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Panel & Networking
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SD County Board of Supervisors Proclamation
RPCVs were invited to receive an official Proclamation from the San Diego Board of Supervisors. In celebration of the 50th Anniversary Supervisor Greg Cox presented the award (above) to Courtney Baltiyskyy, Hank Davenport, Lennox Miller, William Moore and Gene Nelson. During the presentation Supervisor Cox shared, "The Peace Corps has done so much for people throughout the world in the last 50 years and I am happy to recognize your outstanding contributions." Courtney and Lennox (below) then shared a few words about their services and what the experience has meant to them. It was a proud moment for the SDPCA and every RPCV back in the United States.
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50th Anniversary of UCSD & PC
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2011 Will Be the Year PC Wins the Nobel Peace Prize
by Hugh Pickens on PeaceCorpsWorldwide.org
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
As Jay Nordinger writes in National Review "the Norwegian Nobel Committee has given quite a few anniversary awards. In 1963, it honored the Red Cross on its 100th. In 1969, it honored the International Labour Organization on its 50th. In 1981, it honored the Office of the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees on its 30th. In 1995, it honored anti-nuclear activists–Joseph Rotblat and the Pugwash Conferences–on the 50th anniversary of the atomic bombing of Japan, and the 40th anniversary of the Russell-Einstein Manifesto (the grand anti-nuclear declaration of the age)." So 2011, the Peace Corps' fiftieth anniversary, will be the year that the peace corps community wins the Nobel Peace Prize.
The Nomination
The nomination, due on February 1, has already been made. RPCV Congressmen Tom Petri and Sam Farr joined together to send a bipartisan letter nominating the Peace Corps for the Prize signed by 138 members of the House of Representatives.
"As a former volunteer, I know first hand the important role the Peace Corps plays in assisting the people of less developed countries to get an education, improve agricultural and business practices and more," said Petri. "The heart and soul of the Peace Corps are the volunteers, mostly young, who commit themselves to service in unfamiliar cultures, far removed from many modern comforts and conveniences. Through their experiences they get as much as they give, but the challenges they face make clear that they are engaged in service to people – it's far more than just a job. The Peace Corps deserves greater recognition, especially for the service work performed by its volunteers."
As established by Alfred Nobel, the Nobel Peace Prize is awarded to the person or entity that, "shall have done the most or the best work for fraternity between nations, for the abolition or reduction of standing armies and for the holding of peace congresses." According to conservative commentator Nordinger "The U.S. Peace Corps meets Nobel's criterion of "fraternity between nations" very nicely. The agency has three stated goals: to help the nations served; to promote a better understanding of Americans; and to promote a better understanding, by Americans, of other peoples. Few contend that the Corps has failed in the meeting of those goals."
Bi-partisan Support
Jack Vaughn, the second Director of the Peace Corps, recounts an interesting anecdote from the 1960's. "It came after a senior staff meeting to which I had invited Republican senatorial icon Barry Goldwater. After serious questioning on what Kennedy's new agency was all about, Arizona's Goldwater swore that the Peace Corps embodied virtually every one of the most noble aspects and values of the Republican Party."
If the Peace Corps does receive the Nobel Peace Prize in 2011, then with Sarge gone, there is no better man than the second Director of the Peace Corps, Jack Vaughn, who at 90 years of age is still as strong and vital as ever, to accept the prize on behalf of the Staff and RPCVs of the "greatest generation" who worked in the 1960's to make the Peace Corps what it is today.
(above) Set Up Crew–Marjory Clyne, John Fulton, Amber Lung, set up tent for the shared PC booth (PC & SDPCA) in Balboa Park for Earth Fair.
SDPCA at EarthFair 2011
Thanks to my great group of volunteers for their enthusiasm and dedication on Sunday at EarthFair: Jason Carmichael, Sally Hunter, Christina Silva, Sonny & Marie Foreman, Lennox Miller, Sharon Kennedy, Celeste Coleman, Gregg Pancoast, Paul Mullins, and Carol Wahlen.
