Hey Everyone,
This message is for everyone but I am asking the Americans who read this blog to take action.
Most of you know that I hold Peace Corps dear to my heart. Under President George W. Bush, the programme was initially extended, post 9/11 but more recently funding has been cut, necessitating a potential drop in the number of PCVs sent overseas each year. Both my father, who is supposed to leave in June, and my sister, who is in the early application stages, have applied to become a Peace Corps Volunteer.
On February 13, 2009, RPCV Congressman Sam Farr (CA-D) introduced the Peace Corps Expansion Act 2009 (House Bill 1066) in the House of Representatives, with 40 co-sponsors. The ambition of the bill and the number of co-sponsors sent a shock wave through Congress.
*We have to rally to support HR 1066.* Click here to read the full text.
The Act, which cites growing numbers of applications to Peace Corps, calls for $450 million in FY 2010 to support and expand the Peace Corps. This is a $120 million increase over the FY 2009 budget, followed by $600 million for FY 2011, and $750 million in FY 2012.
To ensure that this legislation is passed, each of us must 1) support Congressman Farr’s initiative and 2) reach out to our members of Congress to grow the number of co-sponsors. Members of Congress should get in touch with RPCV staffer Marc Hanson (marc.hanson@mail.house.gov) in Congressman Farr’s office to have their names added.
Here's what you can do to take action:
Check and see if your Congressman/woman is already a co-sponsor. It your Member is already a co-sponsor, send a supportive message by calling the toll-free number for the Capitol switchboard (877 851-6437) and asking to be connected to your representative's office. Leave this message:For Members who are already co-sponsors.
"I believe the Peace Corps is underfunded at a time when demand for service has never been higher. Thank you for becoming a co-sponsor of House Bill 1066, the Peace Corps Expansion Act of 2009. I hope that you will reach out to other Members and invite them to co-sponsor this important bill.
If your Member is not yet a co-sponsor, use the same toll free number asking to be connected to your representative’s office. Leave this message for Members who are not yet co-sponsors.
"I believe the Peace Corps is underfunded at a time when demand for service has never been higher. Please consider becoming a co-sponsor of House Bill 1066, the Peace Corps Expansion Act of 2009. Contact Congressman Farr to become a co-sponsor and support the Campaign to increase the size of the Peace Corps.”
Please note this is a House action only so don't call your Senator yet!
I choose to send my Representative an e-mail. The link to send your Representative an e-mail is: https://writerep.house.gov/writerep/welcome.shtml
Cheers,
Nomadic Richard
Nomadic Richard
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