Workforce Diversity in Volunteerism and the Peace Corps

Abstract

This chapter will discuss the subject of workforce diversity as it directly relates to volunteerism, using the Peace Corps as an example. The aim of the chapter is to illustrate how nonprofit institutions can draw upon the value of workforce diversity in order to obtain competitive advantages. The Peace Corps' three-fold mission includes helping the people of interested countries in meeting their need for trained men and women, helping promote a better understanding of Americans on the part of the people served and helping promote a better understanding of other peoples on the part of Americans (Peace Corps, 2011a). This chapter will specifically discuss how the Peace Corps incorporate diversity in their volunteer program. “The agency has always reflected the diversity of America and is actively recruiting the next generation of Peace Corps Volunteers” (Peace Corps, 2011b). In addition, it will make a case for diversity in nonprofits and will provide guidance on how to build diversity.