Special Thanks to Ron and Nicola Ranson who came bright and early to help set up the canopy and tables, along with Amber Lung, our San Diego Peace Corps recruiter with tons of stuff to give away.
–Marjory Clyne, Western Samoa 1972-72. (Photos: Ron Ranson)
(below) Early Set Up Crew–Ron Ranson, John Fulton. Marjory Clyne, Amber Lung

(below) Lots of Interest–RPCVs \worked the booth in 2-hour shifts. Thanks to all who shared their experiences. There was a steady stream of people and questions all day!


On I was honoured to be asked the join a panel of RPCVs at San Diego State University on March 16th to talk to a room of people about my Peace Corps experience. I was very nervous at first, until the local recruiter, Amber Lung, reminded me that this was a FUN event, not a dissertation defence. I must admit I was a bit sick to my stomach, when I saw the amount of chairs were in that meeting room. Once I met my fellow panellists that feeling disappeared. They made me feel so comfortable. I had found my local Peace Corps family.
I have always felt a connection to my Peace Corps family that I served with, but at that point I realized that the family is much larger than I anticipated. There is always someone that understands if I need to grieve for the fact that I was evacuated from site or cherish the friends that I made and keep in my heart. Though it has been 9 years since I left Andapa, Madagascar; I can shut my eyes and see everything about it, right down to the shabby market and soot covered bush taxis, but also the always smiling faces and brightly colored clothes.
I learned that even though the panellist ages ranged over 20 years and service years that spanned over 40 years, we all had the same internal experience. We all came away from our service with a better understanding of people from other cultures and more importantly of ourselves. I have always felt that regular people just love the funny and entertaining stories, but no one really understands from where I am coming. Now I have new friends that do and appreciate the opportunity I was given to find them.
–Sally Hunter, Madagascar 2002-04.
Here are a few media-related links for this event:
• http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2011/mar/15/peace-corps
-anniversary-ties-celebrated-sdsu/#
• http://www.kusi.com/video?clipId=5665437&autostart=true
• http://thingstodo.signonsandiego.com/san-diego-
ca/events/show/170610385-exhibiting-peace-50-years-of-peace-
corps
50th Anniv: House Parties 3/1
San Diego held two houseparties for the 50th Anniversary celebration. I attended Willie Clayborn's in the south bay area. The house was easy to find with the PC banner flying in the yard and an open door. Willie was the consummate host, and provided a birthday cake, a video of himself 15 years ago while volunteering in West Africa.
Willie still is very much involved in international matters with a housemate from Uganda. Willie's house is decorated with an amazing array of West African art objects. All of us who could find an audience to listen told of our experiences and how the Peace Corps has influenced our lives. It was a delightful evening filled with music, laughter, excellent potluck food and great networking and brought back a lot of wonderful memories for me.
–Ellen Shively, Eritrea, 1968-70.
Actually there were three House Parties in San Diego March 1st: Willie Clayborn (The Gambia '95) 92114; Will Moore (Senegal '99) 92130; Barbara Ruys (Gabon '89) 92117. Thanks, you all!–ed.
CPR Saturday 3/19
On Saturday, March 19, over 3,000 people braved 3 hour waits in strong rain and wind to become CPR certified at the American Red Cross's free CPR Saturday.
Among the intrepid participants were three SDPCA members (pictured L to R: Thryn Albin and Barry Shapira, RPCVs Cameroon, and Celeste Coleman, RPCV Ukraine). Courtney Baltiskiyy (RPCV Ukraine, not pictured) worked all day as a course instructor, helping to get the crowd certified and make San Diego a safer place for us all.
