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NPCA Partners With Publishing Concepts To Publish an Exclusive Peace Corps Memento

Dear Peace Corps community,

National Peace Corps Association is excited to announce that we are again partnering with Publishing Concepts, Inc. (PCI) to produce and publish a RPCV stories book. Similar to the directories NPCA and PCI have published in the past, this exclusive memento will highlight Peace Corps service details, but with the addition of allowing RPCV participants to include brief “Third Goal” stories. We are happy to bring back this opportunity to share more Peace Corps stories with our members and facilitate greater networking.

PCI refers to this service provided to alumni associations as "The Oral History Project," but it should not be confused with the Returned Peace Corps Volunteer Oral History Archives Project. 

PCI began contacting NPCA members in early Aprin (2023). Rest assured that the emails and postcards you receive are legitimate. PCI works with many colleges and university alumni offices to do similar outreach and publications, and we are confident that your information will be handled responsibly. The safety of your data is our highest priority, and we assure you that information you share with PCI is meant for the purpose of capturing your Peace Corps stories and confirming your member and Peace Corps service information.

We encourage you to join the hundreds of RPCVs who have already contacted the number provided and share your brief Third Goal story. During the first two days of the campaign, we heard from 1,363 respondents, 996 of whom recorded interviews – and we expect thousands more stories to be told before the project is complete. Before you call the number provided, be aware that PCI’s business model is to pre-sell copies of the book and other merchandise, but there is no obligation to purchase anything.

If you are an NPCA member and have not already received communications from PCI asking you to verify your member information, you will likely hear from them in the coming weeks.

While we hope you will reach out to PCI to share your Peace Corps experience and help us share your stories within our community, your participation in this initiative is completely optional and will not impact your NPCA membership.

In service,


Dan Baker
President and CEO

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

I received an email/postcard/phone call asking for my personal information and a story about your Peace Corps experience. Tell me more about the project.

We have partnered with PCI (also known as Publishing Concepts) to produce a Publication for National Peace Corps Association. PCI is a family owned business based in Dallas, TX that has published directories for educational institutions, fraternities, sororities, and military organizations across the nation for over 100 years. This project allows us to hear about your personal experiences from your Peace Corps service and how your service helped to shape your life. And, while we have you on the phone, we want to make sure your contact information is up to date.

 

Does NPCA benefit from this at all?

Yes, in a few different ways:

  • Updated Information – allows us to effectively communicate with and engage members
  • Legacy – sharing and collecting stories preserves the history of the Peace Corps community
  • Pride – wearing apparel shows support and love for our organization
  • Financial – a portion of book and other merchandise sales helps support NPCA

 

How do I know my information will only be used for the storytelling project purposes?

NPCA and PCI are committed to protecting your information. The names, addresses and information provided to PCI for the publication of the Project will be held confidential by PCI, except to the extent that they are utilized in, or in the preparation of, the Project and except as required by court order or law. 

 

I would like to verify or update my information and share a story. How may I do this?

If you have received a postcard or an email with a telephone number, you may call the number to speak with a dedicated representative for the Project. The representative will verify the information we have on file for you, make any updates where needed, and then ask you to share your story about your Peace Corps service. Your story will be recorded and the sound clip provided to National Peace Corps Association at the conclusion of the project.

If you have received an email with an embedded link, you may go to the online site to review your information and submit a story. 

 

How can I participate if I am Deaf/Hard of Hearing?

If you would like to participate and are Deaf/Hard of Hearing, please email customerservice@publishingconcepts.com. PCI will send you a personalized link for you to share your written story and photo.

 

Can I choose what information prints in the publication?

The only information that is included in the publication is your name, country/countries of service, and years of service, along with your story and photo. No contact information is printed. When you call to update your contact information, it will only be used to update your member record for the organization. You may revoke consent for your story and/or photo to appear any time before 10/6/2023 by contacting PCI’s customer service helpdesk at 1-800-982-1590 / customerservice@publishingconcepts.com

 

I updated my information but need some more time to think about what experience to share.

You can call back at any time before 10/6/2023 to share your story.

 

I shared a story and the representative said I could send a photo. How do I do this?

You will receive an email with a link to upload one photo (black and white or color) plus a caption.

If you have also purchased a book but do not have an email address on file, you will be sent a photo mailer to send a physical photo in to be printed (note: the photo will be returned if you include a self-addressed, stamped envelope).

 

Can anyone purchase a book?

The 2023 Storytelling the Peace Corps Experience Publication is available for sale only to National Peace Corps Association members.

 

Can I purchase anything else in addition to the book?

Yes, see below for the catalog of offerings. 

I ordered a book / package over the phone and would like to cancel my order. How do I do this?

Contact PCI’s customer service helpdesk at 1-800-982-1590 and they will take care of this for you.

 

I would like to opt out from the 2023 NPCA Member Verification Outreach. How do I do this?

Please fill out this short form to opt out of communications about this project.

See below for examples of the email and postcard you may have received.