At his inauguration, President Obama said "To the people of poor nations, we pledge to work alongside you to make your farms flourish and let clean waters flow; to nourish starved bodies and feed hungry minds." Young people, full of optimism and passion, serve as our nation's best ambassadors, yet there are few options for them to volunteer abroad. The Peace Corps, despite its growth, remains small and highly competitive. High school and college students face few options. The administration has failed to match the President's lofty campaign promises to engage young americans in service. We petition the Obama administration to review its current policies and drastically increase the number of opportunities for young people to volunteer abroad.



