Press Office, Peace Corps

Organization The Peace Corps traces its roots and mission to 1960, when then-Senator John F. Kennedy challenged students at the University of Michigan to serve their country in the cause of peace by living and working in developing countries. From that inspiration grew an agency of the federal government devoted to world peace and friendship. Since that time, more than 187,000 Peace Corps Volunteers have been invited by 139 host countries to work on issues ranging from AIDS education, information technology, and environmental preservation.

General Purpose The mission of the Office of Press Relations is to communicate the Peace Corps’ message to national and international media. Press Relations is the principal point of contact for the Agency with the public and the news media both domestically and abroad. The office is responsible for ensuring that the public is informed about the Agency’s activities and about the priorities and policies of the Peace Corps Director.

The Office of Press Relations prepares and issues Agency news releases and reviews and approves those written by agency departments. It serves journalists by responding to queries, issuing media advisories and statements, arranging interviews and conducting news conferences. The Press Office ensures that information provided to the news media is current, complete and accurate. It also ensures that all external messages and information released to the public are accurate and reflect the policies of the Agency.