RPCV/W Events

Order a 2012 International Calendar! (31 Dec 2011)

Sat, 31 Dec 2011 05:00:00 GMT

The 2012 International Calendar is an initiative of the Returned Peace Corps Volunteers of Madison Wisconsin.

In production since 1987, the Calendar lists important festivals, birthdays, and holidays from around the world. It is also designed as a teaching aid, introducing varied life styles, terrain, foods, occupations, and crafts.

The Calendar makes a great gift and lights up any office. Much of the proceeds go to funding international grassroots projects with serving PCVs. As a partner, RPCV/W will also receive a percentage of each calendar sold. These funds go towards maintaining the website, organizing events, and sponsoring initiatives for our members.

Direct any questions to Chris Robinson; development@rpcvw.org; 202-681-7428

Hurry and get them while they're relevant! It only takes 5 minutes and our customer service is unbeatable. Here's to a wonderful year!

If you already purchased a calendar for the base price of $10.00 but would like to arrange shipping, please visit our Donations page to pay for shipping. The cost is 3.00 per item. You may enter your mailing address there and we will send it out immediately.

Annual John F. Kennedy Wreath Laying Ceremony (19 May 2012)

Sat, 19 May 2012 17:00:00 GMT

Please join RPCV/W on Saturday May 19th at 1pm to participate in our Annual Wreath Laying Ceremony to honor President John F. Kennedy’s Birthday at Arlington National Cemetery

President Kennedy established the Peace Corps Act on March 1, 1961 through Executive Order 10924. From this act, our ceremony honors his challenge for Americans to serve their country.

We will have a brief ceremony at the 101st Airborne Memorial located just off Memorial Drive on the right side of the street

We will then proceed to the gravesite in unison for a moment of silence and the laying of 13 roses representing the original 13 Peace Corps countries.

All are welcome. A cocktail hour will follow at a Location Cafe Asia Rosslyn, VA

We are also seeking RPCVs from each of the original 13 Peace Corps Countries to participate in the 13 Roses Ceremony.

Those countries are: Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ghana, India, Malaysia, Nigeria, Pakistan, the Philippines, St. Lucia, Sierra Leone, Tanzania and Thailand. If you are interested in participating and served in one of the following countries during the early years of Peace Corps, please contact Renetta Boyd specialevents@rpcvw.org

May Professional Development event: The Hill - Legislative and Political Careers (22 May 2012)

Tue, 22 May 2012 22:00:00 GMT

May Professional Development event: The Hill - Legislative and Political Careers

Tuesday May 22, at 6:00 p.m. -

Peace Corps Headquarters, Shriver Hall A
1111 20th Street, NW, Washington, D.C. 20526

This month's professional development panel will feature RPCVs currently working on the Hill discussing legislative and political careers.

Space is limited, please register through rpcvw.org, registration is free.

This event is the sixth in RPCV/W's new professional development initiative and is being held in conjunction with Peace Corps' Office of Returned Volunteer Services. Please contact Brandon Roché at professionaldev@rpcvw.org with any questions.

International AIDS Candlelight Memorial (24 May 2012)

Thu, 24 May 2012 22:00:00 GMT

International AIDS Candlelight Memorial 2012 - Promoting Health and Dignity Together

You are invited to join us on Thursday, May 24th from 6:00- 7:00 pm in Shriver Hall for the first Peace Corps community-wide observance of the International AIDS Candlelight Memorial.

The Memorial serves as a reminder of the great progress that has been made, but also of the toll that the pandemic continues to take in our own Peace Corps family and in the communities where Volunteers serve. Sections of the AIDS Quilt commemorating RPCVs who have died of AIDS will be on display for the memorial.

