spring 2010 rpcvw newsletter

8/9/2019 Spring 2010 RPCVw Newsletter

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Spring

2010

The winning photo from this Springs RPCV/w photo contest submit-

ted by Saira Amir, Honduras 06-08: Donkey Polo

Save the Date:

Annual Picnic & Board Election

Saturday, July 10, 2010

12:30-4pm

The Yacht Club, Washington, DC

Your 2009-10 RPCV/w Board of Directors

President: Tamar SchiffmanVice President:Bea TijerinaSecretary:Joe FordTreasurer: Kristina OwensMembership: Doug TrappNew Members: Nicholas BrownCommunications: RaeJean StokesWeb: Robert ProudfootDevelopment: Trish CalamariSpecial Events:Allison FrancisSocial:Arvis LaytonCommunity Service: Corey TaylorPrograms: Liza Cushion

From the RPCV/w President...Dear friends,

The sun is shining and RPCVw has been busy, busy, busy!

Whether you joined us for potato salad and chicken at the

cherry blossom picnic, attended a self-defense workshop, or

took part in the Peace Corps Open mini-golf tournament, you

have inevitably seen the energy and enthusiasm that makes our

community so extraordinary. As a community, we have taken

on some exciting initiatives and formed new, valuable partner-

ships.

At the RPCVw Holiday Party, we named Congressman Sam

Farr our Peace Corps Champion, and celebrated his long ghtto increase the Peace Corps budget. Due to his leadership, the

Peace Corps budget was increased from $340 million in FY 2009

to $400 million in FY 2010. The $60 million funding increase

was the largest single dollar increase since 1961.

Earlier this year, our members voted and chose the Latin

American Youth Center as RPCVws charity of the year. We are

thrilled to be working together with such a vital organization

that is working to bring dignity, hope, and joy to marginalized

youth in DC. Already, RPCVw efforts have raised substantial

funds for the organization, and we are actively involved in

providing community service to LAYC through the efforts of our

members.

Memorial Day weekend, RPCVw took part in a tradition that

our community has lead for years. We honored the legacy

of President John F. Kennedy and his commitment and pas-

sion for service by laying a wreath at his gravesite in Arlington

Ceremony. We heard from Ambassadors whose countries were

positively affected by the hard-working and motivated Peace

Corps volunteers who served there. So often we talk about how

Peace Corps affected our lives and experiences, and I look for-

ward to hearing from the perspective of our host countries, how

Kennedys dream has made a difference for them.

Join us July 10 for our annual picnic at the Capitol Yacht Club

where we will nalize our new board. I encourage anyone with

a passion for service and a desire to give back to their commu-

nity to consider serving on the RPCVw board. We are looking

for dynamic leaders with diverse opinions and new ideas to lead

us ahead into 2011 and Peace Corps 50th anniversary year.

My best to you,

Tamar SchiffmanPresident RPCV/w


2/6

Website Update - Transition to New Service

RPCV/w has decided to switch our Website Service to Wild Apricot after using Memberclicks since 2006. Wild Apricot has similar

functions to Memberclicks but is much easier to manage and will have RPCV/w paying roughly 75% of what we are paying now.The change was brought on by a desire by the Board of Directors to simplify the web management functions and reduce costs.

Per Year Costs:

Memberclicks: $1,920 + 1% of all internet sales

Wild Apricot: $540 + No charge on Sales

After selecting Wild Apricot as our new service provider, we imported all user information to the new database and updated the

current webpages. The method for making payments through the website (dues and event fees) is completed through Paypal.

com for a 3% fee (industry standard). Hopefully, the membership management and website upkeep for RPCV/w will now be

easier with a 75% reduction in cost ($540 vs $2,000).

RPCV/w Reveals Photo Contest Winners

RPCV/w is pleased to announce that the following photos took top honors in the rst ever RPCV/w Photo Contest.

Overall Winner (not featured here; its on the front page): Donkey Polo by Saira Amir

Top left: Latin America and Caribbean Regional Winner: Modern Inca Foot Plows by Mahlon Barash

Top right: East Asia and Pacic Regional Winner: Ghost Mask Festival - Thailand by Paulo Couto

Bottom left: Africa Regional Winner: Argan Oil by Leslie Andrus

Bottom right: Eastern Europe and Central Asia Regional Winner: Picnic Song by Chris De Bruyn

You can see all the photos at www.thirdgoal.info.


