AUSTIN, TX – Peace Corps Director Jody Olsen and National Peace Corps Association (NPCA) President Glenn Blumhorst signed a Memorandum of Understanding June 21 to renew the organizations’ commitments to support the Peace Corps’ mission. The two groups will continue to implement initiatives that promote a better understanding among Americans of other people and cultures around the world and educate the public on Peace Corps programs and service opportunities.

The memorandum was signed during the Peace Corps Connect conference—an annual gathering of returned Peace Corps volunteers hosted by NPCA. The 2019 conference took place in Austin, Texas, with the help of the Heart of Texas Peace Corps Association, and centered on the theme “Innovation for Good.”

The conference featured several workshops focused on global advocacy. Echoing this idea throughout the weekend were keynote speakers, panels, awardees and special guests.

“The signing of this memorandum gives returned Peace Corps volunteers a framework for a lifetime of service,” said Peace Corps Director Jody Olsen. “I ask every person at this conference to be strong as you talk about your volunteer experiences. You are key to the next generation of Peace Corps volunteers.”

At Peace Corps Connect, NPCA acknowledged several returned Peace Corps volunteers for their outstanding service. Sue Richiedei accepted the Deborah Harding Women of Achievement award for outstanding impact on global women’s’ lives. Guatemalan-American filmmaker and former Peace Corps counterpart Luis Argueta received the 2019 Harris Wofford Global Citizen Award. CorpsAfrica founder Liz Fanning was awarded the 2019 Sargent Shriver Award for Distinguished Humanitarian Service.

The 2019 Loret Miller Ruppe Award for Outstanding Community Service was given to the New York City Peace Corps Association (NYCPCA) and Peace Corps Iran Association (PCIA).

“We are a Peace Corps of impact,” said NPCA President Glenn Blumhorst.

NPCA is a registered nonprofit organization that serves as a network for those who served in the Peace Corps. The organization is committed to fostering Peace Corps values and remains an important resource to both currently serving and returned volunteers.