–Celeste Coleman, Ukraine (2005-07)
Snowflakes, leaves, humans, plants, raindrops, stars, molecules, microscopic entities all come in communities. The singular cannot in reality exist. –Paula Gunn Allen
President's Message
What I Love About SDPCA
I just came back from the Earth Fair at Balboa Park where I helped at our booth for a two hour shift. There was so much positive energy in that booth – I highly recommend it if you have the chance to help out in the future. Thank you, Marjory Clyne, for coordinating the booth for many years! The two hours there perfectly exemplified what I love about the San Diego Peace Corps Association. There were lots of SDPCA friends, including some I have known for almost 20 years, there were some very recently returned folks, and I met Sarah, who will start her Peace Corps service in three weeks. Even though we all served in different decades, different countries, and different jobs, we were excited for Sarah and happily gave her advice which may or may not be relevant to her experience. She didn't seem to mind as she is really excited about her upcoming adventure. And that is something we can all relate to.
The annual meeting/potluck will be on May 14 from 11:30 am to 2:30 pm at Mission Bay (Santa Clara Point – for more details). This is a great time for all of us to come together to share food, have fun, meet new members, and if we are lucky, enjoy nice weather on the bay. Bring a unique dish to share – one of the best things about Peace Corps potlucks is the great home cooked food from all over the world. This is the also the time to elect a new board. If you are interested in joining the board, please let me know.
There have been great 50th Anniversary events this year –parade, parties,and formal events (at UCSD and SDSU)– and we hope the best is still to come. On Saturday, June 11, the San Diego Peace Corps Association in collaboration with Peace Corps and the National Peace Corps Association will host a big event at the International Cottages at Balboa Park. Please plan to attend and enjoy the day with us. See Calendar Entry for more details.
I hope to see you soon.
–Sharon Kennedy, SDPCA President, Thailand (1989-91)
Board Minutes
Attendance: Gregg Pancoast, Sarah Fuhrmann, Celeste Colman, Ashley Smallwood, Courtney Baltiyskyy, Carl Sepponen, Sharon Kennedy. Not Present: Kris Slanina.
President: Sharon proposes that we focus on existing planned activities rather than creating new activities. SPDCA board elections will be carried out in May. We currently have 87 members.
ISF Global Awards: Justin (PC Dominican Republic) has been granted funds for the library project. The fund was sent through Money Gram, but the award has not yet been picked up. Courtney has sent several emails to the volunteer, but has not heard back. SCHAP (Sustainable Comprehensive Humanitarian Aid and Planning)—no decision has been made to date. Organizations other than SCHAP will be proposed for nomination for the annual award at the next SDPCA meeting. PCV in Ukraine asked for a global award. Project proposed is for $15,000. The project involves English and leadership seminars for Ukrainian youth targeted in smaller and diverse communities. The seminar is meant to engage youth in their communities. A decision should be made by the end of the month on whether the SDPCA should fund this project.
Social Report: May 14th–11am-3pm Santa Clara Recreation Center is reserved on Mission Blvd for the SDPCA annual meeting. The rental fee was $43.50 for the room. Sunday July, 17th--Padres event—Sarah proposes that the event be in July or August. This will be a fundraising event for the SDPCA. We should have the tickets to sell by the annual meeting in May. We will purchase 50 tickets for resale. March 31st Happy hour is scheduled in La Mesa: Gio's. March 16th—SDSU is recognizing PC at the alumni center. More details will be reported later. Sarah sent out an evite for this event. People volunteered to help at the event through the evite. March 1st—Dinner Party to be held at Will Moore's house to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the speech JFK gave about the Peace Corps. Went very well, between 20 and 25 were in attendance.
Fundraising Report: We will not do entertainment books next year. More effort will now go into the silent auction. Calendars will still be sold this year.
Community Action: March 19th--CPR Saturday. We will meet at 8:30am and then have lunch afterward. The event will be free. Project Concern would like to partner with us to do a community service project.
Board Meeting, April12 2011
Attendance: Kris Slanina, Gregg Pancoast, Sarah Fuhrmann, Sharon Kennedy, Celeste Colman, Carl Sepponen, Ashley Smallwood. Guests: Jill Dumbauld, Marjory Clyne, Brenda Terry-Hahn. Absent: Courtney Baltiyskyy.
