DaytonDailyNews.com

Statistics, survey responses are evidence of agency’s focus on security

By Gaddi H. Vasquez

The recently concluded series, “Casualties of Peace,” in the Dayton Daily News suggested that during the past 30-plus years, the Peace Corps has failed to provide adequate safety standards for Peace Corps volunteers.

The stories focused on some tragic and difficult events that have affected lives and communities here at home and overseas. The Peace Corps family mourns every life lost. Every crime against a volunteer is a reminder that we must remain vigilant and continue to enhance the safety and security of every Peace Corps volunteer.

Each Peace Corps director, beginning with Sargent Shriver, the agency’s first director, has placed a high priority on volunteers’ safety. While the Peace Corps will never be able to issue an absolute guarantee, we remain committed to developing optimum conditions for a safe and fulfilling experience for every Peace Corps volunteer.

Since taking office in February 2002, the safety and security of volunteers has remained my No. 1 priority.

Based on my personal experience as a former public safety official, and aided by suggestions of others in the agency and volunteers in the field, a number of safety enhancements were proposed. In 2002, a reorganization was approved that created a new Office of Safety and Security and increased by 80 the number of full-time safety and security staff.

The staff, which includes a chief compliance officer, was restructured to better communicate, supervise, monitor and help set safety and security policy. In addition, each Peace Corps post has established a safety and security coordinator in country to oversee volunteer safety in the field.

While establishing new training procedures, expanding staff resources and insuring compliance are important, the ultimate evaluation should be measured by results.

During the past two years, the Peace Corps has experienced a significant drop in volunteer deaths, major sexual assaults and minor assaults. For an accurate and global look at the Peace Corps’ safety and security record during the past two years, visit the Peace Corps Web site (www.peace corps.gov/index.cfm?shell=learn.

safety).

Notwithstanding the statistical data, the most effective tool for gauging success is to ask volunteers. Every two years, the Peace Corps conducts a global survey to measure the levels of volunteer satisfaction with programming, safety, medical and other key indicators. In the most recent global volunteer survey, which had a 68 percent response rate:

• 97 percent of the respondents replied that they considered their housing "very safe" to "adequately safe."

• Volunteers were asked how safe they felt at their work site, and 99 percent of the respondents described their work site as "very safe" to "adequately safe."

• Volunteers were asked how safe they felt when they traveled, and 84 percent of the volunteers rated their travel conditions as "very safe" to "adequately safe."

• Volunteers were also asked if they would make the same decision to join the Peace Corps. An overwhelming number — 89 percent — responded in the affirmative.

The Peace Corps will not rest on our achievements and accomplishments. We will build on the successes and learn from events as they occur.

When President John F. Kennedy outlined his vision of the Peace Corps, he said, "Life in the Peace Corps will not be easy. . . . Men and women will be expected to work and live alongside the nationals in the country in which they are stationed — doing the same work, eating the same food, talking the same language. But if life will not be easy, it will be rich and satisfying. For every young American who participates in the Peace Corps — who works in a foreign land — will know that he or she is sharing in the great common task of bringing to man that decent way of life which is the foundation of freedom and a condition of peace."

That vision remains strong and vital to the continued promotion of peace and friendship throughout the world.

Today, there are 7,533 volunteers serving in 74 countries. The current number of volunteers represents a 28-year high, and Americans across the nation continue to show interest in Peace Corps service.

Not long ago, I read a message from the parent of a volunteer who was grateful for the quality of care that was rendered by Peace Corps staff overseas and here in the United States. The parent wrote, "As a United States citizen, I am very proud of the Peace Corps; it is a superb organization worthy of every citizen’s support."

Gaddi H. Vasquez is the 16th director of the Peace Corps. His 23-year public service career began as a police officer and includes service at the city, county, state, and federal levels of government. He has served as an appointee of two California governors and two presidents. In October, he announced he is resigning from the Peace Corps effective Nov. 14.

[From the Dayton Daily News: 11.05.2003]