As is customary at AIDS Candlelight Memorials, the memorial will include a reading of names of family and friends who have died of AIDS. If you would like to commemorate a loved one, please send the first name and city or country of birth or service to aidsmemorial@peacecorps.gov. For more information on this event, contact Laara Manler, outreach@rpcvw.org

2012 - 2013 RPCV/W Board Election Information Session (31 May 2012)

Thu, 31 May 2012 22:30:00 GMT

2012-2013 RPCV/W Board Election Information Session

Are you interested in learning more about what it means to serve on the RPCV/W Board of Directors? Looking for a way to take on a leadership role in our community? Interested in a specific position? Or are you just curious?

Meet current Board Members on May 31, 2012 for an informal meet-n-greet and informational session on what it means to be a RPCV/W Board Member. Learn about each of the board positions and find out about what it is like to serve on the RPCV/W Board. Light food & beverages will be provided.

Thursday, May 31, 2012
6:30 p.m.

Stewart R. Mott House

122 Maryland Ave NE

Washington, DC 20002

If you have any questions, please email RPCV/W President Chris Austin at president@rpcvw.org.

2012-2013 RPCV/W Board of Directors Position Descriptions

The RPCV/W Board of Directors are annually elected by the RPCV/W membership to serve one-year terms beginning on August 1 of each year. All positions are unpaid. Board Members attend monthly Board meetings and are expected to be present at most RPCV/W events. Traditionally, the Board has two strategic planning retreats throughout the year -one in August and one in February. The 2012-2013 Board will consist of the following 11 positions, each highlighting different skill sets. Please keep in mind that these are only general descriptions and that RPCV/W encourages Board Members to be bold and innovative in pursuing the goals associated with their responsibilities.

President

The president is responsible for giving strategic direction to the Board. He/she runs Board meetings, co-facilitates retreats, troubleshoots organizational challenges, and serves as the face of the organization for media and events. The president maintains partnerships with NPCA and the NPCA’s Mid-Atlantic/nationwide Representative, Peace Corps, and other peer organizations in the region. Candidates should have leadership and management experience, patience, and rapport-building skills.

Vice President

The VP is responsible for coordinating and co-facilitating strategic Board retreats. In the President’s absence, the VP runs board meetings and fills in as Board leader. The VP runs and implements the Partnership for Peace selection process and reception, linking RPCV/W with local community non profits. Candidates should be well-organized managers with excellent people skills. Along with the Treasurer, the VP is responsible for ensuring that RPCV/W’s annual paperwork is filed with the IRS and NPCA.

Treasurer

The Treasurer is responsible for managing RPCV/W’s finances and cash flow. The Treasurer manages membership dues and event revenue, writes checks for all expenses, and provides monthly budget summaries for the Board. The Treasurer ensures we are up to date with NPCA membership and dues. Treasurer works on obtaining insurance for events and for the organization, as needed. Candidates should have basic knowledge of 501(c3) tax preparation, Quicken or similar finance software, be detail oriented, trustworthy, and organized. Along with the VP, the Treasurer is also responsible for filing taxes and other financial documents in a timely manner.

Secretary

The Secretary is responsible for keeping the minutes of each Board meeting and retreat, as well as compiling the annual report in June. The Secretary should distribute minutes in a timely manner and keep detailed records of Board decisions. He/she is responsible for creating and disseminating the weekly newsletter. This newsletter articulates RPCV/W events and announcements. Candidates should be organized and available to attend meetings regularly. Experience in editing and newsletter design is desirable.

Outreach Director

The Outreach Director is responsible for ensuring that RPCV/W retains a robust membership and for building relationships between RPCV/W and community stakeholders. He/she manages the RPCV/W membership database and works to streamline membership sign-ups between NPCA and RPCV/W. Interaction is not limited to members, but also to potential members, (e.g. RPCVs visiting the area for career purposes, Med-evac’d PCVs, etc.). The Outreach Director seeks to find and address gaps in serving the RPCV community.

The Outreach Director also works closely with the Professional Development Director and is responsible for the annual Speed Networking events (usually held twice a year in conjunction with Peace Corps’ jobs conference) and for monthly Med-Evac PCVs/RPCVs Meet-n-Greets. Traditionally, this Director has also worked with the Social Director on the Thanksgiving Potluck event and for new member events.

