Transportation Options

• Walking: Visit https://maps.utexas.edu/#/utm on your phone for an easy-to use, interactive map of the UT campus.

• Bus: Download the  CapMetro app for local bus schedules, maps, and to purchase tickets or check your Welcome Bag for local area bus schedules.

• Rideshare: Most of us are familiar with Uber and Lyft, but did you know that Austin has a rideshare option that gives back to the community? RideAustin will get you where you need to go, plus it donates proceeds to local non-profits.

• Driving & Parking: The closest garage to the  Etter-Harbin Alumni Center is Manor Garage (2017 Robert Dedman Drive), just on the other side of the stadium from Alumni Center. The garage operates 24/7 and rates are high:

  • 1-2 hours: $6
  • 2-3 hours: $9
  • 3-4 hours: $12
  • 4-5 hours: $15
  • 5-8 hours: $17
  • 8-24 hours: $18

There are also several other parking options nearby (~10 minute walk) such as the San Jacinto Garage or the Dobie 21 Garage. In addition, there are a limited number of metered spaces along E 21st St, just south of the Etter-Harbin Alumni Center - these are the closest spaces to the venue but they can be quite pricey and many have a 2 or 4 hour max time limit.

Consider using an alternative mode of transportation whenever possible.

As of June 20, 2019 - Times subject to change

Thursday, June 20, 2019

Location: Austin Central Library
710 West Cesar Chavez Street
Austin, TX 78701 

3:00 pm: Registration Opens

6:00 pm - 10:00 pm: Welcome Reception and Conference Kick-off

Friday, June 21, 2019

Location: University of Texas, Etter-Harbin Alumni Center
2110 San Jacinto Boulevard
Austin, TX 78712

CONNALLY BALLROOM
9:00 am - 10:30 am: Opening Plenary 

• Welcome Conversation with Peace Corps Director Jody Olsen & NPCA President Glenn Blumhorst
• Presentation of the Deborah Harding Women of Achievement Award
• Presentation of the Loret Miller Ruppe Awards for Outstanding Community Service

10:30 am - 10:45 am: Coffee Break & Networking  /  Exhibitor Showcase

DOCUMENTARY ROOM (ART 1.102)
10:30 am - 12:30 pm: The Human Faces of Climate Change: Anote’s Ark

10:45 am - 11:45 am: Community Content Sessions & Workshops

• CONNALLY BALLROOM - International Office Innovations in Higher Learning
• SCHMIDT - Be Your Own Boss – Become an Entrepreneur
• NOWOTNY - Innovations in Global Advocacy
• LEGENDS - Transition Assistance for Recent RPCVs

11:45 am - 12:35 pm: Community Content Sessions & Workshops

• CONNALLY BALLROOM - Social Impact: A Primer
• SCHMIDT - Business School: What’s Next After Peace Corps?
• NOWOTNY - Peace Corps in an Era of “America First”
• LEGENDS - Survive or Thrive: How Trees and Tech Will Save Us

12:35 pm - 1:45 pm: Lunch & Exhibitor Showcase

DOCUMENTARY ROOM (ART 1.102)
12:50 pm - 1:40 pm: Get Social: Tips for Effectively Using Social Media

1:45 pm - 2:35 pm: Community Content Sessions & Workshops

• CONNALLY BALLROOM - Stepping Up - Politics: The Next Level of the Third Goal
• SCHMIDT - Using Business as a Tool for Social Impact
• NOWOTNY - Be an RPCV Changemaker: Connecting Via the Web to Spark Community & Economic Development in your Peace Corps Site
• LEGENDS - Connect Your Peace Corps Service with the Needs of Women & Girls Now

DOCUMENTARY ROOM (ART 1.102)
1:50 pm - 2:40 pm: Communicating the Peace Corps’ Third Goal to America & the World

2:35 pm - 3:00 pm: Coffee Break & Networking

3:00 pm - 6:00 pm: Affiliate Group Network Annual Meeting

3:00 pm - 3:50 pm: Sessions

• CONNALLY BALLROOM - A Unique Partnership That Pays It Forward
• SCHMIDT - Graduate Interdisciplinary Focus & Outcomes
• NOWOTNY - Third Goal: Unconscious Bias Training
• LEGENDS - Leading from your Values
• DOCUMENTARY ROOM (ART 1.102) - “A Tubewell for Kapura Village”

4:00 pm - 6:00 pm: Exhibitor Showcase

DOCUMENTARY ROOM (ART 1.102)
4:15 pm - 5:30 pm: "Supa Modo"

6:30 pm - 7:00 pm: Break

7:00 pm: Regions of Service Dinners Around Austin

Please join this year’s host affiliate group, the Heart of Texas Peace Corps Association, for delicious international dinners around town! Dinners will be themed by Peace Corps service regions.

