Budget-crunched Peace Corps cuts volunteer positions

Budget-crunched Peace Corps cuts volunteer positions
Volunteers who thought their assignment was a sure thing learn otherwise.
By Cynthia Dizikes, Los Angeles Times Staff Writer
September 14, 2008
WASHINGTON -- The Peace Corps boasts that it's "the toughest job you'll ever love," but this year, just getting hired may be the toughest part.

At a time when both presidential candidates have pledged to promote and expand national service, the popular humanitarian assistance program that sends thousands of Americans abroad annually is now planning to cut 400 volunteer positions in the face of an unexpected multimillion-dollar budget shortfall. With fewer spots, an increasing number of Peace Corps nominees who were expecting to begin service this fall have seen their deployments delayed at least until next year -- and in some cases indefinitely.


"There are more people waiting this time than in years past," said Rosie Mauk, the Peace Corps' associate director of volunteer recruitment and selection. "The recruiters don't like to tell people that there isn't a spot for them. To have to tell people that they have gotten to know -- and they know are passionate about the Peace Corps -- that there is just not room for them now is the most difficult part."
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