November 2011 – Page 3 – Peace Corps Worldwide

A Special Tribute to Alan Weiss Author of High Risk/High Gain

Nov 03 2011

[Mathematician, graduate of M.I.T., wanderer through Cuba, Paris, Corfu, Alan Weiss (Nigeria 1963-64) joined the Peace Corps wanting “to become part of something for once.” He entered a summer training program at Columbia University in New York City, preparatory to assignment as a teacher. In his book, High Risk/High Gain, he tells the story of that training program. The book, published by St. Martin’s Press in 1968, had as its subtitle: “A freewheeling account of Peace Corps Training.” From time to time in the years following its publication, I would spot small back-page ads in magazines like The New Republic offering the book for sale. Alan had bought from the publisher copies of his remaindered book and was hawking the book himself. Then the ads disappeared. The book disappeared. And Alan Weiss disappeared. Since then two RPCVs who served with Alan – Bob Cohen and Ed Gruberg – have kept . . .

Kate Puzey Protection Act now Law

Nov 02 2011

Yesterday the U.S. Congress signed a bill into law to protect PCVs, women Volunteers especially. The bill protects whistleblowers, train volunteers on how to avoid attacks, and improve the treatment of sexual assault victims. It passed the House by unanimous consent. It is called The Kate Puzey Volunteer Protection Act of 2011–named after Kate Puzey who was murdered in Benin in 2009. It had already passed the Senate by unanimous consent in September. “We’re so gratified, and actually amazed, that it’s come to fruition, and that other volunteers will be able to hopefully serve safely,” Puzey’s mother told ABC News. “And if, God forbid, something happens, then they will have the support they need, which is what our family did not get.” The legislation was created after dozens of women who served in the Peace Corps accused the agency of not doing enough to help them after they were sexually assaulted. . . .

The House of Representatives passed 406 to 0 the Kate Puzey Peace Corps Volunteer Act of 2011

Nov 01 2011

This legislation is unique that it has bi-partisan support and represents the kind of cooperation between parties for which we all can be grateful. The speeches earlier lauded the Peace Corps Volunteer and the bravery of the RPCV women of First Response Action who worked for this legislation. The Senate has already passed the bill. It now goes to the President for his signature and it will then become law. This link should show the House Proceedings for November 1, 2011 http://houselive.gov/MediaPlayer.php?view_id=2&clip_id=5588&meta_id=

October 2011 Books by Peace Corps Writers

Nov 01 2011

I Never Intended to Be Brave: A Woman’s Bicycle Journey Through Southern Africa by Heather Andersen (Lesotho 2001–03) Windy City Publishers $14.99 (paperback), $8.99 (Kindle) 260 pages October 2011 • Maya 2012: A Guide to Celebrations in Mexico, Guatemala, Belize & Honduras by Joshua Berman (Nicaragua 1998–2000) Moon Publishing $7.99 (paperback), free (Kindle) 128 pages October 2011 • The Orawan Poems by Gerry Christmas (Thailand 1973–76; Western Samoa 1976–78) Lulu Publisher $14.95 (paperback) 148 pages October 2011 • Running in Flip-flops (Peace Corps novel) by Abigail Fay (Senegal 2007–09) Peace Corps Writers Book $12.75 (paperback) 299 pages September 2011 • Ukraine: Discover the Real Ukraine by Ashley Hardaway (Ukraine 2006–08) Other Places Publishing $22.95 (paperback) 250 pages October 2011 • No Senator’s Son by RJ Huddy (Morocco 1981–82) A Peace Corps Writers Book $17.50 (paperback), $2.99 (Kindle) 377 pages October 2011 • Steve’s Adventure with the Peace Corps: Stories from . . .

Archive - November 2011