3/6

RPCVw Financial Update: Where

does your $$ go?!When you buy a $15 membership this is how we spend your

hard-earned cash:

$10.50 is used to pay for or subsidize events such as the holiday

party, picnic, programs, Thanksgiving, and Partnership for

Peace$2.80 is used for website maintenance and other overhead

$1.00 has been invested

$0.70 for Board planning retreats & holiday dinner

A worthy investment? We think so and hope you think so too.

You can buy a membership at www.rpcvw.org.

RPCV/w Honors JFKs Memory

More than 30 Returned Peace Corps Volunteers (RPCVs) from the past 50 years laid a wreath at the

grave site of President John F. Kennedy on Saturday, May 29th at Arlington National Cemetery. The

gesture, which took place on President Kennedys birthday, honored the former Commander-in-Chief for

forming the Peace Corps through Executive Order 10924 in 1961.

In attendance at the event were Ambassador Daniel Ohene Agyekum of Ghana, and Ambassador Ombe-

ni Sefue of Tanzania, who represented two of the rst Peace Corps Countries. Both dignitaries gave per-

sonal tales about their exposures to Peace Corps volunteers during their youth. Leading the invited speak-

ers was National Peace Corps Association President Kevin F. F. Quigley, who discussed the signicance ofPresident Kennedy creating the Peace Corps. Quigley also paid homage to Peace Corps Volunteers who

died in the line of service. Representing the federal agency of Peace Corps was Director of Intergovern-

mental Affairs C.D. Glin, who expressed the current administrations plans and support for Peace Corps.

After statements from each of the invited speakers, there was a procession of RPCVs to President Kenne-

dys grave site, and a laying of 13 roses, which represented the rst 13 Peace Corps Countries: Brazil, Chile,

Colombia, Ghana, India, Malaysia, Nigeria, Pakistan, the Philippines, St. Lucia, Sierra Leone, Tanzania and

Thailand.

HELP WANTED!

New Web Director for RPCV/w Needed

Robert Proudfoot, RPCV/ws Web Director, willbe leaving Washington, D.C this June to move

to Lexington, Kentucky where he will study law

at University of Kentucky. Anyone interested in

taking on a greater role within RPCV/w as Web

Director should contact Robert Proudfoot atweb@

rpcv.org. Robert Proudfoot is available to teach

the Wild Apricot software in person until May 30,

2010. Afterward, he is available for online tutori-

als until August.

Events

Websi te

Investments

Board


4/6

RPCVw is Linked In and UpFind us online in oh so many places!

We Tweet!We Facebook!Were LinkedIn!

LAYCs Fiesta a Great Success

RPCV/w supports a hometown cause

The Latin American Youth Center (LAYC) ishappy to report that its recent Fiesta 2010

was a huge success. The evening was lled

with dinner, dancing, a silent auction andthe voices and stories of LAYC youth past

and present.

It was a great night and one of LAYCs bestevents ever, Executive Director Lori Kaplansaid. The staff, our board of directors andthe LAYC youth pulled together to make thenight very special.

Highlights of the evening included a silentauction lled with rare sports memorabilia

and local crafts and artwork; salsa lessonson the main dance oor and the wonderful

stories of LAYC youth, who recounted theeffect that LAYC has had on their lives. Avideo featuring more stories was shown dur-ing the program.

LAYC was tremendously helpful in helping

me attain my GED, Cinthia Manzano toldthe audience. Now that I have it, I feel likeI have more to offer my son.

In addition to fun, dancing and good food,LAYC is happy to report that the nightraised a signicant amount of unrestricted

dollars that are critical to LAYCs continued

growth.

RPCV/w Kickball Team

RPCV/w organized a WAKA kickball team for the

Spring of 2010 after a survey of membership. After

ve games, RPCV/w had been enjoying the wonder-

ful weather and new friendships from the league.

Although RPCVs are not as competitive or cut-throat

as some other league teams, weve enjoy playing and

drinking a beer or two afterward. Anyone interested

in hosting a sports league (or that needs more players)

should contact RPCV/w to get on our weekly emails.

Thank you to everyone that has been able to come

out to the games!

The spring 2010 kickball team in all its glory

RPCVw would like to thank its gracious sponsorsand supporters!

