How can Peace Corp increase its fundings?

Question

For my high school debate class

i am arguing on the affirmative side for Peace Corps. tomarow

and one of my harms is the problem with its funding

can anyone give me any ideas on how the Peace Corp can increase its fundings?? and benefits it can put that money to do?

or any other evidence will be appreciated =)

thanksss!

Answer 1

I am not a debate expert, so I am not clear how you can be 'affirmative' on a 'how' question. But if you are arguing that the Peace Corps SHOULD increase its funding, here are a couple of interesting links.

http://www.rpcv.org/pages/sitepage.cfm?id=1210
http://www.brook.edu/comm/policybriefs/pb127.htm

The first one is from the Returned Peace Corps Volunteers group, and they have talking points listed as to why funding should be increased (that is about as 'affirmative' of a crowd you could get for this topic!). The second link is to a Brookings Institute analysis of the Peace Corps from 2003.

Essentially the argument is that the Peace Corps budget is $319 million, which is something like 0.02% of the US budget (you should verify that somehow). The agency runs quite smoothly, but could probably 'pay' the volunteers more. As is stands, the volunteer accrues something like $300 per month which is given upon completion of service to aid in readjustment when coming home. I'll let you know that it is hard to readjust on that amount considering rent/gas/insurance costs. Perhaps increasing the readjustment allowance would help. Be ready for counter arguments--I don't think that it is clear that increased budget will equate to increased volunteers or better volunteers, necessarily. If you just stick to the cost effectiveness of the PC compared to the overall budget and emphasize the returns on that investment (as described in the links) you should be in good shape though.

Peace Corps is one of the few items in the federal budget that has bilateral support for increased funding. Bush has wanted to increase it for some time, and Clinton tried to expand it during his terms.

Please don't put too much stock in the statements of the previous posters (except maybe the first one... was kinda funny). There is a fairly big misunderstanding among many people in what the Peace Corps provides to the U.S. (for such a low cost). I would trust the opinion of those who have a better understanding of overall foreign policy. I think the links above give good information, hope they help.

Good luck with the debate!

Answer 2

For starters they could solicit contributions from the aging 60's hippies that hung out in the Peace Corps to avoid serving their country during VietNam.

Answer 3

They could grow and sell peas. It would also make the world a lot more peas-full and reduce hunger and starvation.

Answer 4

If they would do something that would make them relevant, it would help a lot.
What have they done lately?