Category: Press

New Television Spots Showcase Decision to Join Peace Corps

WASHINGTON, D.C., September 25, 2006 – Peace Corps this week unveiled the newest television public service announcements that will complement the award winning campaign “Life Is Calling. How Far Will You Go?”

The PSAs feature a series of Americans, from all walks of life and all backgrounds, who hear the calling to become Peace Corps Volunteers. From a woman in her cubicle who seeks a new endeavor to an older gentleman who sees the possibilities for his future while viewing a travel information board, the spots are meant to highlight the moment when potential Volunteers realize the difference they could make in the world.

The new PSAs capture the moments when Americans hear the calling to become Peace Corps Volunteers.

“The Peace Corps is celebrating a 30-year high in Volunteers serving around the world, and we want all Americans to know Peace Corps service is an option for them,” said acting Peace Corps Director Jody K. Olsen. “These new public service announcements reflect the diversity of Peace Corps Volunteers today and the decision each of us makes when we hear ‘our calling’.”

The PSAs are narrated by Ricardo Chavira, who currently stars as Carlos Solis on the ABC show Desperate Housewives. Ricardo’s parents, Juan Chavira and Elizabeth Ries Chavira, were both Peace Corps Volunteers, serving in Peru from 1966-68. Ricardo narrated both the English and Spanish language version of the PSA.

“I grew up hearing about how my parents’ Peace Corps experiences shaped their careers and attitudes,” said Chavira. “I’m delighted to share in this legacy by working with the Peace Corps to support its mission of promoting world peace and friendship.”

The PSAs were filmed using an innovative technique that utilizes a digital still camera rather than a traditional film motion camera. The stills are then played in rapid sequence to give the illusion of motion-like quality. In addition, this technique allows extremely slow movement at the moment when potential Volunteers hear the call to join the Peace Corps, giving the PSAs a unique look.

The new PSAs will be distributed to network and local stations across the country and will be available in :15, :20/:10, :30 and :60 second versions. To view the :60 second version, please visit www.peacecorps.gov/psa/tv.

The PSAs were created by BBDO-Atlanta, produced by Hornet, Inc., and directed by Impactist. BBDO-Atlanta also created the television PSAs from 2003. Those PSAs, which included voiceovers by actors Matthew McConaughey and Eduardo Verastegui, won several national awards, including a gold EFFIE. The pre-eminent award in the advertising industry, EFFIEs are awarded for excellence in advertising and marketing effectiveness.

The Peace Corps is celebrating a 45-year legacy of service at home and abroad, and a 30-year high for Volunteers in the field. Since 1961, more than 182,000 Volunteers have helped promote a better understanding between Americans and the people of the 138 countries where Volunteers have served. Peace Corps Volunteers must be U.S. citizens and at least 18 years of age. Peace Corps service is a 27-month commitment.