Returned Peace Corps Volunteers and friends met in Chicago for the 2004 National Peace Corps Association Conference from August 5 to 8, 2004 at the Palmer House Hilton. 

Read conference highlights and view conference photos on NPCA's website. View conference Photos.

2004 NPCA Conference

Celebrate NPCA's 25th anniversary and "Celebrate a Legacy of Service". View Speakers & Performers.

Chris Matthews	Peter Yarrow	Gaddi Vasquez	H.E. Hedayat Amin-Arsala
MSNBC Hardball & RPCV Swaziland	Peter Paul  & Mary	Peace Corps Director	Vice-President of Afghanistan & RPCV Spouse

      

Linda Bammann	Hon. Jim Doyle	Jessica Doyle	Hon. Bob Taft
Bank One Exec. VP & RPCV Philippines	Wisconsin Governor & RPCV Tunisia	Wisconsin First Lady & RPCV Tunisia	Ohio Governor & RPCV  Tanzania

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Reunion 2004:   Find out what your Country of Service group has planned in Chicago.  More COS info.

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Find friends who have already registered.  View Friend Finder list.

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Exhibitors:  Visit the many organizations and companies at the International MarketPlace and Career Fair.  View list.

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Workshops:  Hear experts at one of nearly three dozen workshops.  View descriptions.

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Founder's Day Dinner:  Support NPCA and CAPCA's 25th anniversaries during this fundraising event featuring MSNBC Hardball Anchor Chris Matthews and Peter Yarrow of Peter Paul & Mary.  More info.

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Register online now.  Discounts offered to seniors and recently returned volunteers.  Register now.

Conference Updates

• Confirmed Speakers: 
  • Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle & First Lady Jessica Doyle (both RPCVs in Tunisia 67-69)
  • Ohio Governor Bob Taft (Tanzania 63-65)
  • Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich (Invited)
  • Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley (Invited)
  • His Excellency Hedayat Amin Arsala, Vice President of the Transitional Islamic State of Afghanistan
  • MSNBC Hardball Anchor Chris Matthews (Swaziland 69-71)
  • Peace Corps Director Gaddi Vasquez
  • Betsy Amin-Arsala (Afghanistan 65-67)
  • Former Thailand Foreign Affairs Minister Surin Pitsuwan
  • Chicago Tribune Middle East Correspondent Steven Franklin (Turkey 67-69)
  • NPCA President Kevin Quigley (Thailand 76-79)
  • Chicago Alderman Ed Smith (India 66-68)
  • Peter, Paul & Mary's Peter Yarrow
  • India's Consul General to the US Arun Kumar

 

• Performers
• Natya Dance Theatre- classical Indian dance group More info.
• Muntu Dance Theatre- African dance troupe More info.
• Latin  Rhythms More info.
• MIORITZA - Romanian dance troupe.  More info.

 

• Workshops:  Dozens of exciting workshops are being planned that cover topics from world events to careers to affiliate group enhancement to self-help.  View descriptions.

Workshops& panel discussions include:

• Understanding Islam
• Afghanistan & Iraq:  How Do You Heal a Tortured Place?
• Socially Responsible Investing
• National Service Alumni: Strength in Numbers
• Fair Trade Coffee: Changing the World, One Cup at a Time
• Writing your Peace Corps Story
• RPCVs in the AIDs Fight
• Bringing Poland to Peoria

 

• Exhibitors:  Register to be an exhibitor at the Career Fair or International MarketPlace.  More info.

View list of participants to date.

• Conference Sponsors

A big thanks to the sponsors that help make this conference possible.

         

 

For information about becoming a corporate sponsor, contact Stephanie Arnold at sarnold@rpcv.org.

Chicago plays host to the 2004 NPCA National Conference

The Chicago Area Peace Corps Association (CAPCA) in conjunction with the NPCA will hold the four-day conference from August 5 to 8, 2004. The conference theme is "Peace Corps 2004: Celebrating a Legacy of Service".

The event will be held at the historic Palmer House Hilton Hotel conveniently located in the heart of downtown Chicago. Some events will be held in Chicago's great outdoor parks along Lake Michigan - Grant Park and the new Millennium Park.

In keeping with the theme, leaders in peace and advocacy will speak and awards of recognition will be presented to strong legacies within the Peace Corps family. Workshops offered during the conference will cover a variety of topics, including: international affairs, stateside advocacy of international projects, Peace Corps global education and international business practices. Country of service activities will be held throughout the weekend.

Conference participants will have the opportunity to work as volunteers in the Chicago area or promote peace and Peace Corps awareness global ed activities. Attendees are also encouraged to attend the International Marketplace, an event encouraging artisans in Chicago and around the nation to exhibit their wares, and the Career Fair, bringing together corporations, NGOs and universities interested in returned Peace Corp volunteers and staff with international backgrounds.