UN Foundation, The Global Fund for Children, City Staff, The-

resa Immordino, Real Estate Agent, Long and Foster Real Estate

, Pabst Blue Ribbon, The Hamilton Crowne Plaza Hotel, Capitol

Yacht Club, Recessions, Haydees, Marx Cafe, Potbelly in Columbia

Heights, Los Hermanos Dominican Restaurant, H Street Country

Club, PBR, and Atlantic City Convention and Visitors Authority.


5/6

New Board Members NeededDo you want to get more involved in your local RPCVw community? Do you have great ideas? Do you want to build your lead-

ership skills? Join RPCVws board of directors!

We are looking for talented people to shape the future of the organization. As an RPCVw board member, you can be the face

of the organization, create and plan events and programs for our diverse membership, listen to the needs of the community and

create a fun and exciting space for returned Peace Corps volunteers in the Washington area.

Terms are for just one year and are volunteer, unpaid positions. Board members attend monthly board meetings and are ex-

pected to be present at most RPCVw events. We have two planning retreats throughout the year to strategize and plan for the

year ahead. There are many positions available, each highlighting different skill sets. Please keep in mind that position write-ups

are only broad outlines. RPCVw encourages board members to pursue their interest and contribute new ideas and programs.

President: The president is responsible for giving strategic direction to the board. He/she runs board meetings, co-facilitates re-treats, and serves as the face of the organization for media and events. The president maintains partnerships with NPCA, Peace

Corps and other peer organizations in the region. Candidates should have leadership and management experience, patience,

and rapport-building skills.

Vice President: The VP is responsible for coordinating and co-facilitating strategic board retreats. In the Presidents absence,the VP runs board meetings and lls in as board leader. The VP runs and implements the Partnership for Peace program, linking

RPCVw with local community non prots. Candidates should be well organized managers with excellent people skills.

Treasurer: The Treasurer is responsible for managing RPCVws nances and cash ow. The treasurer manages membership dues

and event revenue, writes checks for all expenses, and provides monthly budget summaries for the board. Candidates shouldhave basic knowledge of Quicken or similar nance software, be detail oriented, trustworthy, and organized.

Secretary: The Secretary is responsible for keeping the minutes of each board meeting and retreat, as well as compiling theannual report at the end of the year. The treasurer should distribute minutes in a timely manner and keep detailed records of

board decisions. Candidates should be organized and available to attend meetings regularly.

Membership Director: The Membership Director is responsible for guiding RPCVws membership strategy and work plan,

managing RPCVws membership database, and coordinating with NPCA for membership dues. The Membership Director Chairs

the Membership Committee, a group of board members dedicated to increasing membership and ensuring member satisfaction.

Candidates should be strategic thinkers and organized managers.

New Members Director: The New Members Director is usually a recently returned RPCV, responsible for reaching out torecently returned volunteers. He/she coordinates events and gatherings for new members to meet each other, network, and con-

nect. Candidates should be energetic, full of ideas, and ready to meet new people.

Development Director: The Development Director is responsible for keeping RPCVw funded through non-dues revenues.

He/she works with sponsors and donors, and runs the silent auction at the Holiday Party. The Development Director chairs theboards Development Committee, thinking creatively about new revenue opportunities. Candidates should have basic fundrais-

ing or networking experience, have great people skills, and creativity.

Program Director: The Programs Director plans and executes programs for the RPCVw community. From lm screenings, to

lectures, to cooking classes, he/she responds to the needs of our members with new and exciting opportunities to participate.

Candidates should be well organized, social, and creative.

Special Events Director: The Special Events Coordinator is responsible for the coordination of RPCVws two signature events:

The Annual Holiday Party and the Annual Summer Picnic. He/she works closely with venues, catering, and the Development

Director to secure sponsors and donations. Candidates should have event planning experience, be able to delegate responsibili-

ties to the board, and have a sense of humor!

Community Service Director: The Community Service Director is responsible for integrating the service component to RPCVw.He/she identies local opportunities to engage in service projects. In addition, the Community Service director plans and coor-

dinates the annual wreath laying in honor of President Kennedy at Arlington Cemetery. Candidates should have a passion for

service and be able to bring diverse groups of people together.Social Director: The Social Director is responsible for coordinating social events for RPCVw members, including happy hours,family events, and networking. He/she coordinates sign-up sheets and nametags at events, coordinates with local venues, and

encourages members to meet each other and establish connections and friendships. Candidates should be outgoing, organized,

and fun!

