What is in the Peace Corps Volunteer Handbook?

The Global Policy Handbook is to be followed by all trainees and volunteers and its policies are included in the country-specific Volunteer Service Handbook. Both will be made available to the trainees during Pre-Service Training. But many applicants and invitees will have questions about the policy before they leave for staging. This post will give you an overview of what is contained in this Volunteer Handbook.

For the current copy of the Handbook, you can go the Peace Corps Volunteer Handbook at:

https://files.peacecorps.gov/multimedia/pdf/documents/volunteer_handbook.pdf

Disclaimer: I don’t work for Peace Corps in any administrative capacity. The overview presented here is my interpretation. If more accurate information about these policies is needed, refer to your country desk officer (invitees) or your country director (trainees/volunteers).

For the most up-to-date and accurate policies, you can go to the Peace Corps Manual online at:

https://www.peacecorps.gov/about/open-government/peace-corps-manual/

How is the Volunteer Handbook organized?

1. Introduction
2. Training and Swearing-In
3. Expectations for Volunteer Conduct
4. Safety and Security
5. Health Care
6. Confidentiality of Volunteer Information
7. Communication
8. Administrative and Financial Considerations
9. Housing and Sites
10. Transportation and Travel
11. Reporting Allegations and Concerns
12. Completion of Service
13. Early Termination of Service
Acronyms

Section 1. Introduction

This section includes:

Overview: Global Policy Handbook
The Peace Corps Mission

The handbook is for use by Invitees, Trainees, and Volunteers. Trainees will get this handbook and the Volunteer Service Handbook at Pre-Service Training.

A lot of the information will be part of your training during PST. But having an electronic copy will make it easy to find specific information when needed. So don’t forget to download a copy. And at PST, ask if a digital (PDF) copy is available for the Volunteer Service Handbook.

Section 2: Training and Swearing-In

This section includes:

Qualifying for Service
Oath and Pledge

Remember to be honest during your application process. Giving “misleading, inaccurate, or incomplete information” could get an invitee/trainee/volunteer disqualified.

To become a volunteer, a trainee must successfully complete Pre-Service Training (PST). To me, the training isn’t hard, but there is a lot of it and it can be intense at times. Staff try to work with those volunteers that struggling. But if it looks like they are not going to complete PST, the trainees are given the option of quitting. There is no problem with this according to staff – they know that Peace Corps isn’t for everyone.

This is the oath that all volunteers take:

I, (insert first and last name) do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter. [So help me God.]

The option to either ‘swear’ or ‘affirm’ is there because some people object to ‘swear’ due to religious reasons. Both mean that you agree to or promise to do everything contained in the oath. The last sentence in brackets [ ] is optional.

Some Country Directors also have the volunteers take the Peace Corps Pledge. I like it much better:

I (insert first and last name) promise to serve alongside the people of (insert Country of Service). I promise to share my culture with an open heart and open mind. I promise to foster an understanding of the people of (Country of Service), with creativity, cultural sensitivity, and respect. I will face the challenges of service with patience, humility, and determination. I will embrace the mission of world peace and friendship for as long as I serve and beyond. In the proud tradition of Peace Corps’ legacy, and in the spirit of the Peace Corps family past, present, and future, I am a Peace Corps Volunteer.

Section 3: Expectations for Volunteers Conduct

This section includes:

Roles and Responsibilities
Disciplinary Action
Alcohol
Child Protection Code of Conduct
Compliance with US and Local Laws
Drugs
Ethics and Financial Gain
Firearms
Gambling and Casinos
Harassment
Intelligence Activities
Nondiscrimination
Personal Appearance
Ownership
Political Expression
Radio Transmitters and Drones
Relationships
Sexual Behavior
Exercise of Personal Religious Beliefs

This section is 12 pages long, the largest section in the handbook, so it needs time to go through.

Unlike a regular job, as a Peace Corps volunteer, you are a representative of the Peace Corps. And because of that, you are held to a higher standard of behavior. Being a volunteer is a 24/7 commitment so you are always on ‘display’.

