Peace Corps Goes Gray
By: Source: AARP Policy and Research Date Posted: 2005-04-29 00:00:00-04:00
AARP Global Aging Program Idea Exchange Series
Washington, D.C.
You can be older and go into the Peace Corps. This is not your children’s Peace Corps. This message, delivered by Jody Olson, Deputy Director of Peace Corps, highlights the organizations strategy of harnessing the experiences of older Americans to deliver the message and promise of the US to the world.
Deputy Director Olson’s career began in Peace Corps and, while overseas, she learned the value that other cultures place on older people. From 1966 to 1968 she was a Peace Corps Volunteer in Tunisia. In the 1970's, Deputy Director Olson was the first director of the Center on Aging at the University of Maryland and volunteered for several aging related NGO's. She completed her PhD in Gerontology at the University of Maryland. President Bush nominated her to her current post in 2002.
According to Jody Olson, older Americans contribute tremendously to Peace Corps programs all over the globe. In her experience, no single group has more to offer in terms of experience, maturity, and demonstrated ability.
Many older Volunteers find their age to be an asset while serving overseas. They have the opportunity to share a lifetime of work and wisdom with people of developing nations who respect and appreciate age. And because there's no upper age limit to serve, it's never too late—Volunteers who are well into their eighties have served and continue to serve.
Many 50+ American’s see the Peace Corps as an opportunity to volunteer, give back, serve the country, strengthen community, and gain a new area of knowledge and stories for home. Volunteering in today’s world also makes it easier for older American’s to stay in touch with their family and friends. In fact, according to Jody Olson, volunteers can be in touch everyday through letter writing, telephone calls, and email. The communications age has made it much easier for older American’s to join and not feel disconnected.
Today’s Peace Corps is not too much different than the one that began in 1961. It’s just bigger and has a larger scope and volunteer base. There are currently 7,733 volunteers spread across 72 countries today. The largest country served is Ukraine and the largest region served is Africa. Six percent of the volunteers, or 450 people, are 50+. The oldest is 84!
The older volunteers in the Peace Corps find that they have a lot to give the world. The needs of the Peace Corps are as diverse as the countries served. According to Deputy Director Olson, they are currently seeking educators, businessmen, skilled tradesmen, experts in youth and community development, and individuals with expertise in agriculture and environment.
In addition to the benefits of serving the US and making a difference in the world, volunteers are also guaranteed complete medical care, vacation time, living allowance, and readjustment support. There is also a system in place to ensure the safety and security of volunteers. The 2 year assignments allow older participants to continue federal and state retirement. Volunteers are also encouraged to have family visit them while they are abroad.
The Peace Corps is serious about recruiting older American’s to serve. According to Deputy Director Olson, the Peace Corps is including images of the 50+ in all marketing materials and hiring older recruiters. The Peace Corps is also creating targeted marketing materials for the 50+, presenting at AARP and other aging organizations, and partnering with organizations to bring older people on board.
For more information about volunteering with the Peace Corps as an older American, please visit www.peacecorps.org/index.cfm?shell=learn.whovol.older.
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