Saturday, June 22, 2018

Location: University of Texas, Etter-Harbin Alumni Center
2110 San Jacinto Boulevard
Austin, TX 78712

CONNALLY BALLROOM
9:00 am - 10:30 am: Annual General Membership Meeting

10:30 am - 10:45 am: Coffee & Networking

10:30 am - 1:30 pm: Exhibitor Showcase

DOCUMENTARY ROOM (ART 1.102)
10:30 am - 11:20 am: Agroforestry - Putting the Brakes on Climate Change: A Peace Corps Response That Works

CONNALLY BALLROOM
10:45 am - 12:35 pm: Pitch Competition

DOCUMENTARY ROOM (ART 1.102)
11:30 am - 12:05 pm: A Towering Task: A Peace Corps Documentary
12:10 pm - 12:45 pm: Our Man in Tehran

12:35 pm - 1:45 pm: Lunch and Learn Sessions

• CONNALLY BALLROOM - Forget the Pitch - Tell Your Story
• SCHMIDT - Museum of Peace Corps Experience: Connecting Our Legacy
• NOWOTNY - Reaching Newly Returned Volunteers
• LEGENDS - Re-Connect to Service – Consider Response

DOCUMENTARY ROOM (ART 1.102)
1:00 pm - 2:30 pm: Global Citizen Award Film: ABRAZOS by Luis Argueta

1:45 pm - 2:35 pm: Community Content Sessions & Workshops

• CONNALLY BALLROOM - PCV to CEO
• SCHMIDT - Demystifying Careers in the International Development Sector
• NOWOTNY - The Formative Years of NPCA
• LEGENDS - RPCV Storytelling: Creative Ways to Reach an Audience

2:35 pm - 3:00 pm: Coffee & Networking

3:00 pm - 5:00 pm: Closing Plenary

• Presentation of the Sargent Shriver Award for Distinguished Humanitarian Service
• Panel Discussion: Beyond Borders
• Presentation of the Harris Wofford Global Citizen Award
• Announcement of the Pitch Competition Winner

5:00 pm - 7:00 pm: Global CItizen Award Reception & Interactive Game Activity: Bringing it all Home

Sunday, June 23, 2018

8:00 am - 10:00 am: Community Service Activities

• Waller Creek Clean-Up (outdoors)
• Packing Menstrual Kits for Homeless Women with Flo Code (indoors)

Friday Sessions

10:30 am - 12:30 pm: DOCUMENTARY ROOM (ART 1.102)

The Human Faces of Climate Change: Anote’s Ark

• Michael Roman (RPCV Kiribati), Professor, University of Cincinnati - Blue Ash

Anote’s Ark, a documentary dealing with the realities of climate justice and migration, will be followed by a Q&A with Michael Roman, an RPCV who served in Kiribati and has talked about the human impact of climate change for 20 years. He will be joined by Kaeruru “Lulu” DeBoer, a filmmaker who is half I-Kiribati and half American, who is currently producing a feature documentary on climate change and Kiribati.

10:45 am - 11:45 am: CONNALLY BALLROOM

International Office Innovations in Higher Learning

• Sarayu Adeni, Global Health Program Coordinator, University of Texas (UT) International Office
• Laura Caloudas, Senior Program Coordinator, Special Projects, UT International Office
• Jacqui Stewart Hobbs, Peace Corps Campus Recruiter, UT Austin
• Laurie Young, Director for Special Projects, UT International Office

Learn about UT Austin’s International Office and how their programs are helping to create a more globally-focused learning environment, including the new Peace Corps Prep Program, the President’s Award for Global Learning, and the Global Health program with Dell Med including the AMPATH Consortium in Kenya.

10:45 am - 11:45 am: SCHMIDT

Be Your Own Boss: Become an Entrepreneur

• Elizabeth Gore, President and Chairwoman, Alice

There are 543,000 businesses launched each month in the U.S. No other person would be more equipped to launch a business than a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer (RPCV). Having an entrepreneurial spirit is why you joined in the first place. This seminar will take you through what it takes to launch and scale a business! You will leave with the use of technology through www.HelloAlice.com to guide you through your journey.

