Our Impact: Bringing the World Home to North Carolina

The spirit of service doesn’t end when a Volunteer returns home—it evolves. The North Carolina Peace Corps Association (NCPCA) is a vibrant community of Returned Peace Corps Volunteers (RPCVs) and supporters dedicated to making a tangible difference right here in North Carolina.

By leveraging our global experiences, we foster cross-cultural understanding and champion local service initiatives that strengthen our communities from the mountains to the coast. Our impact is felt through three primary pillars of engagement:

The Margaret Riley Peace Prize
Every year, the NCPCA awards the Margaret Riley Peace Prize to a local non-profit organization that embodies the Peace Corps’ ideals of peace, service, and social justice. This grant supports grassroots projects in NC that address critical needs like food security, refugee resettlement, and youth empowerment.

Supporting Volunteers in the Field
We believe that the best way to honor our past service is by investing in the future. Through the Peace Corps Partnership Program (PCPP), the NCPCA directly contributes to community-led projects spearheaded by Volunteers currently serving across the globe. By donating a portion of our membership dues and fundraising proceeds, we provide the “seed money” needed for critical initiatives like building school libraries, improving clean water access, and launching small-business cooperatives.

Promoting Global Awareness (The “Third Goal”)
We believe that a more peaceful world starts with understanding. Our members serve as “cultural ambassadors” in NC classrooms, community centers, and public forums. We host events ranging from international dinners, book clubs featuring global authors, and public events to share stories and perspectives from the countries where our members have served. We help North Carolinians see the world through a broader lens, fostering empathy and global citizenship in the next generation.