Perspectives on Peace Corps Agency Restructuring

Navigating Change: Peace Corps Headquarters and Overseas Staff Reductions

The Peace Corps community is facing a period of significant transition as the agency implements substantial staffing reductions at headquarters in Washington, D.C. and across all overseas posts. These workforce changes stem from the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) assessment of Peace Corps operations, which has mandated restructuring efforts throughout the organization.

Despite these challenges, agency leadership has emphasized their unwavering commitment to the core mission of Peace Corps: supporting volunteers' health, safety, security, and effective service, while continuing to recruit, place, and train new volunteer cohorts at the invitation of host countries.

Understanding the Scope of Changes

Peace Corps leadership is actively working to identify ways to significantly restructure the workforce while maintaining essential functions. The projected reductions vary across offices and units, with the restructuring aligned to preserve core functions necessary for volunteer support and compliance with operational and statutory requirements.

Overseas, staff reductions are being implemented on a post-by-post basis. The agency is also evaluating adjustments to the number of posts, beginning with locations that currently have no serving volunteers (only remote volunteers). A limited number of additional posts may be affected by these changes.

In a concrete example of post adjustments, the Peace Corps has announced the closure of its country program in Mozambique. After nearly three decades of close partnership with the people and government of Mozambique, ongoing security concerns and persistent operational challenges prevent the return of Peace Corps Volunteers to service in the foreseeable future.

The legacy of friendship and partnership between Mozambique and the United States, fostered through lasting connections among returned Peace Corps Volunteers, host families, community partners, and agency staff will endure. Since the Peace Corps opened its country program in 1998 at the invitation of the government of Mozambique, over 1,400 volunteers have served in the Health and Education sectors across the country. There are no currently serving Volunteers in Mozambique.

Impact on Current and Future Volunteers

At this time, the Peace Corps does not anticipate interruptions to currently serving Volunteers' service. The agency has confirmed it has no plans to withdraw volunteers from their host communities or return them to their homes of record before their scheduled completion of service dates.

One specific development concerns South Africa: As Peace Corps assesses compliance with the executive order regarding foreign assistance to South Africa, the agency is pausing the country's next two-year volunteer cohort that was scheduled to depart this summer. This determination does not currently impact ongoing operations in South Africa. The Peace Corps will work with affected cohort members to identify alternative country programs that best align with their skills and preferences.

Reports from the Field

As the agency navigates these necessary changes, Volunteers have understandably expressed interest in how the restructuring might affect support services in their communities. Country directors are working diligently to maintain open communication channels, though the evolving nature of the changes means that some information is still developing. In more remote placements, Volunteers with limited internet access may experience delays in receiving updates. The agency is also implementing prudent resource management measures, including adjustments to travel budgets and non-essential expenditures as part of its overall fiscal responsibility efforts.

Volunteers are actively sharing and comparing information across country borders, with news articles being circulated quickly through their networks. A significant amount of peer support is occurring among Volunteers as they adapt to this period of organizational transition. Though there are appropriate boundaries to PCV involvement in policy matters, many Volunteers are interested in contributing their on-the-ground perspectives and experiences to inform broader community awareness. This firsthand information from those currently serving provides valuable context that complements the agency's official communications about these changes.

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Peace Corps Budget Status: A Critical Juncture

The White House has issued its preliminary "skinny" budget, which does not specifically mention the Peace Corps. While this omission is not unusual and doesn't necessarily signal any particular intention regarding the president's priorities, it adds another layer of uncertainty to the agency's financial outlook.

It's important to remember that Congress ultimately controls federal appropriations and will determine the budget as they deem appropriate. However, we now face a critical juncture:

• The Peace Corps is experiencing unprecedented staffing cuts that threaten its core mission and effectiveness.

• There is a narrow window of opportunity—perhaps only 2-3 months—to secure bipartisan support for adequate funding to ensure Peace Corps’ future.

Your Voice Matters: Grassroots Congressional Advocacy

In this challenging environment, congressional advocacy has never been more important. We strongly encourage all members of the Peace Corps community to contact your representatives and senators to express support for robust Peace Corps funding. Personal stories about your service and the impact of Peace Corps programs can be particularly persuasive with lawmakers.

Consider scheduling in-person meetings, making phone calls, or sending personalized messages to your members of Congress. Emphasize the importance of maintaining the Peace Corps' capacity to fulfill its mission of promoting world peace and friendship through service, cross-cultural understanding, and technical assistance. See National Peace Corps Association’s action center for more information.

The Global Peace PAC: Building Political Power

While grassroots advocacy remains essential, the current political landscape requires additional approaches. The Global Peace Political Action Committee serves as the political voice for Americans who care about a strong and vibrant Peace Corps. The Peace Corps needs real political power, which can only come through strategic political action and direct engagement in the electoral process. Global Peace PAC is now fully operational, has raised initial funds, and has begun developing a target list of key Appropriations Committee members to support.

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Taking Action: How You Can Help

As we navigate these challenging times, there are several ways you can support the Peace Corps:

1. Contact your representatives in Congress to advocate for robust Peace Corps funding

2. Share your Peace Corps story with lawmakers, friends, and on social media

3. Consider supporting the Global Peace PAC to build political influence for Peace Corps priorities

4. Stay informed about developments affecting the Peace Corps community

5. Connect with fellow RPCVs to coordinate advocacy efforts

The Peace Corps has weathered many challenges throughout its history. With coordinated action and passionate advocacy from our community, we can help preserve this vital institution and its mission of promoting peace and friendship around the world.

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This newsletter represents information available as of May 13, 2025.

Disclaimer: The views, opinions, and perspectives expressed in this newsletter are solely my own and do not necessarily represent or reflect the official policy, position, or views of the Peace Corps agency or the United States government.