About | Archives | Calendar |Oppurtunities| Links | Members | News | Speakers Bureau

Letter from the President:

July 4, 2006

Hello,

After twenty-four years membership in Maryland Returned Volunteers and working behind the scenes, I find myself in the position of president as of February 2006. I look back over an up and down history of MRV and am optimistic that we have a long period of UP ahead of us. I am constantly edified and energized by the presence of so many RPCVs and former VISTA volunteers who still hold to the ideals and vision that so inspired myself in 1961. I find us a unique community who have an unspoken camaraderie no matter which was our country of service.

There are three kinds of persons: those who make things happen, those who wait to see what happens, and those who wonder what is happening. I count RPCVs amongst the first kind, evidenced simply by their becoming Peace corps Volunteers. I remain steadfast in my support of the three goals of the Peace corps, through a high and now frighteningly low reputation of America around the world. I hope that the good work we did and continue to do will overcome the negative effects of recent American diplomacy or non-diplomacy.

Because we are people who make things happen, I look forward to helping MRV make a difference in bringing about an eventual universal society marked by peace, understanding and global friendships. I invite and welcome returned Volunteers from all over Maryland to join us in this endeavor.

JoAnna Woo Allen

Malaysia XII 65-68

Baltimore, MD