Peace out, UNC: Growing Peace Corps participation at UNC is a sign of students’ commitment to global service

The number of UNC students volunteering for the Peace Corps is a reflection of our student body’s dedication to service and helping our global neighbors.

UNC has moved from seventh to sixth nationally in alumni currently serving in the Peace Corps when compared to other schools with over 15,000 undergraduate students.

And with increased funding for the program, UNC will likely see those numbers grow.

When Peace Corps Director Aaron Williams spoke on campus last week, he reiterated his goal to double the number of Peace Corps volunteers in four years.

Partnerships with departments such as the UNC Study Abroad Office can help make this goal more attainable.

This would make application resources and counselors more readily available.

And when access is combined with increasing opportunities to volunteer, UNC could see another jump in Peace Corps participation.

The organization’s mission is to promote the cause of peace by fostering local relationships with developing countries — that is, by having volunteers live, work and serve in communities around the globe.

Since the founding of the Peace Corps in 1961, almost 200,000 volunteers have served communities in 139 countries.

Of those nearly 200,000 volunteers, 1,092 are UNC alumni — that’s sixth among other universities.

This is a major accomplishment by UNC students, but we shouldn’t remain complacent.

There are myriad ways for UNC students to volunteer internationally after graduation.

UNC graduates are and should continue to be committed to global service, through the Peace Corps and beyond.