On Monday, September 26, the Senate passed the Kate Puzey Volunteer Protection Act of 2011 by unanimous consent! You can track the bill here: http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bill.xpd?bill=s112-1280 The next step is to have the bill voted on in the House. If it passes, then the final step is to have the legislation signed into law by President Obama.
First Response Action is grateful for the leadership of Senators Johnny Isakson, R-GA, and Barbara Boxer, D-CA, who introduced this legislation on June 27, 2011. The bipartisan support of these Senators and their staff has been incredible and they have worked tirelessly to get the bill passed. You can read the press releases about the unanimous consent vote for both Isakson and Boxer on their websites.
Thank you to everyone who has called, visited or contacted their representatives to get this important legislation to this level!
This is another big step in the right direction!
Casey and the board of First Response Action
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Sunday, September 25, 2011
House panel approves bill to boost safety for Peace Corps volunteers after rapes, murder
By Associated Press, Published: September 21
WASHINGTON — A House panel has approved legislation to improve safety and security for Peace Corps volunteers after criticism that the agency did little to train its workers to deal with violent attacks such as rape and murder.
By voice vote Wednesday, the House Foreign Affairs Committee pushed ahead two bills that would establish a process for volunteers to make confidential reports of rape or sexual assault, set up training for staff on how to respond and create a Victim Support Office.
In May, three Peace Corps volunteers raped while serving overseas and the mother of a fourth who was murdered in Benin complained to lawmakers. They said the agency failed to train its workers about how to avoid or deal with violent attacks. They also said it was insensitive or unhelpful.
Happy 50th Anniversary Peace Corps
To commemorate the Peace Corps' 50th Anniversary, First Response Action would like to acknowledge the thousands of Volunteers who have served across the globe in a variety of goodwill capacities. Peace Corps Volunteers play key roles in educating their communities about Americans and educating Americans about cultures around the world.
First Response Action is proud to support Peace Corps Volunteers who are victims of crime and the whistle blowers who report crime. We look forward to the next 50 years of a safer, stronger Peace Corps.
Happy Anniversary Peace Corps!
The Board of First Response Action
First Response Action is proud to support Peace Corps Volunteers who are victims of crime and the whistle blowers who report crime. We look forward to the next 50 years of a safer, stronger Peace Corps.
Happy Anniversary Peace Corps!
The Board of First Response Action
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Legislation Passed Through the House Foreign Affairs Committee Today!
Another milestone has been reached and successfully passed!
Today, the House Foreign Affairs Committee passed the Kate Puzey Volunteer Protection Act of 2011. Prior to the August recess, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee passed the bill as well, so this important legislation is on the right track! Thanks to those of you who have supported this bill's passage by spreading the word and contacting your representatives.
We'll update this blog with next steps of the legislation. In the meantime, your support is still needed to call your representatives. While the bill has passed the relevant foreign affairs committees, they will still need to pass the larger House and Senate. Visit our partner site, Kate's Voice, to get comprehensive information on contacting your representatives.
Casey and the board of First Response Action
Today, the House Foreign Affairs Committee passed the Kate Puzey Volunteer Protection Act of 2011. Prior to the August recess, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee passed the bill as well, so this important legislation is on the right track! Thanks to those of you who have supported this bill's passage by spreading the word and contacting your representatives.
We'll update this blog with next steps of the legislation. In the meantime, your support is still needed to call your representatives. While the bill has passed the relevant foreign affairs committees, they will still need to pass the larger House and Senate. Visit our partner site, Kate's Voice, to get comprehensive information on contacting your representatives.
Casey and the board of First Response Action
Monday, September 19, 2011
Progress of the Kate Puzey Volunteer Protection Act of 2011
This Wednesday, the House Foreign Affairs Committee will conduct a 'mark-up' of House Bill 2337, the Kate Puzey Volunteer Protection Act of 2011. You can help support this bill by contacting your local representatives or representatives on the House Foreign Affairs Committee.
Contact Information: Visit the website of our partner, Kate's Voice, for information on whom to contact, Most important people to contact
What to say:
If you have questions or would like to share your opinion or story, please contact firstresponseaction@gmail.com
Peace,
Casey
Contact Information: Visit the website of our partner, Kate's Voice, for information on whom to contact, Most important people to contact
What to say:
- Sample email
- Sample phone call
If you have questions or would like to share your opinion or story, please contact firstresponseaction@gmail.com
Peace,
Casey
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