Membership: Data for new membership information is being transferred from hard copy to CD/electronic form. SDPCA needs to find someone to transfer the data interactively in CD format. The information that will be included is: Member/RPCV Advisors for You, Education, Health Care, Economical Food Sources, Housing, General Information, Camping Information, SDPCA Membership benefits, Trauma Therapy and Fun Support. Sharon has compiled a membership list including all current members. A motion was made to lower the SDPCA membership cost to the National member rate from $20 to $15 so that there is not a discrepancy in price. A vote will be taken at the next meeting.
President: The deadline for the newsletter is the 15th of April.
Vice President Report/50th Anniv: Kris will make contacts with local media to market the June 11th event.
Financial Report: The balance sheet is $11,594.48. March 31 is the end of the fiscal year.
Social Report: May 14th–11am-3pm Santa Clara Recreation Center is reserved on Mission Blvd for the SDPCA annual meeting. Sunday July, 17th–Padres event (1:05 start time)–We bought the 50 tickets for $10 each. We will sell them for $15 each. The proceeds raised will be used for the CASS fund. SDPCA will sell the tickets at the June 11th event. March 31st Happy hour at La Mesa: Gio's–only two people including Sharon came to the event.
Fundraising Report: Karl has found an extra post office key. Marjory will be in charge of the extra key.
Community Action: March 19th–CPR Saturday. Three thousand people showed up to the event–3 people from SPDCA at the event. Thryn (Cathryn Albin), RPCV has offered graphic design services to the SDPCA. June 5th–SDPCA will participate in the Rock N' Roll marathon staffing a water station.
Miscellaneous: SDSU library display went well. There were 5 display cases –Jill Dumbauld.
April 17th: Marjory is planning Earth Day.
June 11th event for the 50th Anniversary Expo has an itinerary for presentation that Marjory explained. There will be food catered and entertainment provided. SDPCA should show up at 10am to set up. Marjory is requesting funds to pay for entertainment, aside from NPCA funds. SDPCA will have their own table to promote membership.
April 15th Peace Corps' 50 Years of Promoting Peace and Friendship & UCSD's 50th Anniversary Achieving the Extraordinary–Marjory will represent SDPCA at a table.
July–Project Concern will partner with SDPCA for a volunteer event. The date is not yet known.
Global Awareness Award–Sarah proposes "Help for Schools" and "Hug it Forward". SDPCA will vote on the matter within the next week. No response signifies a vote for "Help for Schools".
Next Meeting, Tuesday, May 10th
-Ashley Smallwood, Secretary, Ecuador (2004-07)
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Fear is a disease that eats away at logic and makes man inhuman. –Marian Anderson

When the World Calls:
The Inside Story of
the Peace Corps and
Its First Fifty Years
by Stanley Meisler, DC Staff
Beacon Press, 288 pages
Hardcover
$26.95 ($17.79 Amazon)
ISBN: 978-0807050491
Peace Corps is an American emblem for world peace and friendship. 200,000 former volunteers include members of Congress and ambassadors, novelists and university presidents, television commentators and journalists. Few Americans realize that the Peace Corps has sometimes tilted its agenda to meet the demands of the White House.
Stanley Meisler discloses, for instance, how Lyndon Johnson became furious when volunteers opposed his invasion of the Dominican Republic; Richard Nixon literally tried to destroy the Peace Corps; and Ronald Reagan endeavored to make it an instrument of foreign policy in Central America. But somehow the ethos of the Peace Corps endured.
In the early years, Meisler was deputy director of the Peace Corps' Office of Evaluation and Research - and his unswerving commitment to write an unauthorized and balanced history results in a nuanced portrait of one of our most valued, and complex, institutions.
Author website: http://www.stanleymeisler.com

Making Peace
with the World:
Photographs of PCVs
by Richard Sitler, Jamaica 2002-04
Other Places Pub., 160 pages
Paperback
$38.95 ($30.95 from Publisher)
ISBN: 978-0982261989
In June 2009, Richard Sitler began to document PCVs serving in communities around the world. Over the next two years, Richard traversed the planet, stayed with PCVs, experienced their communities and work sites, and documented what it's like to be a Volunteer in the modern Peace Corps.