Communications Director: The Communications Director is responsible for sending out the weekly listserve to RPCVs mem-

bers and friends, as well as putting out a quarterly newsletter. He/she gathers all event information from board members for

compilation into the list serve. Candidates should have working knowledge of pagemaker or similar newsletter formatting

software, be extremely organized, and keep to deadlines.

Web Director: The Web Director is responsible for maintaining and updating RPCVws website, Google Groups, and other

applications. The Web Director works closely with the Membership Director on integrating the member database. Candidates

should have basic knowledge of website management and online applications.


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About the RPCV/wThe Returned Peace Corps Volunteers of Washington, D.C. (RPCVw)

was founded in 1979 and incorporated in 1990 in the District of Colum-

bia. RPCVw is one of the largest organizations of its kind in the world.

RPCVw is a nonprot 501c3 and represents more than 900 returned

Peace Corps volunteers, Peace Corps staff, and Peace Corps families

and supporters in the greater Washington, D.C. area. RPCVw is gov-

erned by an elected board of directors.

MISSION & VISION:

By fostering opportunities to share our unique experiences and com-

mitment to service, we create a community that celebrates the diver-

sity of the greater Washington area and world cultures.

GOALS:

* Undertake and sponsor educational and charitable activities in

support of the Peace Corps 3rd goal of Helping promote a better

understanding of other peoples on the part of Americans;

* Inform and educate members and the public on matters relating to

economic development and developing countries, including but not

limited to those countries which have been served by the Peace Corps;

* Support policies to maintain a strong and healthy Peace Corps;

Encourage continuing volunteer involvement of its members in serving

the needs of their local communities;

* Afliate and strengthen other organizations with similar vision and

mission goals, such as the NPCA; and

* Provide the foundation of a Community of Returned Peace Corps

Volunteers to support all of the above activities.

The Returned Peace Corps Volunteers

of Washington, D.C.

P.O. Box 66101

Washington D.C. 20035

Webite: www.rpcvw.org

Email: [email protected]

Become a Sponsor

If your organization is interested in becoming

an RPCVw sponsor, please start by either log-

ging in to your existing account or create a new

account prole. You will then be directed to

a form where you will be asked to submit your

sponsorship proposal. Sponsorship proposals are

evaluated on a case by case basis by the RPCVw

Board of Directors. For questions please e-mail

[email protected].

Spring Recipe

Georgian Khachapuri (cheese bread)

Are you looking for a dish that will impress friends

and be sinfully delicious? This Georgian classic is

cheesy, comforting, and absolutely scrumptious. A

bit involved, but totally worth it.

What you will need:

1 package of dry yeast

2 TBSP and 1 tsp sugar

cup milk

cup melted butter

1 tsp salt

3 cups our

8 ounces muenster cheese, shredded*

8 ounces Swiss cheese, shredded *

8 ounces white aged cheddar, shredded *2 eggs, slightly beaten

2 TBSP parsley, minced

tsp white pepper

*Feel free to substitute your favorite cheese the

sharper the better. Roquefort works well too, but

doesnt mix well with other cheeses.

Dissolve the yeast and 1 tsp sugar in 1/4 cup warm

water and let stand 5-10 minutes until it starts

to foam. Add milk, remaining sugar, butter, salt,

and enough our to make a soft dough. Place in

greased bowl roll to coat all sides. Cover and let

the dough rise until it doubles in size. In a sepa-

rate bowl, mix cheeses and remaining ingredients.

Refrigerate.

Heavily grease a 9 pan. Punch down the dough

and shape into a ball. Roll it out into a big circle

and place gently into pan, letting excess hang over

the edge. Put the cheese lling into the dough

and bring dough up over the lling, securing with

pleats. Pinch ends together tightly. Cover with waxpaper and let sit until it rises again to double in

size.

Once it rises again, brush the top with some but-

ter and bake 40-50 minutes at 375 degrees, until

golden brown. Then, remove from the pan and

put directly on the oven pan for an additional 5

minutes until the bottom is crusted and brown.

Cool for 20-30 minutes before cutting in wedges

and serving. It will be HOT! Enjoy!

spring 2010 rpcvw newsletter

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