Extensive reform to the Peace Corps’ application process has met with pushback from returned volunteers who worry that the ease of the new system will dilute the overall mission: for volunteers to simply serve where they’re needed.
The 53-year-old organization last Tuesday announced a series of steps — after a string of larger reforms in the past four years — meant to make it more attractive to volunteers, including shortening the initial application from eight hours to one and transparently assigning “apply by” and “know by” dates to alert applicants as to when they can expect to receive an invitation to serve.
The new process also promises to shorten the year-long application period to around six months — three months at the fastest — and to put a heavier focus on recruiting minorities and young people.
About the author
Kelli Rogers@kellierin
Kelli Rogers has worked as an Associate Editor and Southeast Asia Correspondent for Devex, with a particular focus on gender. Prior to that, she reported on social and environmental issues from Nairobi, Kenya. Kelli holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Missouri, and has reported from more than 20 countries.
