(StatePoint) Are you an older adult looking for your next big adventure? The Peace Corps is encouraging U.S. adult citizens to volunteer their service abroad to promote world peace and friendship.
While the Peace Corps temporarily suspended volunteer operations at all posts in March 2020 due to COVID-19, the agency is working to return to service and is accepting applications. A legacy of the John F. Kennedy presidential administration, here’s what to know about the Peace Corps:
Experiences Vary Widely
Partnering with communities abroad to develop sustainable solutions for the world’s most pressing challenges, the Peace Corps has served in more than 140 countries. Volunteers serve in such sectors as education, health, youth in development, agriculture, community economic development, and environment. Also, Peace Corps Response is a 12-month or less service assignment for experienced professionals.
Over 240,000 American citizens — 13,898 of whom served over the age of 50 — have served in the Peace Corps since it was established 60 years ago in 1961.
Older Volunteers are Valued
According to Peace Corps officials and returned volunteers, not only are older Americans uniquely qualified to serve because of their perspectives and experiences, they are viewed and respected as an asset to their new communities.
They’re also recognized back home. On June 24, the 2021 Lillian Carter Award Ceremony was held virtually to recognize and celebrate the extraordinary impact made by Peace Corps volunteers above age 50. The award was established in 1986 in honor of President Jimmy Carter’s mother, Lillian Carter, who in 1966 served as a Peace Corps health volunteer in India at age 68. Featuring Jason Carter, the great-grandson of Lillian Carter, the ceremony paid homage to her legacy.
Carole Anne “Aziza” Reid of New York City was the 2021 Lillian Carter Award recipient. Reid served with the Peace Corps in Moldova and Eswatini, and was selected from among more than 70 nominations.
An artist, activist, organizer and educator, Reid has four years of service as a Peace Corps volunteer. Her service concentrated on literacy, health education and youth and family services. In Moldova, she was a community development volunteer, focusing on community programs to empower women and youth through African dance classes and social justice activities. In Eswatini, her impact on girls’ and women’s empowerment and on combatting HIV/AIDS was recognized at the national level by the deputy prime minister.
“If you are thinking about serving in the Peace Corps, especially if you are 50 or older, I encourage you to take the leap,” said Reid. “I was 53 when I enlisted as a volunteer, and I started walking towards my best self. My journey continues today, and it is with a deep sense of humility and gratitude that I—as one of many former and current dedicated Peace Corps volunteers—accept the Lillian Carter Award.”
Getting Started
There is no upper age limit to Peace Corps service and many volunteers have served into their 80s. Interested applicants can connect with a recruiter to learn more and get the application process started by visiting peacecorps.gov.