The ‘core expectations’ are: commit to 27-months, help your host community, serve where Peace Corps sends you, respect everyone, be responsible 24/7, follow the rules, take care of yourself, and remember that you represent America. Again, your behavior should be professional and respectful every minute of the day. Or you risk being sent back to the US.

Volunteers can drink alcohol, but again, you are responsible for your actions 24/7. In my experience, the biggest problem with drinking too much happens during PST when groups of trainees would get together. It caused huge problems in the community and how volunteers were perceived. No one was sent home but they could have. And like in the US, too much alcohol can be a safety and security concern. Just be careful if you drink alcohol.

All Volunteers must follow the Child Protection Code of Conduct. Treat every child with respect, avoid being alone with a child, and don’t use physical or emotional punishment. A child, defined by Peace Corps, is anyone under the age of 18.

Peace Corps has a zero-tolerance policy for any drugs not authorized for medical purposes. You get caught, you get sent home. This includes marijuana. No exceptions. Even a rumor of drug use could get a volunteer sent home.

You are a volunteer 24/7, so you can’t have any ‘side gigs’. For example, you can’t be paid for tutoring a student outside of school. You can’t do anything to get money other than what Peace Corps gives you, including any fundraising. Even if money doesn’t change hands, if it looks like an exchange of some sort, you could still be sent home.

No guns. And casinos and gambling establishments are off-limits.

Harassment of any kind is not tolerated, either by volunteers or PC staff. There are procedures in place both in-country and back in Washington, to report it.

Peace Corps expects all volunteers to dress according to the host community standards. In the community, a volunteer is considered to be an important person. The community knows that a volunteer is not a tourist, so the volunteer shouldn’t dress like one. Outside of the home, a volunteer should have a professional appearance.

During PST, my host brother wanted to take me somewhere. But I didn’t have enough language to understand exactly where we were going. I asked if my shorts and t-shirt were okay and he nodded his head ‘yes’. We drove about 20 minutes away and arrived at a huge outdoor wedding. I was so embarrassed. So, when in doubt, I always try to dress nicer when I leave my home.

Volunteers are allowed to own a pet but they must get permission from the Country Director. Many volunteers bring their pets back to the US but know that it can be a lot of work and not cheap. Otherwise, a volunteer needs to find a new home for the pet when they finish their service.

Volunteers must avoid becoming involved in any politics in their host country. Political discussion is good but a volunteer shouldn’t be seen as someone representing the US in those discussions. People are curious about American politics and I answer their questions the best I can. But I try to make it only informational and on a one-on-one basis. Even being near a political gathering might be seen as a Peace Corps endorsement so it is to be avoided as much as possible.

No drones or radio transmitters unless approved in writing by the country director.

Two years is a long time and many volunteers develop relationships and decide to get married. And you can get married and continue your service but you need to get this approved by the Country Director.

Volunteers may not ‘fraternize’ with any Peace Corps staff member. This means no dating or intimate relationships. This also includes anyone the volunteer might have authority over or gives financial support to, such as host family members.

The age of consent might be different in a volunteer’s host country but according to Peace Corps, it is 18 years of age.

Policies and procedures are in place if a volunteer needs to report the sexual misconduct concerning another volunteer.

Section 4 – Safety and Security

This section includes:

Reporting Security Incidents
Crimes Against Volunteers
Legal Representation
Emergency Planning and Response
Whereabouts Reporting

The parts concerning Reporting Security Incidents, Crimes Against Volunteers, and Legal Representation are too important and specific to talk about here. Volunteers will be trained on this during PST. But if you want to know more, don’t hesitate to familiarize yourself with these topics in the handbook.

The Emergency Action Plan (EAP) is used when there is an in-country emergency that involves volunteers. For example, here in Nepal, there is always the threat of an earthquake. So, the volunteers need to know what to do in case that happens. There will be training on this both during PST and during a volunteer’s service.

Whenever a volunteer is not sleeping in his or her bed, they must make sure Peace Corps knows where they are and how to contact them. This is called “Whereabouts”. This is not used to track your time at site or be anything about your work performance. It is to make sure in the case of an emergency, Peace Corps can locate and contact a volunteer.