10:45 am - 11:45 am: NOWOTNY

Innovations in Global Issues Advocacy

• Jonathan Pearson (Micronesia 1987-1989), Advocacy Director, NPCA
• Ken Patterson (Niger 1987-1990), Global Grassroots Advocacy Director, RESULTS
• Lila Holzman (Panama 2012-2014), Energy Program Manager, As You Sow

The 2018 book How Change Happens examines why some social change movements in the past thirty years succeed, while others don’t. With that as our guide, a panel of RPCV leaders on the front lines of some of the key global issues of our time will consider strategies, innovations, and success stories (and possibly some failures) in an interactive discussion aimed at re-introducing you to how we move from hope to victory on issues that reflect our Peace Corps values.

10:45 am - 11:45 am: LEGENDS

Transition Assistance for Recent RPCVs

• Ron Bloch, Partner, Bloch and Brown Associates
• Richard “Dick” Pyle, Former Agency Psychologist, Peace Corps
• Randy Adams, Independent Consultant
• Juliana Essen, CEO & Founder, Global Wellbeing Institute

Meet with seasoned professionals who are dedicated to helping RPCVs transition to their next step after Peace Corps.

• Resume Critiques - Certified LinkedIn Recruiter Ron Bloch will give pointers on optimizing LinkedIn profiles and resumes.
• Transition Counseling - Dr. Richard Pyle, former psychologist at Peace Corps headquarters, will introduce NPCA’s Support Network.
• Career Mentoring - Dr. Randy Adams, expert in the NGO and community development arena, will discuss how to take advantage of RPCV mentors.
• Start-Up Support - Dr. Juliana Essen, Founder of Impact Corps, will share new opportunities for RPCVs to build social enterprise start-up skills.

11:45 am - 12:35 pm: CONNALLY BALLROOM

Social Impact: A Primer

• Sally Waley, Senior Specialist, U.S. Economic Development Administration
• Hanna Jamal, Director, Social Finance
• Neeraj Aggarwal, Program Director, Rebuild Texas, Michael & Susan Dell Foundation

• Daniel Zoltani, Global Programs Director, Whole Planet Foundation 

Our conference focuses on Social Impact Innovation, but what do those words mean? This session will break down the social impact space by defining social responsibility in our economy, understanding how we harness market forces for social good, and the efforts to steer institutions and systems to fit these goals.

11:45 am - 12:35 pm: SCHMIDT

Business School: What’s Next After Peace Corps?

• Anna Shen, Director of Strategic Initiatives, Thunderbird School of Global Management

Join the Thunderbird School of Global Management to discuss how a career combining international business with the Peace Corps might be a great next step for you. How can you leverage the incredible experience you’ve had over the past few years with a career in management? Are there scholarships for returning volunteers? (Yes!)

Join Thunderbird alum Anna Shen as she talks about how Thunderbird trains top-notch leaders for the 4th industrial revolution, and why she went to business school after a career in the United Nations and the World Bank.

11:45 am - 12:35 pm: NOWOTNY

Peace Corps in an Era of “America First”

• William Burriss, Government Relations Officer, NPCA

Join NPCA’s Will Burriss for a session about Peace Corps advocacy efforts in an era of “America First.” Together we will discuss the current political climate and how it affects our community’s goals, as well as some ways in which we can work together to create positive political change.

11:45 am - 12:35 pm: LEGENDS

Survive or Thrive: How Trees and Tech Will Save Us

• John Leary, Executive Director, Trees for the Future

Through two fun educational activities, you will learn to use agroforestry and the new Forest Garden app—Trees for the Future’s Innovation for Good—to achieve triple bottom-line impact in communities around the world. The first interactive role play will entail breaking participants into small ‘families’ who must make the most money with what they have. We’ll see who survives and who thrives! Then, we’ll put theory into practice with a Forest Garden design mapping activity. Small groups will work together to design Forest Gardens that build economic, social, and environmental resilience of families and landscapes.

12:50 pm - 1:40 pm: DOCUMENTARY ROOM (ART 1.102)

Get Social: Tips for Effectively Using Social Media

• Mary Owen-Thomas, Communications Manager, Illinois Institute of Technology

From Facebook algorithm to using hashtags effectively, this session will review the basics of Facebook (groups vs. pages), Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Learn about free tools to make quick and easy videos and photos that will help boost your likes, shares, engagement, and reach.

