God! The Peace Corps Does Something Right

The new Peace Corps PSA has just come out. Allison Price, press office for the  Peace Corps, gets something right. Thank you, Allison. It is ( the PSA) on the mark. The right tone and message. Wow.  I’m stunned.

Peace Corps Releases New TV Public Service Announcement

WASHINGTON, D.C., January 6, 2011 – The Peace Corps has released a new television public service announcement (PSA) designed to increase awareness of service opportunities overseas.  The 2011 TV spot coincides with the agency’s 50^th anniversary and portrays, with humor and poignancy, the life of a recently returned Peace Corps volunteer (RPCV) who spent two years living and working with a community overseas. 

Click HERE to view the television PSA.

There are two versions of the PSA.  The original is a 60-second spot, while there is also an edited 30-second version.  Both feature a string of short conversations that unfold throughout a volunteer’s daily interactions as he shares his experience with friends, family, and others. These vignettes represent what many RPCVs feel as they return from their service overseas and have life-defining experiences, accomplishments, and stories to share.     

Select script from PSA:  

Volunteer: …my morning commute was by canoe…

Volunteer: …after two months, I was ready to quit, but after two years, I didn’t want to leave…

Volunteer: …I didn’t know I had it in me…

Actress Susan Sarandon lends her voice at the conclusion of the spot to reflect Peace Corps’ appreciation for the service of volunteers worldwide.

“Turn two years of service into a lifetime of experience.  To all the Peace Corps volunteers past, present, and future, thank you for your service to your country and the world,” says Sarandon.

The commercial was created by the advertising agency BBDO Atlanta, produced by Brad Powell, and directed by Alison Maclean.  This spot will air through the generosity of station and public affairs managers across the country.