For those of you stumbling across this blog for the first time you might have some questions about RPCVs and RPCV groups and what they do. So here are some terms to go with our acronyms.
PCV-Peace Corps Volunteer
RPCV- RETURNED Peace Corps Volunteer
RPCV group- a returned Peace Corps Volunteer group :)
RPCV groups are generally formed by RPCVs to give them some continuing connection to Peace Corps and other RPCVs who have gone through some of the same experiences as themselves.
A group can do several things:
-Be a service group, for example participate in charity walks, community drives, trash pick ups
-Do recruitment events, not all areas have access to recruiters or people from the recruitment office, in this case the RPCV group can fill that gap and be a good source or people interested in the Peace Corps
-Hold Peace Corps related events, for example a send off party for anyone in the process of applying or nominated to leave
-Fund-raise/donate money to worthy causes (this of course is decided by the group), for example donate to Heifer or Kiva micro-loans, or current PCV projects
The Northern Alaska Peace Corps Friends do a combination of all of these things. In addition, about once a month or so we hold group meetings to talk about events, fundraising, etc. We also talk about the Peace Corps, what our own service was like, and volunteering in general. It is a great way to connect with other RPCVs and talk about the Peace Corps without worrying about over-sharing (a common problem among recently returned PCVs). Groups offer support and a shared community. If anyone is ever interest in the Fairbanks group we always welcome newcomers, friends of PCVs, and any new or old RPCVs in the area.
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