–March 6 | Sunday–Saturday |
| 2028 | February 27–March 4 | Sunday–Saturday |
| 2029 | February 25–March 3 | Sunday–Saturday |
| 2030 | February 24–March 2 | Sunday–Saturday |
Social Media Tips for Peace Corps Week
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