Section 5 – Health Care

This section includes:

Overview
Health Care Rights and Responsibilities
Medical Evacuation
Pregnancy

A volunteer’s medical care is completely covered and taken care of by the Peace Corps. There is no patient deductible or co-pay (like for medical insurance back in the US). If it is ordered by the Peace Corps Medical Officer (PCMO), it is 100% covered.

A volunteer has certain rights when it comes to medical care. But also, the volunteer has responsibilities too.

If needed, a volunteer may be medically evacuated outside of their host country. This means either traveling to a Peace Corps designated medical hub or back to the US for care.

If a volunteer becomes pregnant, they probably will be sent home. Here is the specific quote from the handbook:

Given the circumstances under which Volunteers live and work in Peace Corps countries, it is rare that the Peace Corps’ medical standards for continued service during pregnancy can be met.

Section 6 – confidentiality of Volunteer Information

Peace Corps will do all it can to protect the confidentiality of a volunteer and any information about that volunteer.

Section 7 – Communication

This section includes:

Media Contact
Publication of Articles
Social Media and Other Online Content
Use of the Peace Corps Name, Seal, and Logo
Peace Corps and Other Information Technology Systems

Volunteers are free to talk to the media but should tell the Country Director first.

A volunteer can publish articles during their service. But again, they need to talk with the Country Director before publication.

Articles, manuals, teaching materials, and other work-related products made by a volunteer are considered “public domain”. The volunteer cannot claim they have the copyright.

With social media, again, a volunteer is a representative of the Peace Corps 24/7 and that means online too. A volunteer is expected to behave professionally online. This includes things posted privately because those materials could still be shared with others.

Any use of the Peace Corps name or logo must be approved by the Country Director. For example, in Thailand, we wanted to print a t-shirt with the Peace Corps logo as part of the design. We didn’t have any trouble getting the Country Director’s approval.

T-shirt design for Nepal group 206

All Peace Corps posts have computers the volunteers may use on a limited basis. There are strict rules on the use of these computers.

Section 8 – Administrative and Financial Considerations

This section includes:

Allowances
Baggage
Banking
Debt Obligations
Fundraising, Grants, and Gifts
Home-of-Record
Income Tax
Leave
Life Insurance
Mail and Packages
Passports and Other Official Documents
Personal Property
Travel Expenses
Voting

Volunteers get a “settling-in allowance” to buy needed house supplies and equipment for their site. These things are the volunteers and do not need to be returned to Peace Corps after their service. Volunteers are encouraged to donate anything they bought with Peace Corps funds to their communities.

Volunteers get a “living allowance” that covers things like rent, food, transportation, phone/internet, household items, and clothing. This can be different amounts for different volunteers in the same host country. So amounts should not be compared.

Each post must conduct a “living allowance survey” of volunteers. This survey is intended to help the Country Director decide if the living allowance should be increased. The allowance will never be decreased. For this to happen, at least 70% of the currently serving volunteers must participate and send in their survey. If not enough volunteers respond, then the living allowance will not be changed. So, it is important for everyone to be responsible for this. Lack of participation is a real problem. In every country I have served, prices had increased, but the living allowance had not changed in years.

During a volunteer’s service, Peace Corps sets aside money monthly to be used once they leave service. It is called the “readjustment allowance”. As of 2022, a volunteer who completes the full 27-months of service gets a “readjustment allowance” of $10,000. A third will be given to the volunteer at their close of service. That is great if a volunteer wants to travel a bit before going back to the US. The remaining two-thirds will be deposited in a US bank of the volunteer’s choosing.

Most international travel allows for two checked bags. But when flying within the US, trainees/volunteers might be charged for one or both of the bags. Keep your receipts and Peace Corps will reimburse you.

Peace Corps will help you set up a bank account in your host country so that you can have access to the money they give you.

The Peace Corps Small Grants Program helps fund volunteer community-driven projects. Volunteers are not allowed to use funding outside of this program. This means no crowdfunding or other online fundraising efforts for any purpose.

Some of the money a volunteer receives is taxable. So, volunteers still need to file their taxes every year. This is the responsibility of the volunteer, not the Peace Corps.

Travel outside of the country must be approved by the Country Director. Volunteers still have full medical coverage even if they are not in their host country.