Development Director

The Development Director is responsible for keeping RPCV/W funded through non-dues revenues. He/she works with sponsors and donors, and runs the silent auction at the Holiday Party. The Development Director chairs the Board’s Development Committee, thinking creatively about new revenue opportunities and works to develop new, creative revenue-generating events and programs for RPCV/W. In addition, the Development Director is responsible for developing sponsor/donor materials (i.e. letters, forms, thank you notes, packages, etc.). Candidates should have basic fundraising or networking experience, have enthusiasm for building robust fundraising events and programs Taking pleasure in meeting new people and developing relationships (networking), leadership skills, particularly the ability to delegate effectively, and have genuine passion for RPCV/W and the Peace Corps.

Professional Development Director

The Professional Development Director is responsible for developing and implementing RPCV/W’s Professional Development Initiative (PDI). The aim of the PDI is to better connect RPCVs with each other along career lines. The Professional Development Director organizes career information events, speed networking events, formal panel discussions with RPCVs representing various industries, and mentoring programs for recently-returned volunteers.

Special Events Director

The Special Events Coordinator is responsible for the coordination of RPCV/W’s three signature events: The Annual Holiday Party, Annual Wreath Laying Event and Annual Summer BBQ. He/she works closely with venues, catering, and the Development Director to secure sponsors and donations. Candidates should have event planning experience, be able to delegate responsibilities to the board, and have a sense of humor!

Community Service Director

The Community Service Director is responsible for integrating the community service component to RPCV/W. He/she identifies local opportunities to engage in service projects. The Community Service Director assists the VP with Partnership for Peace. Candidates should have a passion for service and be able to bring diverse groups of people together.

Social Director

The Social Director is responsible for coordinating social events for RPCV/W members, including happy hours, family events, camping, cooking classes, wine tasting tours, etc. This person will also organize our Annual Cherry Blossom Picnic. He/she coordinates sign-up sheets and name tags at events, coordinates with local venues, and encourages members to meet each other and establish connections and friendships. Candidates should be outgoing, organized, and fun!

Public Relations Director

The Public Relations Director is responsible for posting and maintaining events and announcements on Face Book, Twitter and the RPCV/W website. This person is also responsible for maintaining and updating RPCV/W’s website, Google Groups, and other applications. He/she works closely with the Membership Director on integrating the member database. Candidates should have basic knowledge of website management and online applications and working knowledge of MS Publisher or similar newsletter formatting software and Adobe Acrobat Professional, be extremely organized with attention to detail, and keep to deadlines.

3rd Annual RPCV/w summer camping trip (08 Jun 2012)

Fri, 08 Jun 2012 22:00:00 GMT

3rd Annual RPCV/w summer camping trip

June 8-10th 2012 (rain or shine)

Seneca Shadow Campground, Monongahela National Forest, West Virginia

Cost: Members $15 | Non-members $25

(RPCV/w Members: Login to receive discount)

This year, because the location is farther than in the past (a 3 - 3.5 hour drive from DC) we have the campsite for Friday night if anyone would like to go out early.

RPCV/W will provide dinner on Saturday and breakfast on Sunday morning. However, we will ask that you bring your own snacks, drinks (other than water) and a side dish.

Logistics (more information will be sent out to participants):

This is a modern campsite with access to showers and flush toilets
Bring your own tents, sleeping bags, and a camp chair
RPCV/W will coordinate carpools for anyone who needs a ride

Activities:

There are several hiking trails nearby, and the campsite is located near Seneca Rocks

Questions? Contact Liza Cushion social@rpcvw.org

Annual Summer BBQ at the Capital Yacht Club (30 Jun 2012)

Sat, 30 Jun 2012 16:30:00 GMT

SAVE THE DATE!

June 30th 2012

RPCV/W's Annual Summer BBQ at the Capital Yacht Club

It's gonna be a great way to spend a summer afternoon with fellow RPCV's, vote on next year's Board.

Details and registration information are forthcoming!