Oregon Ranks Among Peace Corps' Top Volunteer-Producing States in 2013

“Americans from all across our great country and all walks of life are drawn to the Peace Corps by a spirit of service and a passion for helping others,” - Peace Corps Acting Director Carrie Hessler-Radelet

(WASHINGTON, DC) - The Peace Corps today released the 2013 rankings of the top volunteer-producing states and metropolitan areas across the country. Oregon ranked No. 4 among states with the highest number of Peace Corps volunteers per capita, with 5.2 volunteers currently serving worldwide per 100,000 residents.

“Americans from all across our great country and all walks of life are drawn to the Peace Corps by a spirit of service and a passion for helping others,” Peace Corps Acting Director Carrie Hessler-Radelet said. “No matter where they start their journey, through their experience Peace Corps volunteers show the world the compassion, tolerance and dedication to service that has always characterized the American people.”

Since the Peace Corps was established in 1961, 5,993 Peace Corps volunteers from Oregon have traveled abroad to serve their country in the cause of peace by living and working in developing countries. The state produced 203 volunteers in 2013, tying Massachusetts for the No. 14 position for total volunteers currently serving. Oregon fell this year from its No. 3 spot last year, when it produced 6.4 volunteers per 100,000 residents.

“Oregon continues to rank among the top states, per capita, for volunteers serving in the Peace Corps,” said Janet Allen, manager of the Peace Corps West Coast Region. ”Oregon has a wealth of globally oriented universities and sustainably minded communities from which we find volunteers willing to make a difference in communities overseas.”

Jonelle Anderson is an Oregon native who is currently serving in South Africa. She says that her community is very different from Salem, her hometown, but she loves that she gets to see zebras and giraffes on a regular basis.

Service in the Peace Corps is a life-defining, hands-on leadership experience that offers volunteers the opportunity to travel to the farthest corners of the world and make a lasting difference in the lives of others. Volunteers live and work at the community level to tackle the most pressing needs of people around the world and promote a better understanding between Americans and the people they serve. When they return home, volunteers bring their knowledge and experiences – and a global outlook – that give them a competitive edge for job opportunities in today’s global economy and enrich the lives of those around them.

The Peace Corps has eight regional recruitment offices across the United States that work closely with prospective Peace Corps volunteers of all ages and backgrounds to ensure that all Americans who want to serve have the opportunity to do so. The West Coast regional recruitment office serves Alaska, California, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Washington and Peace Corps recruiters are based locally throughout the region.Find the regional recruitment office near you by visiting the Peace Corps website here

As the preeminent international service organization of the United States, the Peace Corps sends Americans abroad to tackle the most pressing needs of people around the world. Peace Corps volunteers work at the grassroots level with local governments, schools, communities, small businesses and entrepreneurs to develop sustainable solutions that address challenges in education, health, economic development, agriculture, environment and youth development. When they return home, volunteers bring their knowledge and experiences – and a global outlook – back to the United States that enriches the lives of those around them. President John F. Kennedy established the Peace Corps in 1961 to foster a better understanding among Americans and people of other countries. Since then, more than 215,000 Americans of all ages have served in 139 countries worldwide. Visit www.peacecorps.gov to learn more.

*Peace Corps data current as of September 30, 2013. The metropolitan area data used to determine Peace Corps’ rankings are derived from the most current U.S. Census Bureau “Metropolitan and Micropolitan Statistical Area” data. Volunteers self-report their home city and state on their Peace Corps application.