1:45 pm - 2:35 pm: CONNALLY BALLROOM

Stepping Up - Politics: The Next Level of the Third Goal

• James Gore, 4th District Supervisor, Sonoma County
• Kristina Owens, Associate Vice President, Government & Community Relations, Rochester Institute of Technology

As a country we are at a crossroads. Advancement of technology has influenced politics possibly in a negative way. As RPCVs we strive to remember what we learned in the Peace Corps to be a beacon of light in our home communities. Political leadership and the positive use of technology are effective ways to make a difference in our community. Our Peace Corps ideals are what’s needed in politics today. Attend a well-timed session on how to get involved politically and/or run for political office.

1:45 pm - 2:35 pm: SCHMIDT

Using Business as a Tool for Social Impact

• Adam Lawrence, CEO and Founder, Enspire Development
• Matt Rutter, General Manager and Creative Director, Enspire Development

Making a positive impact through business has been a large part of both Adam’s and Matt’s stories as RPCVs in the Republic of Moldova and beyond. Learn more as they take you through their methodology, real world stories, practical frameworks, and examples that have empowered others to do more.

1:45 pm - 2:35 pm: NOWOTNY

Be an RPCV Changemaker: Connecting via the Web to Spark Community and Economic Development in Your Peace Corps Site

• Helene Dudley, Co-Founder, TCP Global

From the comfort of home, RPCVs can join with PCVs and host country grassroots organizations to bring micro-loans to marginalized entrepreneurs and support development projects in underserved communities. Learn how you can still be a catalyst for change in your Peace Corps country.

1:45 pm - 2:35 pm: LEGENDS

Connect Your Peace Corps Service with the Needs of Women and Girls Now

• Lee Lacy, Founding Member, Women of Peace Corps Legacy (WPCL)
• Maryann Minutillo, Founding Member, WPCL
• Kathleen Corey, President, WPCL

Learn how WPCL is supporting the United Nations Women’s Organization in its efforts to mobilize and improve the lives of women and girls around the world. In 2019-2020, WPCL will create opportunities for RPCVs and affiliate groups to serve, focused on four national recognition days:

• Oct. 11: International Day of the Girl Child
• Nov. 25: International Day of the Elimination of Violence Against Women
• Mar. 8, 2020: International Women’s Day
• May 17, 2020: International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia

1:50 pm - 2:40 pm: DOCUMENTARY ROOM (ART 1.102)

Communicating the Peace Corps’ Third Goal to America and the World

• Bill Miller, CEO - Moderator, Global Connections Television

Bill Miller will discuss a variety of venues that are available to RPCVs to achieve the Third Goal, such as being involved in Sister Cities programs, the United Nations Association of the USA, organizations such as Rotary International, the
Partnering for Peace Initiative between Rotary and the Peace Corps, and Miller’s program: Global Connections Television (GCTV). GCTV is an independently-produced, privately financed talk show that focuses on international issues and how they impact people worldwide. GCTV reaches over 70 million viewers each
week.

3:00 pm - 3:50 pm: SCHMIDT

Graduate Interdisciplinary Focus and Outcomes

• Jerry Czub, Senior Director Graduate Enrollment, Clark University

Join Clark’s Jerry Czub to learn about the interdisciplinary focus of the department of International Development, Community, and Environment graduate programs and the outcomes of our Peace Corps alum. Jerry has been the Senior Director of Graduate Enrollment Management at Clark University for the last two years and has been a part of the higher education field for over 15 years, both locally and overseas.

3:00 pm - 3:50 pm: NOWOTNY

Third Goal: Unconscious Bias Training

• Katie Hamann, Program Specialist, Peace Corps
• Teresa Claxton, Marketing Specialist, Peace Corps

RPCVs collaborate and work in many professional and personal settings of service. Peace Corps’ Second and Third Goals are dependent on awareness of one’s unconscious bias to provide for the most impactful intercultural exchange. This session introduces RPCVs to the topic of unconscious bias and trains them on mitigating strategies that they may experience.

3:00 pm - 3:50 pm: LEGENDS 

Leading from Your Values

• Julie Smith, Director of Learning and Engagement, Leadership Austin

"What is it that I value most and am I living my life in a way that brings those values to life?” This is a question that exceptional leaders ask themselves regularly, sometimes even daily. When was the last time you reflected on the “why” behind the choices you make and the way you show up every day? This session will offer you the opportunity to step back and assess how well you are living in alignment with your personal values. You’ll also learn how to better connect with others through shared values. Come ready to learn about yourself and leave better equipped to lead others.

