Human Interest

WASHINGTON, Jan. 5 /PRNewswire--HISPANIC PR WIRE/ -- One of the goals of the Peace Corps is to help the people of other countries gain a better understanding of Americans and our multicultural society. To achieve this important goal, the Peace Corps works to ensure that the Volunteer Corps reflect the extraordinary diversity of America which has enriched our country in countless ways. The Peace Corps actively recruits people with a variety of backgrounds and experiences to best share the nation's greatest resource -- its people -- with the communities in which Volunteers serve around the globe.

The Peace Corps conducts a variety of activities to address questions and concerns specific to potential Volunteers of all backgrounds and heritage. For example, Peace Corps recruiters at nine regional offices regularly sponsor hundreds of events and general information sessions around the country.

Each year, the Peace Corps sends thousands of citizens to live and work overseas, and since its establishment in 1961, people of color have played a central role in building the agency's great legacy of service. The Peace Corps is working to ensure that even more people of color can experience the opportunities for professional and personal growth that so often come with serving as a Volunteer. The Peace Corps offers an investment in the individual's future and an opportunity for the experience of a lifetime.

As the Peace Corps approaches its 50th anniversary, its service legacy continues to promote peace and friendship around the world. Historically, over 195,000 Volunteers have helped promote a better understanding between Americans and the people of the 139 countries in which they have served. Applications to serve in the Peace Corps have increased 16 percent this past year, the largest boost in the last 5 years. Currently, 7,876 Peace Corps Volunteers are serving in 76 countries. Peace Corps Volunteers must be U.S. citizens and at least 18 years of age. Peace Corps service is a 27-month commitment. To learn more about the Peace Corps, please visit our website: http://www.peacecorps.gov/divpr .

SOURCE Peace Corps