WASHINGTON, D.C.—Since 1961, more than 240,000 Americans have served the United States and countries around the globe as Peace Corps volunteers. There are currently over 2,400 volunteers working alongside community members in 58 countries addressing the persistent impacts of COVID-19 and climate change and tackling local development priorities across the Peace Corps’ six programming sectors: Agriculture, Community Economic Development, Education, Environment, Health and Youth in Development.

The theme for this year, "Optimism in Action," not only celebrates the myriad ways the Peace Corps collaborates with communities to confront formidable challenges but also embodies a steadfast belief in the possibility of positive change through proactive, hopeful engagement. This theme highlights the vital role of resilience, adaptability and sustainable change in surmounting global challenges and cultivating peace in our dynamically complex world.

Join Returned Peace Corps volunteers & friends at USDA for a hybrid celebration of Peace Corps Week at 12 p.m. EST Tuesday, Feb. 27. Join us to learn more and share your vision.

Speakers TBD.

WHAT: Returned volunteers and friends at USDA celebration of Peace Corps Week
WHEN: 12:00 p.m.-1:30 p.m. EST Tuesday, Feb. 27, 2027
WHERE: In-Person: USDA South Building cafeteria or virtual: Join the Microsoft Teams meeting

Other Peace Corps Week events

As part of the week’s activities, the Peace Corps will hold a live event at the Kennedy’s Center’s Millenium Stage Friday, March 1, featuring stories from the across the Peace Corps. More information about the 2024 storytelling events, and other Peace Corps Week activities, will be posted soon, but in the meantime, enjoy the recording of the 2022 storytelling event:

Global Connections: Stories from the Peace Corps

Stories build connections. They change minds, open hearts, and they can build enduring bridges between individuals and communities. The live Global Connections: Stories from the Peace Corps event showcased seven inspirational stories about the transformational connections made in the Peace Corps.