State
posted
Dec 19, 2012
Vermont tops the 2012 list of states with the highest per capita
number of Peace Corps volunteers, says a report released Dec. 12.
There are 45 currently-serving Peace Corps volunteers who call the
Green Mountain State home, making it the number two Peace Corps
volunteer-producing state in the nation on a per-capita basis, with
7.2 of every 100,000 residents currently serving in the Peace
Corps.
In addition, the Upper Valley region of Vermont and New
Hampshire was nationally ranked among U.S. metropolitan areas for
its per capita volunteer production, with 15 residents of the
Lebanon-Hanover-Hartford area currently serving as volunteers.
"The Northeast has a culture of involvement and community
engagement, so we are always well represented in Peace Corps
service worldwide," said Northeast Regional Office Manager Brian
Melman. "This year, more than 1,500 residents of the Northeast
region are serving overseas, gaining leadership skills and tangible
benefits while making a difference for those in need. Residents
interested in working with communities in 76 nations to address
changing and complex needs in education, health and HIV/AIDS,
business, information technology, agriculture, and the environment
should contact the Northeast Regional Office for additional
information."
Historically, Vermont has produced 1,453 Peace Corps volunteers who
have helped promote a better understanding between Americans and
the people of the 139 countries in which they have served.
Peace Corps is a life-defining leadership experience for
Americans who are prepared for the challenge of public service
overseas. Volunteers return home as global citizens with
cross-cultural, leadership, language, teaching and community
development skills that position them well for advanced education
and professional opportunities in today's global job market.
Since President John F. Kennedy established the Peace Corps by
executive order on March 1, 1961, more than 210,000 Americans have
served in 139 host countries. Peace Corps volunteers must be U.S.
citizens and at least 18 years of age. Peace Corps service is a
27-month commitment and the agency's mission is to promote world
peace and friendship and a better understanding between Americans
and people of other countries. Visit www.peacecorps.gov for more
information.
