Congressman Garamendi would like the Library of Congress to recognize RPCV writers
I appreciate the Congressman's support and look forward to a permanent and growing Peace Corps Experience collection in the Library…
Congressman John Garamendi
Following the lead of Lawrence F. Lihosit (Honduras 1975–77), who has for several years been campaigning for a “Peace Corps Collection” at the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C., we have enlisted the help and support of the Congressman from the 10 District of California, John Garamendi (Ethiopia 1965–67). Rallying around RPCV writers, Congressman Garamendi wrote to Dr. James Billington, Librarian of Congress, on December 17, 2010, asking that the Library mark the 50th anniversary of the Peace Corps by “establishing a collection of books about the Peace Corps written by former Peace Corps Volunteers and Peace Corps staff,” and to host a reception for them during the extended weekend of September 22nd–25th of 2011.
Here is a PDF of Congressmen Garamendi’s letter to Dr. Billington.
Thank you, Congressman Garamendi, and thank you Larry Lihosit!
Thank you John…you and Pattie always make me proud of your contributions to our Nation, our State…and Peace Corps. I will be at the celebration and would be honored to Volunteer at the Library of Congress. Bob
Bob Arias
Peace Corps Response Volunteer/Paraguay 2010-2011
RPCV/Colombia 1964-1966
Excellent. Now, what can the rest of us do to support both Congressman Garamendi and Dr. Billington?
As we all know, Congress is in a cranky mood about spending money. The budget request for 2011 has already been submitted (www.loc.gov/about/reports/budget/fy2011.pdf). Developing and curating a collection costs money. On the Library of Congress website, there is a list of special programs to which one may donate. Maybe the way to start is to get the program up and start raising money to fund it.
Aloha, Jane (India 45, 1967-69)
I am in Washington DC and yesterday my wife and I got a personal tour of the capital by a member of our Congressperson’s staff. When we went to the gallery of the House, there was John Garamendi speaking on the floor on health care and the foolishness of Republicans trying to repeal this law. Amazing that he would be speaking when we were there. John Garamendi is on the correct side of every issue, and I am happy to know him.
Remember, Garamendi was at one time the State Insurance Commissioner for California and as such set rates that health insurance companies could charge. He certainly knows how those rates are created.
What a great idea. I will ask RPCVs of Colorado to support the Library of Congress Collection by writing to Colorado’s Congressional Delegation and asking for their support.
Jane, the idea of donating money to support the Collection makes a lot of sense.
Joey…great idea! Though I am in Paraguay at present, I will contact our two very supportive Peace Corps Senator´s from the Great State of Oregon, go Ducks!
Bob
I appreciate the Congressman’s support and look forward to a permanent and growing Peace Corps Experience collection in the Library of Congress, a record for the next generation. Over the past few years, John Coyne and Marian Haley Biel have been very generous about spreading the word. Thank you.