Peace Corps recruiting Knoxville-area residents Aug. 22

On Aug. 22, from 6 to 7 p.m., the United States Peace Corps will be interviewing Knoxville-area residents who would be interested in using their education, work, and volunteer experience to help those who live in developing countries.

The organization needs 1,000 new volunteers to replace current volunteers who are completing their two-year commitment.

The agency’s Southeast Regional Recruitment Office will be visiting Knoxville to answer questions about the opportunities it has for citizens of all ages and backgrounds.

“Serving as a Peace Corps volunteer is probably one of the most rewarding experiences a person can have in their life,” said Dawn Adams, a returned Peace Corps volunteer and a recruiter for Peace Corps. “You give so much of yourself, but you get so much in return—new friends, a new culture, and the feeling of giving back.”

Knoxville Resident Taylor Atchley has already decided to make a difference in a developing country. Atchley will be leaving Sept. 11 to spend two years serving her country as youth development volunteer in Cameroon.

“I was looking for an adventure,” Atchley said. “I wanted to find a way to combine my passions with real-life experience, and Peace Corps offers that. I have friends who have served in the Peace Corps and from their experience I felt that I wanted to have my own.”

There are currently 15 volunteers from the Knoxville area who are serving overseas. Almost 400 volunteers from Knoxville have served with the agency since it was founded by President John F. Kennedy in 1961. Returned volunteers are also expected to attend the Aug. 22, event which will be held at the Lawson McGhee Library in Knoxville at 6 p.m.

Peace Corps volunteers must be U.S. citizens and at least 18 years of age. Peace Corps service is a 27-month commitment and the agency’s mission is to promote world peace and friendship and a better understanding between Americans and people of other countries. Visit www.peacecorps.gov for more information.

The meeting will be held at the Lawson McGhee Library at 500 W. Church Avenue in Knoxville.