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BOLIVIA MINES–GROUP 29
JUNE 2, 1969

      Rigid formulas and a classic case of the growth of bureaucracy are

stifling Peace Corps responsiveness to Volunteer opinion.  In the spirit

of giving Volunteers more responsibility, we propose that they be accorded

a greater voice in the decision-making process.  Such a step would insure

greater relevancy of policy to field realities, would be more in keeping

with the stated emphasis of Peace Corps “as the Volunteer,” and would

limit the primary staff function to implementation of Volunteer-created

guidelines.

      A few administrators now establish Peace Corps policy with only token

regard for Volunteer views.  Present methods of collection and evaluation

of Volunteer opinion often distort that opinion and compound the problem.

      Accepting Mr. Blatchford’s invitation for constructive suggestions

and affirming our faith in the Volunteer as a responsible, dedicated

individual, we offer the following proposal:

      A CONGRESS OF IN-SERVICE VOLUNTEERS COMPOSED OF ELECTED

      1.)  ESTABLISH MECHANISMS TO GUARANTEE PEACE CORPS

           RESPONSIVENESS TO VOLUNTEER OPINION AND

      2.)  REVIEW EXISTING AND PROPOSED POLICIES AND INITIATE

           NEW ONES.

Note: (A separate sheet lists some suggestions for consideration by

      The congress.)

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BOLIVIA MINES–GROUP 29
JUNE 25, 1969

Suggested considerations for the congress:

I.  Volunteer ombudsman in Washington, D.C., whose functions could include:

    A.  Liaison representing Volunteers in the field to PC/W

    B.  Reporting to the field pending policy with sufficient time for response

    C.  Measuring and articulating Volunteer opinion

    D.  Advising Volunteers in the field on the implementation of their
        recommendations

II. Volunteer field representative in-country performing essentially the
    same functions as the ombudsman in Washington, but on a country level.

III.In-country conferences of all Volunteers every eight months.

IV. Encouragement of a renewed emphasis upon CD by:

    A.  Reaffirming its fundamental contribution to the development process

    B.  Tailoring recruitment to the specific programs

    C.  Recognizing the personality traits of “the organizer” as the
        prime “technical skill”
    D.  Selection according to past history of social activism

V.  Means of protecting all types of Volunteer expression, as:

    A.  Peace Corps Country Directors must have more support from PC/W
        in cases of conflicts with other U.S. agencies
    B.  Revision of the Peace Corps Handbook, p. 31, 3rd full paragraph
        to read:  “With respect to both U.S. domestic issues and our
        government’s foreign policy, you are free to express your views
        to Host Country Nationals and to other Americans.  As a Volunteer,
        you are not required to support U.S. foreign policy.  Be sure,
        however, that.....You may choose your views on any issues in the
        American Press..... (changes underlined)
     
VI. Internationalization of Peace Corps

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