On behalf of the Board of the Ethiopia and Eritrea Returned Peace Corps Volunteers we would like to reflect on the launch of our new web site. When the launch occurred, we did not appropriately consider the timely and important issues confronting our nation. We failed to understand the impact the launch would have on many RPCVs, particularly persons of color. We deeply regret the pain and misunderstanding we caused and appreciate the feedback we received from members highlighting critical issues of inclusion that we have needed to address for many years.
The Board would like to express our strong solidarity with the movement for Black lives. We are mindful that the second goal of the Peace Corps is to allow Americans to learn about other peoples of the world, their cultures, customs, traditions, and social constructs. As we continue to expand our understanding of other lands and peoples, we remain committed to the value of respect for different races, religions, and cultures. Individually and as an organization, we also endeavor to honor the Peace Corps’ third goal to bring these lessons back to the United States and promote among our family, friends, and all fellow citizens understanding and respect.
In recent months, the board has been in transition, and we have been reviewing our policies and procedures to ensure our group remains relevant for RPCVs who served when the program started in 1962 up to now. In our efforts to update the web site, we spent years digitalizing the history of this organization, reviewing tax records, and organizing membership databases. In the final steps of this endeavor, we missed the opportunity to acknowledge the challenges—and celebrate the strong resistance to injustice—that our community has experienced in recent weeks.
Diversifying our board and overall membership is a top priority for E/E RPCVs. If you are interested in becoming an active participant in the work of E/E RPCV, joining the Board, or nominating a friend or colleague to join the board, please contact us at EthiopiaEritreaRPCVs@gmail.com.
Thank you again for reminding us of the importance of the critical issues of justice and diversity and helping us understand our obligation to support them in word and deed. These conversations, followed by substantive action, will make this a better organization that fully realizes its mission.
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