Welcome to Peace Corps Iran Association!

Last PCIA Reunion and Conference

“Past Reflection and Future Vision”

October 3 – 5

Washington, DC

For the latest information on the agenda and presenters, click HERE.

This will be the final reunion organized by PCIA. Room reservations are now open at the Grand Hyatt in D.C. which is a short distance from the conference site at the MLK, Jr. Library. Go to: https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/group-booking/WASGH/G-PEA5 and use Group code: G-PEA5.

Tour the permanent Iran collection at the Smithsonian National Museum of Asian Art with the curator of that art, Friday afternoon, October 3.  Click HERE for details.

Visit the American University Archives Monday, October 6.  Meet Peter and Barbara Deekle in the lobby of the Grand Hyatt at 9 AM This is the official repository for PCIA documents and digital files.  For more information, click HERE.

TO ACCESS LAST MINUTE DETAILS LISTED BELOW, CLICK HERE.

• YES, YOU CAN BRING A GUEST TO THE SUNDAY NIGHT PERSIAN BANQUET

• LUNCH SIGN UP ORDER FORM DUE SEPT 15

• PLAN YOUR FRIDAY AND SATURDAY NIGHT DINNER BEFORE YOU ARRIVE

• PRE- AND POST CONFERENCE BONUS ACTIVITIES

•      Smithsonian National Museum of Asian Art Friday Afternoon

•      Tour of the Peace Corps Community Archive Monday

•      Monday Advocacy Day on the Hill

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DOOREH KETAB BOOK CLUB

September 10

Hashemi, Manata, Coming of Age in Iran: Poverty and the Struggle for Dignity (2020) Crippling sanctions, inflation, and unemployment have increasingly burdened young people in the Islamic Republic of Iran. In this study, Hashemi takes us inside the lives of poor Iranian youth, showing how these young men and women face their future prospects. Drawing on first-hand accounts, the author follows their stories, one by one, as they struggle to climb the proverbial ladder of success. Ultimately, Hashemi sheds light on the pressures these young men and women face, showing how many choose to comply with—rather than resist—social norms in their pursuit of status and belonging.

November 12

Homa, Ava, Daughters of Smoke and Fire (2020). This extraordinary novel takes readers into the everyday lives of Iranian Kurds. Leila dreams of making films to bring the suppressed stories of her people onto the global stage, but obstacles keep piling up. Homa presents an unforgettable, haunting story of a young woman’s perilous fight for freedom and justice

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PCIA ANTHOLOGY

Available now, the PCIA anthology of 203 pages with over 48 stories and poems submitted by volunteers.  Memories and Insights:  Iran through the Eyes of Peace Corps Volunteers, is edited by John Krauskopf and published by the Peace Corps Iran Association.  Proceeds from the sale of this book benefit PCIA and help support PCIA activities.  To use a personal check please download and print this ORDER FORM.

PCIA ANTHOLOGY II

A second PCIA Anthology is in the works.  Contact John Krauskopf ([email protected]) to learn more and to submit your story.

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LAND BETWEEN TWO WATERS: THE PEACE CORPS FOURTEEN YEARS IN IRAN 1962-1976

By Genna Wangsness

Land Between Two Waters is a chronological history from fifty groups that trained for and served in the Middle East country of Iran during the reign of Mohammad Reza Pahlavi and of how those who lived through those times adjusted to a way of life so different from the places they called home. In addition to background history, hundreds of stories tell of the experiences of Peace Corps volunteers serving in the era of 1960-1970 Iran. When the country became rich with oil and expats with little knowledge of the country’s language or culture began filling the cities, working at jobs paying extravagant wages, Peace Corps made the decision to withdraw. What was lost was the interaction of Americans and Iranians sharing their lives at a personal level, developing relationships that for many lasted a lifetime. Land Between Two Waters tells of a time that no longer exists, but records for posterity memories of those who lived through historic and life-changing times.

Available on Amazon.

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PRESERVING PEACE CORPS LEGACIES

The Museum of the Peace Corps Experience collects and preserves stories and objects of material culture donated by volunteers who serve in communities around the globe. It fosters cultural understanding through education and promotes research on the impact of Peace Corps, encouraging visitors to serve—wherever they live, however they can.

Contact:  (1-503-381-4206) [email protected]

The Peace Corps Community Archive at American University collects diaries, letters, or photographs, plus journals, reports, lesson plans, scrapbooks, photographs, and film, video, and audio recordings.

Contact: (1-202-885-3256) [email protected]

The Peace Corps Commemorative Foundation manages the development of Peace Corps Park (a commemorative work in Washington, DC honoring the American ideals that were fundamental in creating the Peace Corps and that are expressed in Peace Corps service.)

Contact: (1-202-251-6216) 5636 Connecticut Ave., NW Suite 42143 Washington, DC

The Peace Corps Connect: NPCA Peace Corps Advocacy supports needed legislative changes that affect returned and future Volunteers, and helps retool Peace Corps for a changed world.

Contact: (1-202-293-7728)  [email protected]

About PCIA

Peace Corps Iran Association (PCIA) is an organization of Returned Peace Corps Volunteers who served in Iran between 1962 and 1976, as well as Peace Corps Iran staff, trainers, family members, and all who are interested in the legacy of Peace Corps Iran. The values of Peace Corps turn on the premise that peace is not accomplished through force but through tolerance, understanding, and diplomacy. We at PCIA seek to extend these values to achieve peaceful solutions to the challenging relationship between Iran and the United States. We seek partners with similar values and missions, and we support our members in outreach.

PCIA’s activities fall into two broad categories: Researching, preserving, and disseminating the history of Peace Corps in Iran; and promoting mutual understanding between Americans and Iranians as groundwork for peace.  Our outreach today includes “cultural diplomacy”, which expands on traditional “Peace Corps” engagement;  and “advocacy”, which is directed toward national policy and legislation.  We stand, in principle, for promotion of social justice and well-being of all people within and between countries.

You can find out more about our “Advocacy” and “Legacy” programs by following the specific tabs. We also publish three newsletters — the KhabarNameh (three issues yearly). From the Field  (a monthly report on Board and member activities), and the Advocacy Bulletin  (political updates).  Finally, learn about our biennial conferences, which are open to all and draw nationwide attendance.

You may download a copy of our privacy policy by clicking HERE or HERE.

We are an Affiliate of NPCA

We are an affiliate of National Peace Corps Association (NPCA). NPCA is the nonprofit alumni network at the center of a vibrant community of over 230,000 people who share the Peace Corps experience. NPCA champions lifelong commitment to Peace Corps ideals by connecting, engaging, and promoting its members and affiliate groups as they continue to make a difference in communities in the U.S. and abroad. NPCA is also dedicated to advocating for, contributing to, and supporting the betterment of Peace Corps. Visit NPCA’s website to learn more.

We are a registered with IRS as a 501-c-3 nonprofit and our tax ID is 45-4989757.