Volunteer Handbook Exerpts

The following exerpts were taken from the Peace Corps Volunteer Handbook, which was provided to me prior to beginning service in Guyana. I have selected exerpts pertaining to the sharing of information, communications, media relations, public expression, and more. For purposes of objectivity, I have included states that both help and hurt my case.

Peace Corps Mission

  • To help the peoples of interested countries and areas in meeting their needs for trained men and women;
  • To help promote a better understanding of the American people on the part of the peoples served;
  • To help promote a better understanding of other peoples on the part of the American people.

In adapting to changing needs around the world, the Peace Corps remains guided by its founding mission - to help the people of developing countries meet their basic needs and to help promote mutual understanding among Americans and people from other cultures.
--page ii

A Volunteer's contribution is not just made overseas. During and after their service, Peace Corps Volunteers share their understanding of the culture, language and traditions of other countries with countless family members, friends, co-workers, and community groups in the United States.
--page ii

Effective communication includes knowing how to function in a new cultural environment as well as knowing what to say and how to say it. It will be essential that your communication conveys appreciation and respect from the traditions and values of those with whom you work.
--page 35

I, (your name), do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States of America against all enemies, domestic or foreign, that I take this obligation freely, and without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion, and that I will well and faithfully discharge my duties in the Peace Corps, (so help me God).
--page 37

Early Termination During Training
There are circumstances under which a Trainee may not be able to complete training or be sworn-in as a Volunteer. There are four ways a Trainee's service may terminate (early termination):

  1. Resignation: A decision by a Trainee to end Peace Corps service, regardless of the reason.
  2. Medical Separation: A decision by the Peace Corps Office of Medical Services to separate a Trainee from Peace Corps service because the Trainee develops or is found to have a medical condition that precludes continued service.
  3. Interrupted Service: A decision by the Peace Corps Country Director that a Trainee should not continue in Peace Corps service due to circumstances beyond the individual's control.
  4. Administrative Separation: A decision by an authorized Peace Corps official that a Trainee will not be allowed to continue in Peace Corps service because the Trainee has not complied with Peace Corps policies or conditions of service; has not met Trainee selection standards; or has demonstrated a lack of suitability for service.

For a more detailed discussion, see the section entitled "Early Terminations" beginning on page 77.
--page 37

World Wise Schools Program
The World Wise Schools program is part of Peace Corps' Third Goal/Domestic Programs efforts to share Volunteers' experiences in the developing world with others in the U.S. The need to share information about other countries has perhaps even greater significance today that it did when the Peace Corps was first created. As a result of technology and political change, the world is growing smaller, and the need for international understanding and cultural tolerance is greater than ever before.

World Wise Schools links elementary, junior high, or high school classes or student groups in the U.S. with currently-serving Volunteers to participate in an exchange of overseas correspondence. Through the exchange of letters, photographs, artwork, and other educational materials, U.S. students learn not only about, but from, other countries and cultures.
--page 51

email and Internet
Volunteers and their families should not assume that Volunteers will have access to computers, email, or the Internet while overseas. Access and costs vary considerably among countries and even among assignments within the same country.
--page 63

Generally speaking, you may express views on or discuss issues relating to the U.S. or other countries in the same manner you may in the U.S., except that you must comply with the laws of the host country, and when expressing yourself, you should not leave the impression that you are speaking on behalf of the Peace Corps or the U.S. Government. A personal sharing of opinions and values is part of the person-to-person relationships that are vital to the Volunteer experience.
--page 68

The Peace Corps therefore requires that Volunteer expression of opinion on political issues or other controversial issues relating solely to the host country be made only in a private manner while serving within host countries.
--page 68

If during overseas service you are considering making a public statement, whether to the media or otherwise, or taking an action that may relate to political or other controversial issues within the host country, or if you have questions about which issues are sensitive in your country or about this policy, you should first consult the CD. If you still have questions after consulting the CD, or are not satisfied with the CD's response, you should contact Peace Corps' Office of General Counsel in Washington, D.C. In deciding whether the proposed statement or action is consistent with the responsibilities of the Volunteer and of the Peace Corps, the potential damage to the Peace Corps and the U.S. must be weighed against the Volunteer's right to make such a statement.
--page 69

You are free to discuss your role in the Peace Corps with the press or anyone else - keeping in mind the responsibility that goes with that freedom. An ill-considered statement could be used to embarrass you, the Peace Corps, the U.S., or the host country in which you serve.
--page 70

On the other hand, your thoughtful and accurate views and insights can contribute substantially to bringing to the U.S. a better understanding of another country. You may write articles for publication, but you should discuss them in advance with the CD, or ask him or her to review what you have written for problems you may not have anticipated.
--page 70

The care taken in private communication should be no less than the care taken in public utterances. Letters to friends and family may be passed to the press and become a public issue.
--page 70