Rotary International and the Peace Corps are excited to announce a renewal of their partnership through 2024.

Rotary and Peace Corps have a long history – spanning many decades – of sharing resources and knowledge to boost the impact of development projects globally.  Through this partnership, first made official in 2014, both Peace Corps and Rotary are committed to improving lives and building stronger communities by addressing the root causes of violence and conflict, such as poverty, illiteracy, disease, and lack of access to clean water and sanitation.

By working together, Rotary members and both active and returned Peace Corps Volunteers (RPCV) enhance goodwill, foster international understanding, and build capacity in communities around the world. Opportunities for collaboration include supporting community projects, training, networking, and community education.
This partnership has already led to successful collaboration in the field. For example:

•  In 2019, after forging relationships across Ukraine and Belarus, a Kiev-based Peace Corps Volunteer (PCV) and Rotary International District 2232 teamed up with nine PCVs, five Lviv International Rotaractors, and eight Rotary members to successfully initiate the district's first Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA). The conference brought together 17 young adults to build skills in leadership, volunteerism, communication, public speaking, conflict resolution, and team building.
•  Encouraged by the service he pursued through Rotary, Cal Mann participated in the Peace Corps as an older volunteer, becoming part of the fewer than 10% of PCVs over 50 years old. Mann utilized the Rotary and Peace Corps partnership to foster relationships between PCVs and local organizations including Rotary clubs while serving in North Macedonia.
•  With support from a Rotary Foundation global grant the Rotary Club Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, and local Peace Corps Volunteers implemented a well water system in multiple communities throughout the  country. 
•  Erica Brouillette served as Community Service Director of the Northern Virginia Returned Peace Corps Volunteers, an affiliate group of the National Peace Corps Association. The group initiated a local Rotary club-Peace Corps Partnership to support refugees. The partners provided drivers to transport refugees from the airport to temporary housing and to and from appointments. They also they partnered with the Falls Church Rotary Club on a joint service project packing refugee welcome kits.
• Rotary member and RPCV Charlie Hunt has recruited several other RPCVs to his local Rotary chapter in Denver, Colorado.

Have you participated in the partnership, or know someone who has? Peace Corps and Rotary International would love to feature your experience and perspective in our social, digital, and print media. Consider sharing not only stories, but also lessons learned and advice for others wishing to become actively involved in this partnership. Your stories will inspire other Rotary members and Peace Corps Volunteers to replicate your success. Stories and photos from all areas of engagement are welcome! Please send them to rotary.service@rotary.org and visit Peace Corps Share Your Story.

Learn more about the partnership and how to get involved. For Returned Peace Corps Volunteers who are also Rotary members, the affiliate group Partnering for Peace is a great resource to learn about ways to encourage engagement in the partnership at a grassroots level.

Please contact rotary.service@rotary.org or partnerships@peacecorps.gov with any questions about the partnership or this renewal.