Country of Service & Affiliate Group Events

Founder's Day Fundraising Celebration

As of July 27, 2004

Join us for an action packed weekend of fun, festivities and even learning!

Official Conference Program & Hotel Map:  PDF Version

Thursday, August 5, 2004

• 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.: Global Education Workshop
  • Teachers - both RPCVs and non-RPCVs are invited to attend this special workshop to learn to bring global education into the classroom.
• 9:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.: Global Ed Schoolchildren Activity
• 12 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.:  Registration
• 12 p.m. to 9 p.m.:  Hospitality Suite Open
• 1 p.m. -5 p.m.: NPCA Board Meeting
• 6:30 p.m. - 8 p.m.: Welcome Reception
  • This special reception welcomes conference attendees and friends of Peace Corps to Chicago.
• 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.: International Film Festival

Friday, August 6, 2004

• 7:30 a.m. 6 p.m.:  Registration
• 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.:  Hospitality Suite Open
• 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.: Career Fair
  • Meet potential employers and participate in a series of career related workshops.  Bring your resume along.  
  • Workshops include:
    • Getting a Job in the Foreign Service
    • Careers in Publishing
    • Creating Accomplishment-Based Resume
• 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.: International Marketplace
• Shop around the world without leaving the hotel.  Check out the international handicrafts, goods and organizations that target the RPCV market.
• 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.  Peace Corps Author book readings
• 9:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.: Opening Ceremony

      Featuring:

• Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle & First Lady Jessica Doyle
• Ohio Governor Bob Taft
• Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky
• MUNTU African Dance
• NPCA President Kevin F.F. Quigley
• Natya Dance Theater
• 12 p.m. to 11 p.m.: International Film Festival
• 1 p.m. -5 p.m.:  Workshops:   View list.

          Topics include:

  • Afghanistan & Iraq
  • RPCVs Role in Peace
  • Fair Trade Coffee: Changing the World, One Cup at a Time
  • RPCVs in the AIDs Fight
• 6 p.m. - 9 p.m.: Country of Service Events at local ethnic restaurants

Saturday, August 7, 2004

• 7:30 a.m. 10 p.m.:  Registration
• 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.:  Hospitality Suite Open
• 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.: International Film Festival
• 8 a.m. - 10a.m.: Presidents' Forum
• Morning: Architecture Tours
  • Chicago Architecture Foundation docents will lead groups on tours of Chicago's famous skyline.  Tours begin at 8 a.m., 9 a.m. and 10 a.m.
• 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.: International Marketplace
  • Shop around the world without leaving the hotel.  Check out the international handicrafts, goods and organizations that target the RPCV market.
• 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.  Peace Corps Author book readings
• 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.: Volunteer Activity with H.O.M.E.
  • Make a difference in the Chicago community.  Bring work clothes and prepare to leave an impact
• 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.: Workshops:   View list.
  • Topics include:
    • How to be a Social Entrepreneur
    • Bringing Poland to Peoria
    • Writing Your Peace Corps Story
    • Understanding Islam
    • Socially Responsible Investing
    • Why Kenyan Runners Win
• 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.: NPCA Annual General Meeting
• 3 p.m. - 5 p.m.: Country of Service Updates
  • Join other RPCVs who served in your country to learn the about the latest happenings.
• 6 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.: Founder's Day Reception & Dinner
  • Featuring MSNBC Hardball Anchor Chris Matthews
  • Entertainment by Peter Yarrow of Peter Paul & Mary
• 9 p.m. - 1 a.m.: Late Evening with Chicago Blues - Buddy Guy's Legends

Sunday, August 8, 2004

• 7:30 a.m. 1 p.m.:  Registration
• 7:45 a.m. - 9 a.m.: NPCA Board Meeting
• 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.:  Hospitality Suite Open
• 8:30 a.m. - 10 a.m.: Procession of Flags
  • March behind the flag of your country of service as you stroll along Lake Michigan and through Grant Park. Meet at Daley Bicentennial Plaza in Grant Park (northeast corner of Monroe & Columbus).
• 10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.: Closing Ceremony

  This event held in the Rubloff Theater of The Art Insititute of Chicago, 230 S. Columbus, will close the conference's activities and pay tribute to volunteers killed while in Peace Corps Service. 

  Featuring:

  • MSNBC Hardball Anchor Chris Matthews
  • Peace Corps Director Gaddi Vasquez
  • Entertainment by Peter Yarrow of Peter Paul & Mary
  • MIORITZA Dance Troupe
  • Afghanistan Vice-Pres. Hedayat Amin-Arsala
  • Former Thai Foreign Minister Surin Pitsuwan
  • Bagpipers, doves and more
• 12 p.m. - 2 p.m.: Picnic in the Park
  • Enjoy fun and games in the sun in Grant Park along the shores of Lake Michigan and see why folks rave about Chicago in the summer.  Play softball - CAPCA's Culture Shocks versus The World.  Meet at Bulter Field in Grant Park (Columbus & Monroe near the Petrillo Band Shell).