Jensy Patterson Richards, President of Friends of Kenya has been nominated to the Board of Directors for the National Peace Corps Association (NPCA). Elections will take place in July.

Nominated by: Friends of Kenya

Peace Corps Service: Kenya, 1978-80, Volunteer ; USA, 1982-83, Staff

Current Employment: Loudoun County Public Schools - Teacher Assistant; Northern Virginia Community College - ESL Instructor

Experience on Boards:

Friends of Kenya: President (2005-Present); Newton-Lee Elementary School: Equity Team Member (2005-Present); Broad Run High School: Vice President Band Boosters (2005); London Central High School: Co-Chair of School Advisory Committee (2002-03)

Statement of Interest: After serving in Kenya as a PCV (78-80), I lived and traveled overseas in North and South Africa and East, West Europe and Russia experiencing huge changes both before and after The Wall and The Euro. I feel confident in representing Europe and North/East Africa for NPCA.

My interest in the Board is broad; perhaps the most compelling motivators are membership, definition and renewal. As PCVs, RPCVs and Staff we represent a unique ethos of life. I hope to extend my experiences, and energy toward a stronger more viable NPCA which better serves our unique population and affiliate groups.

NPCA Elections and Nominees

Three positions are open for election in 2006 to represent the regions outlined below. Click on the candidate name to read his/her biography and 100-word statement responding to “why you want to serve on the NPCA board and what you hope to accomplish as a board member.”

Geographic

Northeast: David Magnani

MidAtlantic & Nationwide: Joel Rubin

Country of Service

Europe/North & East Africa:

Jensy Patterson Richards; Chandler Harrison Stevens (withdrew his nomination)

Eligible voters will receive a mailing in late June with instructions for voting online or for requesting a paper ballot. Voting will take place from July 1 to July 31. Only current NPCA members may vote in the election. Newly-elected members will begin their three-year terms on the NPCA board at the September 2006 meeting of the Board of Directors in Washington, D.C.

Please note: The affiliate group leaders will elect a new Group Leaders Forum Coordinator in 2006.

Board members representing the following regions will be elected in 2007: The Americas; West, Central and Southern Africa; and Upper Midwest.

Board members representing the following regions will be elected in 2008: Asia and the Pacific; Southern Tier; and West.

Go to http://www.rpcv.org/ for more information on the regions and the current board representation.