3:00 pm - 4:00 pm: DOCUMENTARY ROOM (ART 1.102) 

“A Tubewell for Kapura Village”

• Dale Illig, Law Office of Dale Illig P.C.

Dale Illig will screen his 16 millimeter black and white film, A Tubewell for Kapura Village, and share a slide show he made about his experience drilling water wells in the eastern provinces of Uttar Pradesh. In addition, Dale will discuss ways we can better curate our Peace Corps experience.

3:00 pm - 6:00 pm: CONNALLY BALLROOM

Affiliate Group Network Annual Meeting

This meeting convenes leadership and representatives from all of the RPCV Affiliate Groups. This is a great opportunity to network with other affiliate group
leaders, share resources, and learn about new opportunities to help your group thrive.

4:15 pm - 5:30 pm: DOCUMENTARY ROOM (ART 1.102)

“Supa Modo”

• Likarion Wainaina, Director
• Carolyn Kari, Friends of Kenya

Jo, a witty, terminally ill 9-year-old girl, is taken back to her rural village to live out the rest of her short life. Her only comfort during these dull times are her dreams of being a Superhero, which proves to be something her rebellious teenage sister Mwix, overprotective mother Kathryn, and the entire village of Maweni think they can fulfill. From first-time feature filmmaker Likarion Wainaina and co-producer Tom Tykwer comes this honest and inspiring story about the strength of young people in the face of adversity.

This session is hosted by Friends of Kenya.

4:30 pm – 5:30 pm: JOHN JACKSON ROOM (Alumni Center)

Peace Corps Collects RPCV Stories to Describe Return on Investment

Saturday Sessions

9:00 am - 10:30 am: CONNALLY BALLROOM

Annual General Membership Meeting

• Maricarmen Smith-Martinez, Board Chair, NPCA
• Patrick Fine, Treasurer, NPCA
• Glenn Blumhorst, President & CEO, NPCA

What achievements and impact did your Peace Corps community make over the last year? What’s in the plans for NPCA going forward? NPCA board and staff leadership will share our community accomplishments and celebrate NPCA’s 40th anniversary.

9:30 am – 12:00 pm: JOHN JACKSON ROOM (Alumni Center)

Peace Corps Collects RPCV Stories to Describe Return on Investment

10:30 am - 11:20 am: DOCUMENTARY ROOM (ART 1.102) 

Agroforestry - Putting the Brakes on Climate Change: A Peace Corps Response That Works

• Mark Feedman

This session includes footage of the Regional Center for the Study of Rural Alternatives’ (CREAR) “Barefoot Agronomist Program,” a rare look at the anatomy of an intensive biodynamic hillside agroforestry system, and the release of a groundbreaking study of CREAR’s terraced soils. Mark Feedman will disccuss the need for a specialized corps of agroforestry practitioners and educators devoted to the education of rural youth and small farmers as “Barefoot Agronomists,” leaders of environmental recovery and global food security on our climate changing planet.

10:45 am - 12:35 pm: CONNALLY BALLROOM

Innovation for Good Pitch Competition

Following the conference theme “Innovation for Good,” this competition will hear rapid fire pitches from an inspirational group of finalists made up of both local and
international changemakers, all RPCVs. These competitors are pitching concepts that were inspired by the needs they identified during their service and have committed to solving in new and innovative ways. Two awards will be given: one by a panel of judges and one through a crowd-sourced audience choice award. Pick your favorite and vote with your pocketbook to support these fantastic ideas in action!

11:30 am - 12:05 pm: DOCUMENTARY ROOM (ART 1.102)

A Towering Task: A Special Excerpt from the Documentary
and A Conversation with Director Alana DeJoseph

A Towering Task takes viewers on a journey of what it means to be a global citizen and asks what role should the Peace Corps play in the 21st century. Host country nationals, Peace Corps Volunteers and staff, scholars, and journalists take a closer look at peace building, economic development, and political independence through the Peace Corps’ nearly six decades of trials and transformations.
 

