Peace Corps Connect 2026
Updated: Aug 20
Peace Corps Connect 2027 will be in San Diego CA June 26-27!!
Paul and Greg both attended this year's meeting. Paul provided a summary below.
The annual Peace Corps Connect assembly, held at the George Washington University Law School in Washington, D.C., was an enthusiastic and informative celebration of the Peace Corps legacy—past, present, and future.
Under the theme “We the Peace Corps: United in Service,” the conference focused on three broad areas: peacebuilding, service, and pathways. The theme challenged participants to reflect on their past in-country experiences, assess current community needs and opportunities, and envision the future of both the Peace Corps organization and the role returned volunteers can play in local community initiatives.
The event featured several impactful speakers:
Jason Carter delivered inspiring opening presentation, challenged attendees to leverage their shared commitment to service, cross-cultural understanding, and expertise to make a difference. He emphasized that the unique talents of Returned Peace Corps Volunteers (RPCVs)— creativity, flexibility, and the ability to thrive in non-traditional environments and challenges—are exactly the skillsets needed today in today’s economic uncertainty and humanitarian concerns.
C.D. Glin introduced all to Robert Fulghum’s essay, "All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten." He illustrated how foundational life lessons learned in early life can be applied to both overseas service and modern neighborhood challenges. Mr. Glin urged participants to use these practical skills right at home, noting that local problems do not require distant solutions.
Panel discussions reminded attendees that the compassion developed during service should serve as a continuous catalyst for action. Just as an RPCV's presence overseas reassured communities they were not forgotten, that same adaptability and resilience can empower local neighborhoods today.
Peace Corps service may have been the best job volunteers ever had, but it is a lifelong mission that never truly ends.
To wrap up the, some of us met for dinner at Appioo African Bar and Grill for a fun night of libations, delicious food, reminiscing, and the World Cup final. New friends made, old stories told as they happened yesterday. It truly felt like we were all back in Congo reminiscing in a local bar. Decades just seemed to disappear.
If you are ever in DC, visit 'Prince' (owner-manager-barman-cook-and server) for a warm welcome and good food at his Appioo African Bar and Grill. Join us next year, when we get together again. And remember, we all have that bond with everyone ever affiliated with the Peace Corps anywhere, past and present.
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