NEW POLITICS ACADEMY AND THE NATIONAL PEACE CORPS ASSOCIATION ANNOUNCE PARTNERSHIP TO SUPPORT RETURNED PEACE CORPS VOLUNTEERS PURSUING PUBLIC OFFICE

BOSTON (June 16, 2026) – Today, New Politics Academy (NPA) and the National Peace Corps Association (NPCA) announced a partnership to support Returned Peace Corps Volunteers (RPCVs) who are continuing their service through public office. NPA works with leaders who have demonstrated a commitment to putting community and country over self, preparing them to run for office and lead effectively once elected.

The Memorandum of Understanding between the two organizations reflects a shared belief that the skills and experiences acquired by Peace Corps Volunteers are a strong foundation for public service. Peace Corps service is a rigorous, typically two-year commitment that shapes how returned Volunteers lead, how they listen, and how they show up for their communities. Volunteers partner with local communities to teach in classrooms, work in health centers, boost economic sustainability, and strengthen global relations. This partnership creates a clear path forward for those who return from their service and choose to continue serving through politics.

"RPCVs have already demonstrated something rare: a willingness to leave the familiar, do hard work in service of others, and bring that experience back. That's exactly the kind of leadership our democracy needs more of."
— Emily Cherniack, Founder & Executive Director, New Politics Academy

“The partnership between New Politics Academy and the National Peace Corps Association is a strong and natural fit — we need more devoted public servants to run for office. Their collaboration is great for democracy and, frankly, a no-brainer.ˮ
— JJ Singh, Virginia Delegate, RPCV, and NPA alum

“Weʼre thrilled to partner with NPA. Having served in the Peace Corps, returned volunteers have demonstrated their commitment to service, as well as the persistence required to serve constituents and communities around the U.S. NPA has already proven that they can help RPCVs understand how to enter public service, as well as give them the tools to support success. NPCA looks forward to working with NPA to support RPCVs continuing service to their communities through representation.ˮ
— Carla Brown, President & CEO, National Peace Corps Association

Through nonpartisan programming, training, and mentorship, NPA prepares people with records of service to enter politics and to lead well once they get there. NPCA has been the national voice for the Peace Corps community since 1983 — advocating on Capitol Hill, connecting RPCVs across the country, and ensuring that the impact of Peace Corps service continues long after volunteers return home. Together, NPA and NPCA are building a bridge between those two missions.

To learn more about NPA's leadership development programming or connect with the RPCV community, visit www.newpoliticsacademy.org. To learn more about the National Peace Corps Association, visit www.peacecorpsconnect.org.