NorCal PCA wholeheartedly endorses the establishment of a Peace Corps Park on the National Mall. We encourage all RPCVs, along with their friends and family, to unite with us in bringing this vision to life!
Based on feedback from our membership and Board, we recently approved a $5,000 donation to the Peace Corps Foundation in support of a Peace Corps Park on the National Mall in Washington DC! We are excited to support this initiative dedicated to inspiring visitors to making a better world and promoting peace. Below is a letter of thanks and more info from local RPCV, former Congressperson, Peace Corps Foundation Director, and NorCalPCA friend, Sam Farr.
Dear NorCal RPCVs, Former PCV Staff, and Friends of the Peace Corps,
I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to NorCal for its leadership in supporting the creation of the Peace Corps Park, a commemorative work on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. NorCal’s generous seed donation of $5,000 is a powerful start and should inspire other National Peace Corps Association affiliates to join this important cause. However, our collective impact will be even greater if each of us shows up in force to back this campaign.
I am also grateful to John Bost for spearheading our efforts to broaden support. To equip him with the resources needed to effectively persuade other affiliates, your donations are crucial. Please consider making a donation now. Also, share your personal reasons for supporting this project with John at [email protected]. Remember, while the total amount is important, the number of individual donors who participate will significantly amplify our support.
Peace Corps Foundation has been leading the effort on this initiative. It has successfully secured a prime location and an exciting design from the National Park Service, but it is now our time as a community to do our part. The responsibility for funding construction falls to all RPCV, former staff, and our friends. It is essential for us to take ownership and demonstrate our commitment to the Peace Corps’ enduring legacy.
In my years of advocating before the House Appropriations Committee, which oversees all foreign aid—including Peace Corps—I have witnessed firsthand the transformative impact of our Volunteers. The Peace Corps is uniquely positioned to reach the world’s most underserved areas and make a lasting difference. This commemorative park honoring the Peace Corps, and all those who have served, will stand as a testament to that impact.
Thank you for your support in making this vision a reality.
Sam Farr, PCV Colombia 1964-66
House of Representatives 1993-2017
Director, Peace Corps Foundation, 2022-present
To have your donation credited to NorCal’s peer to peer campaign please use this link.
[Note from NorCalPCA: Sam Farr sponsored, along with Representative Joe Kennedy, the legislation that authorized creation of the Peace Corps Park on the National Mall.]