Every volunteer accrues two days per month of “annual leave” (vacation leave). When you take annual/vacation leave in-country, host country holidays are not counted. But, all weekends and U.S. holidays are counted.

If something bad happens back home with your family, a volunteer may be granted “emergency leave” to return to the US. This includes terminal illness or death in the immediate family (a parent, spouse, brother or sister, child, or grandchild related to you by blood, marriage, or adoption. It does not include grandparents, aunts, or uncles. This leave must be approved by Peace Corps in Washington. Emergency leave is generally limited to 14 days, not including travel time, but may be extended another 14 days if needed. Peace Corps will take care of your travel expenses too.

Volunteers can take up to three days of administrative leave to take exams like LSAT, GRE, and Foreign Service Exam.

All volunteers have a life insurance policy paid for by the volunteer out of their allowance and maintained by the Peace Corps. A volunteer may choose not to participate.

The no-fee passport given to volunteers is only to be used for Peace Corps travel.

Personal property is the volunteer’s responsibility. Volunteers may want to consider getting insurance to cover lost/damaged/stolen property during their service.

Volunteers on official travel will have their transpiration/lodging/food expenses covered. They may receive these funds before travel, but most of the time will receive the money after the travel is completed. There is a whole process for getting reimbursed.

Section 9 – Housing and Sites

All housing or host family arrangements must be inspected and approved by post staff before a volunteer can live there. This is to make sure the house/room and homestay meet Peace Corps standards.

Section 10 – Transportation and Travel

This section includes:

Modes of Transportation

Volunteers can’t drive. They can’t ride on motorcycles. And must wear a helmet when riding a bicycle.

Section 11 – Reporting Allegations and Concerns

This section includes:

Office of the Inspector General
Office of Civil Rights and Diversity
Office of Medical Services
Retaliation Prohibited

Volunteers have the right to tell Peace Corps about misconduct, mismanagement, or crimes that concern Peace Corps staff, contractors, other volunteers, programs, and operations. Staff may not retaliate if you report something. Volunteers can choose to report things confidentially. This can be done at post or to the Office of Inspector General (contact information is in the handbook).

Discrimination or harassment by Peace Corps staff should be reported to the Office of Civil Rights and Diversity (OCRD). (contact information is in the handbook)

If a volunteer is concerned about the care get are getting from their medical officer, they should contact the Office of Medical Services Quality Improvement Unit Quality Nurse Line. (contact information is in the handbook)

Section 12 – Completion of Service

This section includes:

Early Completion of Service
Extension of Service
Non-Competitive Eligibility
Description of Service
Personal Recommendations
Post-Service Medical Benefits
Enrollments and Reinstatements

Volunteers may request to extend their service another 12-months if they feel they still have work they think is needed. This must be approved by the Country Director. A volunteer extending their service will get 30-days of “special leave”. Most volunteers use this time to go back to the US (transpiration and travel allowance provided by Peace Corps).

The Description of Service (DOS) is an official Peace Corps statement of a Volunteer’s service that describes the Volunteer’s training and activities. It is to be completed by the volunteer and submitted to the Country Director.

I wish I had known that Returned Peace Corps Volunteers (RPCVs) who completed their service or are early terminated due to medical separation, interrupted service, or other circumstances beyond their control could be re-enrolled or reinstated to Peace Corps service. I didn’t know this and reapplied when I didn’t need to.

Section 13 – Early Termination of Service

This section includes:

Early Termination Categories
Early Termination Travel
Evacuation
Field Termination

“Early termination” is for those volunteers who do not complete their full 27-month service. If you resign, you will be sent home within 72-hours. Medically separated volunteers have a condition/illness that cannot be resolved within 45-days. Interrupted service is when you cannot finish your service for reasons beyond your control. If you are fired for any reason, it is called “administrative separation”. In some cases, a volunteer might be given the option to resign. Peace Corps will pay transportation costs to get the volunteer back to their home of record.

A “field termination” is when a volunteer chooses not to be sent immediately back to the US. In such cases, Peace Corps will not pay for a return ticket back to the US. And the volunteer’s no-fee passport will be canceled.