12:35 pm - 1:45 pm: CONNALLY BALLROOM

Forget the Pitch - Tell Your Story

• Juliana Essen, CEO and Founder, Global Wellbeing Institute
• Julie Early Sifuentes, Founder, Peace Corps Kids

If you’re actively seeking support for a project or social venture, you’ll need a persuasive pitch. But pitches can be agonizing – so many details, so little time! So forget the pitch. Humans connect through stories, and thanks to your Peace Corps experience, you have a compelling story to tell.

This workshop draws on Ashoka methods to create an authentic, empathetic, and effective change-making story. The facilitators share their journey through this process. They then lead participants through similar exercises that emphasize reflection and a narrative arc.

12:35 pm - 1:45 pm: SCHMIDT

Museum of Peace Corps Experience: Connecting Our Legacy

• Nicola Dino, Co-Chair, Museum of the Peace Corps Experience

The Museum shares the Peace Corps legacy through web-based collections and eventually exhibition and programming space in the Nation’s Capital. The Museum features the people, work, hope, and heart of Peace Corps and expands understanding of our shared humanity.

Why another museum? Despite the impressive impact of Peace Corps volunteers, the 60+ year-long history of this quiet revolution has been, for the most part, ignored by the wider American public. Museums and memorials abound in Washington, D.C. yet the positive contributions of 220,000 Peace Corps volunteers are almost invisible.

The Third Goal of Peace Corps—to help Americans understand the cultures of other countries—not only implies, but strongly supports, the creation of a Peace Corps museum. It is the important Third Goal initiative of “bringing the world back home.”

12:35 pm - 1:45 pm: NOWOTNY

Reaching Newly Returned Volunteers

The Returned Volunteer Services Team of the Peace Corps Office of Third Goal will engage attendees in an interactive discussion sharing best practices to bring newly returned volunteers to affiliate group events. This will include an update on the development of competency based PCV activities that supports R/PCV understanding of the marketable skills they develop during their service.

12:35 pm - 1:45 pm: LEGENDS

Re-Connect to Service –Consider Response

• Rachel Bueide, Recruitment and Placement Specialist, Peace Corps Response

Learn about how you can reconnect with your passion for service as a Response volunteer. Hear about current projects, upcoming opportunities, and receive guidance on the application process.
 

1:00 pm - 2:30 pm: DOCUMENTARY ROOM (ART 1.102)

Global Citizen Award Film

• Screening of ABRAZOS by Luis Argueta

ABRAZOS tells the transformational journey of a group of U.S. citizen children, sons and daughters of undocumented immigrants, who travel from Minnesota to Guatemala to meet their grandparents—and in some instances their siblings—for the first time. There are 4.5 million other U.S. citizen children who, like them, have at least one undocumented parent and are part of mixed-status families, ABRAZOS is the story of 14 of them.

The film reflects the hopes, dreams, and fears of these families who, after being separated for nearly two decades, are able to embrace each other, share stories, strengthen traditions, and begin to reconstruct their cultural identity.

1:45 pm - 2:35 pm: CONNALLY BALLROOM

PCV to CEO

• Steve Wanta, Co-Founder & CEO, JUST
• Dennis Price, Editorial Director, ImpactAlpha
• Adam Smith, Co-Founder & Director, Kakaxi, INC.
• Olowo-n’djo Tchala, Founder, Alaffia

Join this conversation to hear how the Peace Corps has played a pivotal role in
launching businesses around the world. The panelists will share their experiences
spanning microcredit, impact investing, robotic farming, and the creation of one of Togo’s largest employers.

1:45 pm - 2:35 pm: SCHMIDT

Demystifying Careers in the International Development Sector

• Meghan Costello (Rwanda 2010-2012), Contract Staffing Specialist, Tetra Tech International Development Services

Join Tetra Tech’s Meghan Costello for an insider’s look at career paths in the complex field of international development. Meghan is a gender analysis and public international law specialist, and holds a Master’s degree in Law and Diplomacy from the Fletcher School at Tufts University and a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Peace Studies from the University of Notre Dame.

1:45 pm - 2:35 pm: NOWOTNY

The Formative Years of NPCA

• Margaret Riley, Third President (1983-1986), NPCA; Retired Assistant Vice Provost, DukeUniversity
• Greg Flakus, First President (1979-1980), NPCA; Retired, Voice of America
• Katy Hansen, Fourth President (1986-1989), NPCA; Iowa United Nations Association

While understanding that this conference is focusing on forward thinking, this session recognizes that to be forward thinking, it is important to understand the past. It will explore the formative years of NPCA (1977-1989) from the viewpoint of the earliest leaders of the organization while also looking forward to the future of NPCA and its relationship with Peace Corps.

