As far as the specific country request goes its pretty much posted all over the peace corps site as well as any other information the put out about the application process that they aren’t a travel agency and can’t/won’t guarantee a country. It’s not even something that’s ever mentioned as an option. I feel like you basically applied to a job that explicitly said “you WILL be expected to travel all over the world” and when you applied you told them “well, I only want to go to X because look, I was planning on going there anyway” and then call them names when they don’t hire you.

The same goes for the job placement. If we assume the girl you talked to wasn’t confused/lying then they only place aids volunteers. One of the peace corps stated gigs is that they only do what the host country invites them to do. You say that its disrespectful to not teach math, but is it any more respectful to say “ok, well you wanted us to teach aids education but you know, you guys really need Math more so we will just do that instead”.

You even went so far as to basically imply that you don’t really care much about the “peace corps” you just felt like it would be nice to use the name.

I sort of would like to know how this is any different than applying to any other job and not getting hired because you didn’t have the skills they were looking for and were not willing to go where they need you? Besides the fact you were able to actually appeal the process and get an exact reason why your skills and requirements didn’t meet the organization needs.

That is stupid in their part. They should not, as the saying goes “look a gift horse in the mouth”.

It may have been a good idea to align what you want to do with the “objecties” of other agencies with the same vision. The Peace Corps like any agencie has a right to accept or reject people and offers, that’s common, see what happen after the Cyclone in Burma

Often, how one approaches an issue becomes the stumbling block.

It is unfortunate that the personnel in the Boston office did not know about that part of the “Americas”. I have met and worked with many Peace Corps who know almost every thing about DA. Actually while completing a Masters Certificate in International Studies I interned with the Peace Corp in Washington DC.

Actually, I believe taht with a litte more preparation on the “good samaritan’s part” and some strategic language in the “proposal” ( I hope there was one) ther could have been a great collaboration and this internet report would have been different.

All that said, I hope you are not discouraged, but will use your resources to add value to the social and economic development of the Calibishe area. With your teaching skills it would be nice if you could use computers and youth: (An Idea, humbly); Begin documenting local history (village) and customes…interview the elderly from all walks of life: On issues of culture, health, etc. Store on DVD.; Let youth record footage of scenic areas that may be useful for production of movies/films, build a library. Put a catalogue online and be a resource in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture. My friend Raymond L. would like that I am sure.
When you are ready to begin let me know.
You need not give up now.

Anestine Theophile-LaFond, Ph.D.

Joel

I hope that Ron will contact me. But if anyone reading this is in Dominica and can help me get in touch with Ron, perhaps by relaying a message or by letting me know Ron’s e-dress (if he has e-mail access, that is) I’d be most grateful.

I also looked up the former Dominica Peace Corps volunteer site and posted a message on it, subject to the moderator’s approval. The message was the original posting on this blog.

first hats off to your for your volunteerism and unselfish interest in Dominica’s welfare. This is simply outstanding and appreciated. As a Dominican living in the US I am not surprised by the ignorance, arrogance and sticklers for rule - personalities that we have in many publicly funded organizations. The people there at peace Corps could not even get their facts right. The fact is that peace corps began in Dominica since 1967 and there have been perhaps hundreds of volunteers to date. And fast foward to recent times, up to Sep 12 2007, there were 13 new volunteers sworn in…nothing to suggest that their mission was strictly aids program related. The new on island coordinator is Ron Green. He also happens to be a former minister of government and seasoned community activitist. It would serve you well to contact him (there is also an online Dominica telephone directory)…Also check out the following websites:
http://peacecorpsonline.org/messages/messages/467/4488.html
http://www.newsdominica.com/chronstory.cfm?Id=4183

On a personal note in the 80s, I had direct benefit in education nby the Peace Corps. I remember being taught by a very able Peace Corps Maths teacher at high school/6th form. It may just depend on needs expressed by the govt. You can conduct a search on newsdominica.com for other articles over the years on the peace corps.

Have you written an e-mail to my congressman’s office as my blog article suggested?

As for your personal experience this is no different then any other organization. You get projects, you look at your tools and staff, then assign. It really is too much effort (and hidden cost) in doing what you are trying to do. Small groups can do that, not large. The economies of scale that the Peace Corps tries to take advantage of just plain do not allow it.

You have a good heart and a good idea, but you were using the wrong organization. Are there any groups in Dominica who could directly use your help? Maybe smaller groups where a little support goes further then what it would with a larger organization?