2026 SESSION

INTRODUCED

26107237D

HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 178

Offered February 25, 2026

Commending the Peace Corps.

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Patrons—Singh and Laufer; Senator: Salim

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WHEREAS, the Peace Corps, an agency of the United States Government that sends American volunteers around the world to assist communities through a variety of projects and initiatives, celebrates its 65th anniversary in 2026; and

WHEREAS, President John F. Kennedy established the Peace Corps by executive order on March 1, 1961; and

WHEREAS, the Peace Corps was founded with a vision of Americans volunteering abroad to serve their country and the cause of peace while making a difference in the lives of people and communities in need; and

WHEREAS, since its founding, more than 240,000 Americans have volunteered with the Peace Corps across 144 countries worldwide; and

WHEREAS, Peace Corps volunteers typically spend 27 months in their host countries, during which time they cultivate relationships with a local community and spearhead locally prioritized projects in the areas of education, health care, agriculture, youth development, and more; and

WHEREAS, the efforts of Peace Corps volunteers have not only transformed communities, but have also fostered a greater understanding of Americans and a deeper appreciation for the United States; and

WHEREAS, Peace Corps volunteers return from their time abroad with new perspectives and leadership skills, equipped to think globally, to negotiate and respond to the evolving challenges of the 21st century, and to continue serving for the benefit of their communities; and

WHEREAS, in 2025, the Commonwealth sent the second highest number of Peace Corps volunteers abroad with 178 volunteers, while dozens of that year's volunteers had previously studied at Virginia institutions of higher education; and

WHEREAS, by fostering intercultural understanding and exchange and enabling impactful community-based programs and projects around the world, the Peace Corps has brought great pride to the Commonwealth and the nation; and

WHEREAS, the Northern Virginia Returned Peace Corps Volunteers, the Returned Peace Corps Volunteers of Richmond, and the Returned Peace Corps Volunteers of Hampton Roads continue the spirit of the Peace Corps, engaging in volunteerism, activism, and intercultural exchange; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend the Peace Corps on the occasion of its 65th anniversary; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to representatives of the Peace Corps as an expression of the General Assembly's admiration for the agency's contributions to the Commonwealth, the nation, and the world.