1:45 pm - 2:35 pm: LEGENDS

RPCV Storytelling: Creative Ways to Reach an Audience

• Katie Long, Program Director, Friends of Patterson Park; Improvisor, Baltimore Improv Group
• Sarah Porter, President, New York Peace Corps Association

Katie Long and Sarah Porter will present best practices and creative ways to conduct RPCV storytelling and engage both RPCV and non-RPCV communities. The session will touch on storytelling slams, podcasts, and improv.

2:00 pm – 2:45 pm: JOHN JACKSON ROOM (Alumni Center)

Peace Corps Collects RPCV Stories to Describe Return on Investment

3:00 pm - 5:00 pm: CONNALLY BALLROOM

Beyond Borders

• Glenn Blumhorst, President & CEO, NPCA
• Maria Martin, Director, The Graciasvida Center For Media
• John Burnett, Southwest Correspondent, National Public Radio
• Luis Argueta, Harris Wofford Global Citizen Award Winner

This plenary panel discussion examines the historic exodus from Central America and the humanitarian crisis at the United States’ southern border. Featuring award-winning journalists and media producers who bring firsthand perspectives from both sides of the border, the panelists will underscore the imperative for telling the real story to the American public, the need for policy solutions, and the opportunity for the Peace Corps community and concerned citizens to take action.

5:00 pm - 7:00 pm: CONNALLY BALLROOM

Interactive Game Activity: Bringing It All Home

• Jill Conway, Regional Recruiter, Peace Corps

Connect with fellow RPCVs through a fun and interactive game that involves moving around on a game board! Roll the dice and you may land on the “Public Transportation Delay” box. We will also share best practices about creating positive impact when we return home.

Opening Reception

Thursday, June 20^th

Austin Central Library
710 West Cesar Chavez Street
Austin, TX 78701

One of TIME Magazine's 2018 World's Greatest Places

Opened in 2017, the library houses half a million books, an art gallery, a rooftop butterfly garden, and a technology petting zoo that allows visitors to test out devices, such as a 3D printer, Google Home, Phillips Hue smart lights, Playstation virtual reality headset, and more.

Program

Friday and Saturday, June 21-22

Austin Etter Harbin Alumni Center
2110 San Jacinto Boulevard
Austin, TX 78712

Located in downtown Austin, the Main Lounge & Concourse is an excellent blend of southern charm and Longhorn pride.
 

Please remember, your ticket for the conference does not include lodging or travel arrangements.

The University of Texas (UT) at Austin has made their dormitories available at a discounted rate for the 2019 Peace Corps Connect Conference! The conference venue, the Etter-Harbin Alumni Center at UT, is a short walk from the dormitories and there are ample dining options available in the dorms as well.

Dorms can be booked either as a single or a double for June 20-23 at a three night rate of $72 per bed or $144 for a private room. Additional nights can be booked for the 19th or 24th for an additional per day charge. Please note that bed linens are included with the dorms, but guests must bring their own towels and toiletries, as the dorms do not provide these.

• Everyone staying in the dorm must have their own reservation and at minimum one bed per person (i.e. couples traveling together can room together but each must submit a unique form).
• If you have a roommate you'd like to stay with, be sure to list them in the roommate preference block. 
• If selecting a double room with no roommate preference, roommates will be assigned by gender. If you prefer to room with someone from your country of service, please list the country in the ADA Accommodations section.
• Be sure to bring your own towel and toiletries. These items will not be provided by the dorm.
• Please note that in/out dates can NOT be changed after payment has been submitted, so make sure you book accordingly.
• If you need to cancel your reservation, you will be charged a $50 cancellation fee. 

Hotels & Hostels

Hotels within walking distance of the UT Austin's Etter-Harbin Alumni Center:

• AT&T Executive Education and Conference Center Hotel ($$): ½ mile from Etter-Harbin Alumni Center (10 min walk). Parking is an additional $18 per night.
• The Hampton Inn ($$$): less than one mile from the Etter-Harbin Alumni Center (15 min walk) and includes free breakfast for guests. Parking is an additional $24 per night.
• Drifter Jack's Hostel ($): (20 min)

Affordable hotels within 3-5 miles of the Etter-Harbin Alumni Center are available for those seeking hotels on a smaller budget ($-$$) and who are comfortable staying further from the event center. 

