HoTPCA

Welcome!

Are you new to Austin? Are you an RPCV who would like to attend social events, get involved in projects, or re-connect with the Peace Corps community? Are you a friend or family member who supports Peace Corps goals?

If so, HoTPCA invites YOU to join us by becoming a member (Join Now). Check out our upcoming events and plan to attend.

We look forward to seeing you.

2011 Peace Corps Calendars

The new calendars are in. You may order these from our online store for $15 or pick one up for $10 at any HoTPCA event.

Celebrating 50 Years in 2011!

In 2011, the Peace Corps will be celebrating 50 years of promoting peace and friendship around the world. For more information see the Peace Corps web site or the National Peace Corps Association web site.

In addition, HoTPCA has events planned for March 1st and 5th. Details to be announced.

Traditional Zimbabwe Healer

Traditional healers are still a part of everyday life in Zimbabwe. They are a much respected component of society and are regulated by the Zimbabwe National Traditional Healers Association (ZINATHA). Controversy does exist because some healers claim to cure HIV infections. Zimbaweans accept healing from both Western practitioners and traditional healers.

This woman went into a transformative state after sniffing powdered tobacco and the audience (PCVs and trainers) also had to inhale the snuff (or mimick the action by throwing a pinch over one’s shoulder). She did not cure anyone in our group but did predict the future of one or two of the language trainers by channeling her grandfather’s spirit. Her voice changed as she spoke in Shona, which was translated and summarized for our benefit.

One seemingly incongruous picture on her wall was of the blue-eyed, long-haired Jesus. Just as Western medicine is accepted and practiced in conjuction with traditional healing, so Christianity is practiced side-by-side with traditional religion. Black is the usual color for most traditional healers.

Submitted by Christine Cwik, RPCV Zimbabwe, 1992-1994

Upcoming Book Club Selections

September 9 (Thursday) – Strength in What Remains: A Journey of Remembrance and Forgiveness by Tracy Kidder

October 14 (Thursday) – The Prince of Marshes: And Other Occupational Hazards of a Year in Iraq by Rory Stewart

November 11 (Thursday) – The Motorcycle Diaries by Ernesto Che Guevara

See the Events Calendar for details.

Traditions of Bulgaria

The Debrone Folk Festival takes place in Dobrich, Bulgaria each spring. Hundreds of villagers from 44 villages gather to compete and celebrate in traditional costumes and dances passed down from past generations. Each village has its own unique costume and dance presentations.

Wearing handmade garments and fresh flowers these beautiful young dancers do their part to preserve Bulgaria’s rich traditions in this joyous celebration.

Submitted by Bonnie Drenik, RPCV Bulgaria, 2003-2005

Did You Know?

HoTPCA Members have served in 64 different countries.
For 2009, UT ranked 9th in Alumni Volunteers.
The oldest currently serving Peace Corps volunteer is 84.
Nearly 200,000 volunteers and trainees have served to date.
There are currently 7671 volunteers and trainees serving today.
7% of Peace Corps volunteers are over the age of 50.

Peace Corps Wiki launches. 1,000+ pages down, millions to go!

HoTPCA Member Becca Hamm
fills us in on her work with the deaf community in Kenya.

Check her out and leave a comment!

On October 14, 1960, John F. Kennedy visited Ann Arbor, Michigan and gave an impromptu three-minute speech to university students about the idea of “a volunteer corps of young Americans.”

Read/listen to his speech and see photos of him in University of Michigan’s online newspaper Michigan Today.