MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (WMOT) -- A Peace Corps recruiter says the agency gets a lot of volunteers from Middle Tennessee.
Alathea Parker says the agency holds recruiting sessions in the mid-state on a regular basis, because people here just seem to get what the Peace Corps does.
“We find that people from that region have a really strong commitment to service, to community outreach. They tend to really value volunteerism in their personal lives and even in their professional goals.”
Agency recruiters will be in Nashville in late August. Parker says she plans to bring along some Peace Corps veterans who can provide a first hand experience.
“About what it’s like to serve in the Peace Corps, what it’s like to work in different types of programs, and also we talk about the benefits that Peace Corps service offers you.”
Parker says says travel, housing, and health insurance costs are covered. Volunteers get a stipend in the field and a bonus when they complete a two year assignment. Graduate school assistance and preferential federal employment opportunities may also be available.
Anyone between the ages of 18 and 90 can volunteer.
Peace Corps recruiters will be at the Metro Center offices of the Tennessee Foreign Language Institute at 227 French Landing Drive on August 21 beginning at 6 p.m.