What is the Peace Corps? And Five Facts You May or May Not Know

by A.L. Woods, Staff Writer

You've probably seen them on TV and in the movies, but what do you really know about the Peace Corps? These volunteers are truly unsung heroes, giving sacrificial service on behalf of their country, fostering good will, and promoting understanding wherever they go. As previously implied, most folks don't have an accurate understanding of the scope of what they're all about.

Here are a few facts that you may or may not know:

Founding

The Peace Corps was founded in the early 1960s as the result of a challenge made by Senator John F. Kennedy to students at the University of Michigan to rise to a mission of service by living and working in developing countries.

Mission

According to PeaceCorps.org, the organization has a three-fold mission which has remained in place since the very beginning of its history:

"1. To help the people of interested countries in meeting their need for trained men and women.
2. To help promote a better understanding of Americans on the part of the peoples served.
3. To help promote a better understanding of other peoples on the part of Americans."

Organization

The Peace Corps is a federal agency. Their primary focus is on "world peace and friendship," according to official statements published by the agency.

Service

Peace Corps volunteers work for sustainable change in the host countries which request their technical assistance in seven major areas: Education, health, environment, community economic development, youth in development, and other areas as needed/identified. Peace Corps volunteers are the United States' unofficial ambassadors to the world abroad. Through their service to other countries they build lasting and significant relationships, foster a positive image of America, and create global understanding between residents of their host country and the United States.

Volunteers

Peace Corps volunteers generally serve for two years following their initial training. During the span of the organization's history volunteers have served in the Philippines more than in any other country.

Although the Peace Corps rarely receives a lot of publicity, the quiet work that it does behind the scenes is an essential service that not only benefits the host countries that it serves, but the home country-the United States of America-that it represents.

Kudos to the many volunteers who have made their time of service to the Corps not just about carrying out a job well done, but about a lifestyle of working to ensure that the world is constantly evolving into a better place.

Source:  
PeaceCorps.org

*Photo: Todd via Flickr.com

[Originally published on Yahoo! Voices on 05/20/2014 (no longer published there).]

10 Fun Facts About Morrow, Georgia

by A.L. Woods, Staff Writer

I moved to Morrow in 2005, relocating from city of Atlanta proper, and have never looked back. I love the city primarily because the living experience is akin to living in a small town but with access to 'big city' facilities. Here I'd like to share 10 fun facts about Morrow, Georgia.

1. Morrow is home to Clayton State University. Clayton State has an enrollment of approximately 7000 students and offers a variety of degree programs at both the undergraduate and graduate level.
2. Morrow is located in Clayton County. Clayton is a suburban county in Georgia. Its county seat is Morrow's sister city, Jonesboro.
3. Morrow's primary shopping hub is Southlake Mall. Southlake is located approximately 11 miles from Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport.
4. Morrow has an interconnected pathway of nature trails. Walkers, runners, and bikers find much enjoyment in Morrow Pathway Trails and Reynolds Nature Preserve.
5. Morrow is the home of both national and state archives. Both the State of Georgia Archives and the National Archives at Atlanta are found here.
6. Morrow is the location of a School of Excellence. Morrow Elementary School has been awarded the distinguished School of Excellence award for 10 consecutive years.
7. Morrow is the home of University Station. This is one fact that I didn't know but stumbled across in my research. University Station is a premier live-work-play community that is currently under construction (hmmm, I'm going to have to check this one out in person).
8. Morrow is the home of the stunningly beautiful Morrow Center. This is an event, meeting, and social space that is perfect for all types of venues, including weddings! My husband and I participated in a conference held there about a year or so ago. The facility was beautiful, and the customer service from the staff was exceptional.
9. Morrow is the home of Spivey Hall (located at Clayton State University). Referred to as "the small Carnegie Hall of the South," this is yet another beautiful facility. Spivey Hall has an international reputation and is Morrow's primary central hub for the arts. It has exceptional acoustics and a breathtaking design. Musical performances are held here year round. Don't forget to take a peek at its magnificent concert organ. I think that you're going to be blown away!
10. Despite it being a small town, Morrow is the home of many thriving large business chains and small businesses. Business is booming here in Morrow.

I love living in Morrow and continue to watch with wonder as it evolves into a community that fulfills the needs of almost everyone who resides here yet retains its small-town flavor.

Y'all come through and visit with us! We'd love to have you.

Sources:
City of Morrow
Clayton State University
Clayton County, Georgia
Personal experience

*Photo: Morrow Tourist Center

[Originally published on Yahoo! Voices on 07/01/2014 (no longer published there).]