Peace Corps' Top Official Will Visit Salem

Deputy Director Jody Olsen will Speak at Local Event and Present Local Community Member With Presidential Volunteer Service Award.

Peace Corps Deputy Director Jody Olsen Photo courtesy: keweenawnow.com

(SALEM, Ore.) - The Peace Corps wants Baby Boomers in the Salem area to know their adventures are only just beginning. Because there's no upper age limit to serve in the Peace Corps, it's never too late. In fact, Volunteers who are well into their 80's have served and continue to serve.

Those interested in learning more about the Peace Corps experience are invited to attend a special event on October 16, 2007 from 7:00 to 8:30 PM at the Salem Public Library’s Loucks Auditorium at 585 Liberty Street SE, for pictures and stories about Peace Corps service for the plus-50 Volunteer.

Neal Hansen, a returned Peace Corps Volunteer who served after the age of 50, will facilitate a distinguished panel of Salem area returned Peace Corps Volunteers who also served after the age of 50.

Peace Corps Deputy Director Jody Olsen will be visiting from Washington, D.C. to speak at this event and present Salem area local Bob Arias, executive director of CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) of Polk County, with the Presidential Volunteer Service Award for his significant contributions to the Peace Corps and to the local community he now serves.

Since 1961, when the Peace Corps was established by President John F. Kennedy, more than 187,000 Peace Corps Volunteers have helped promote a better understanding between Americans and the people of the 139 countries where Volunteers have served. Today, a total of 7,749 Americans serve in the Peace Corps. Of that number 5 percent are aged 50 or older.

Although there is no charge to attend this event, and prospective attendees are encouraged to bring friends and family of all ages, space and/or seating may be limited. Prospective attendees are encouraged to RSVP early with number of guests by writing seattle@peacecorps.gov or calling 800.424.8580.
Source: The Peace Crops