Richard discovered that the values President Kennedy had imagined for the Peace Corps in his famous 1960 speech to be evident in the organization today. However, the Volunteer has evolved drastically over the years.
Volunteers today are no longer required to conform to the stereotypical image of young idealists giving up their comfortable lives to live in a grass hut. Rather, Volunteers are using modern technology, such as laptops and cell phones, to enrich their experience and impact their community. He sees how retired professionals bring experience to their organizations. And how, as it always has been, Volunteers change lives while being forever changed themselves: PC and Volunteers, fifty years later.
Pub Website: http://www.otherplacespublishing.com/mpwtw.html
SDPCA welcomes new members. Let us hear from you! We look forward to seeing you at our events and more.
• Kathryn Jacobson, Panama, 2008-2010
• Matthew Britten, Micronesia , 2008-2010
• Mary Wirges, Paraguay, 1973-1976
• Linda Stratton, Nominee
• Bob Braaton, Guatemala, 1970-1972
• Amber Grove, Ghana, 1994-1997
• Geoffrey Matranga, Saint Kitts & Nevis, 2008-2010
• Marina Marcus, Ethiopia, 2008-2011
• Edward McDaid, Afghanistan, 1965-1967
• Vanessa Porter, Honduras, 2008-2010
• Teri Wilson, Niger, 2008-2010
• Donna McCarthy, Malaysia, 1964-1966
• David Ball, Niger, 1987-89; Central African Republic,
...1981-83
• Travis Bays, Costa Rica, 2005-2008
• Bob Benson, Bolivia, 1997-1999
• Chole Current, Romania, 2001-2003
• Chris Deegan, India, 1970-1972
• Karen Devine, Brazil, 1963-1965
• Barbara Embry, Gabon, 1988-1990
• Chanda Fuller, Belize, 2009-2010
• Lee Gerston, Mozambique, 2008-2010
• Harmony Hartbauer, Kenya, 2008-2009
• Andrew Holets, Kazakhstan, 2006-2008
• Dennis Kroeger, Honduras, 1967-1969
• Briana Lozano, Niger, 2005-2007
• Debbie Mettenleiter, Togo, 1980-1982
• Stephanie Mood, Tunisia, 1967-1969
• Ronald Pachence, Turkey, 1967-1969
• Kerrie Resendes, Guatemala, 2002-2004
• Karey Sabol, Jordan, 1998-2000
• Terri Schoeneman, Gabon, 1996-1998
• Valdemar Schultz, Iran, 1967-1969
• Audrey Shillington, Benin, 1982-1985
• Dorothy Southern, Nepal, 1981-1983
• Kate Tsunoda, Morocco, 2008-2010
• Robert Vryheid, Thailand, 1981-1985
• Jenna Waites, Guatemala, 2001-2003
• Shawna Fehrman, Thailand, 2010-2011; Honduras,
... 2003-04
• Amy Cortina, Costa Rica, 2005-2007
Newsletter Credits
Pacific Waves is published six times a year by the San Diego Peace Corps Association which is fully responsible for its content. Except for copyrighted material, articles may be reprinted without permission with credit to the SDPCA.
Contributions (articles, letters, photos, etc.) welcomed! Easiest if already a text or Word file on disk, Mac or PC -- BUT typed copy is fine too. Photos: 300-600 dpi best, Mac or PC formats welcomed.
Please send to NewsEditor, SDPCA, P.O.Box 26565, San Diego, CA 92196 or email to: ![]()
Editor
Don Beck, Interim Editor
Web Layout
/ Production
Don Beck
Contributors
this issue are:
Celeste Coleman, Judy Stout, PCV, Marjory Clyne, Sarah Fuhrmann,
Carl Seponnen, Sharon Kennedy, Sally Hunter, Kate Kuykendall,
Courtney Baltayskyy, Ashley Smallwood, Laura Kelleher, PCV, Hugh Pickens.
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