• Hosteling International Austin: $28.00 per night (total with taxes and fees), includes complimentary breakfast, WiFi, and linens.  

Please ONLY book via email at gm.austin@hiusa.org – Subject: Peace Corps - Group June Please include your date of check-in and date of check-out, name of EVERY guest and total number of guests on your reservation, primary contact email and phone number, and lastly your dorm preferences. Options included beds in female, male, and coed dorms. 

For any questions please email gm.austin@hiusa.org, thank you very much.

• Days Inn ($): approximately 1.5 miles from the Alumni Center.
• Group of hotels ($-$$) at IH-35 and Highway 290

Important Note: All arrangements for travel, lodging, and other special accommodations are the sole responsibility of attendees. NPCA and its affiliates are not liable for providing any financial compensation for losses incurred related to attending this conference.  

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Learn More

Peace Corps Connect is your primary venue to get in front of the Peace Corps community. This year will have many new features designed to drive traffic to your booths - including prizes for attendees who are the best explorers at our exhibit hall, awards for most innovative exhibitors (by crowd vote), and much more!

Interested in becoming an official Peace Corps Connect Sponsor to receive additional benefits and have your organization featured in conference promotions across NPCA's media platforms and beyond? View our 2019 Sponsorship Packet here.

Exhibitor Registration Details

SCHEDULE FOR EXHIBITING HOURS (times subject to change):

Friday, June 21st
9:30 AM: Morning set-up and exhibitor registration
4:00 PM - 6:30 PM: Featured Exhibitor Showcase hours (highest expected volume of visitors to exhibits)
6:30 PM:  Evening breakdown

Saturday, June 22nd
8:30 AM: Morning set-up
12:30 pm - 1:45 pm: Lunch (provided) and Exhibitor Showcase hours (highest expected volume of visitors to exhibits)
1:45 PM: Final Breakdown

SCHEDULE NOTES:

Exhibitors are being offered the opportunity to host the booths between these scheduled exhibit hours while other conference proceedings are taking place to allow you to maximize your audience throughout the conference. Attendees will be encouraged to reach out to exhibitors prior to the event in Austin if they would like to schedule one-on-one meetings with exhibitors during the conference. Special announcements and reminders for exhibitor hours will be made throughout the conference and during main plenary sessions.

REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS

Registration is NOT included with the purchase of an exhibit booth. At least one paid conference registration is required with each exhibit booth and all representatives are required to purchase some form of registration to attend any conference proceedings outside of the exhibit hall (including meals and receptions). Affiliate Pro Plan registration are considered paid. If you are not sure who will be attending as your representative at this time and would like to reserve your exhibit booth now, take the following steps: 1) Proceed with completing this form. 2) In the first question type "registering soon”.

(NOTE: Without a paid registration, NPCA will hold your exhibit booth for up to 15 days after purchase due to the high demand for booths. If this form is not completed and/or no representative has purchased a ticket after that time, NPCA may select to refund your purchase without notice. Please immediately email apply@peacecorpsconnect.org after completing this form if you require a time extension to register a paid representative. Exhibitors who do not have a paid and registered representative upon arrival in Austin may not be provided an exhibit table and no refunds will be issued. Volunteers enlisted to assist with exhibits who are not otherwise paid and registered for the conference will need to do so prior entering, no exceptions can be made due to venue capacity.)

PROMOTIONAL MATERIALS

Exhibitor information will be added to conference marketing and promotional activities on a rolling basis after March 31st. Submit all materials by uploading your files at the end of this form. If you cannot provide your materials at this time, continue with completing this form. Once finished, please email your materials to apply@peacecorpsconnect.org.

(No partial ticket pricing is available for those to choose not to exhibit during these hours. NPCA is not responsible for any lost or stolen items. NPCA will not be able to monitor exhibit booths on behalf of exhibitors at any point.)

Need more information or have a special request?

For exhibitor related questions, please email appy@peacecorpsconnect.org.

For questions relating to official conference sponsor exhibiting and benefits, please email development@peacecorpsconnect.org.

By sponsoring Peace Corps Connect 2019, you will be able to reach the Peace Corps Community from across the country and beyond. For two and a half days, keynote speakers, expert panels, interactive sessions, and attendees will mix with local changemakers and learn about creating a sustainable impact on our community.

Gold Sponsors

Silver Sponsors

Bronze Sponsors

NYU School of Professional Studies
 

SIT Graduate Institute