05.19.03

Senator Maria Cantwell's Statement on Washington State's Contributions to the Peace Corps

(WASHINGTON, D.C.) – Washingtonians have a long tradition of service in the Peace Corps. In fact, five colleges in Washington state are among the top Peace Corps Volunteer producing colleges and universities in the nation.

This year, more than 180 graduates of the University of Washington, Western Washington University, the University of Puget Sound, Gonzaga University, and the Evergreen State College, will be among its Volunteers. Furthermore, since President John F. Kennedy established the Peace Corps in 1961, the University of Washington has produced the third-highest total number of volunteers – more than 2,200 – of any college or university.

The mission of the Peace Corps is perhaps more important today than at any point in its history. In 70 nations around the globe, its dedicated Volunteers are helping to improve education systems, provide health care, develop critical infrastructure projects, share knowledge of advanced agriculture and business techniques, and protect the environment. These projects will help developing communities and their nations build a better future for themselves, and a safer and more prosperous future for the global community. Just as importantly, Peace Corps Volunteers carry forth a positive image of the United States – that as Americans, we continue to do our part to promote hope, opportunity, and cooperation with our global neighbors.

Institution Volunteers Rank in Category University of Washington 77 3rd Western Washington University 46 4th University of Puget Sound 23 4th Gonzaga University 19 11th Evergreen State College 17 20th

In the Peace Corps’s four decades, more than 168,000 people have answered President Kennedy’s historic call to service, to "ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country." Washingtonians have played a key role in its success, and I thank all of them for their contributions.

I salute the men and women from Washington state who have chosen to serve as ambassadors of goodwill. I am confident that they will ably represent our state and our nation.

Note: For more information about the mission of the Peace Corps, and how to become a Volunteer, please visit their web site: http://www.peacecorps.gov