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Celebrated on 03/01/2026
Peace Corps Week, typically observed in March, celebrates the anniversary of the agency's founding on March 1, 1961. It's a time when returned volunteers share stories of their service, inspiring a new generation to join. Did you know that over 240,000 Americans have served in 142 countries since the Peace Corps began?
Peace Corps Week was established to commemorate the founding of the Peace Corps on March 1, 1961, by President John F. Kennedy. The idea of a national service program that would send American volunteers abroad to promote peace and development was first proposed by Kennedy during a campaign speech at the University of Michigan in 1960. After his election, he signed Executive Order 10924, creating the Peace Corps as a pilot program. Congress later authorized the agency permanently through the Peace Corps Act of 1961. Peace Corps Week was later designated to honor this legacy and encourage Americans to learn about and engage with the organization.
Initially, Peace Corps Week was a relatively low-key observance, but it has grown into a nationwide celebration with events hosted by Peace Corps regional offices, universities, and returned volunteer groups. Modern commemorations include panel discussions, cultural fairs, and recruitment drives. The week often features the "Pass It Back" campaign, where returned volunteers share their experiences through social media and community events. In recent years, the Peace Corps has also used this week to highlight its ongoing initiatives, such as the Peace Corps Response program for short-term assignments and the Paul D. Coverdell Fellows Program for returned volunteers.
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