Peace Corps Mexico and Benjamin Franklin Library Host the Opening of a Photo Exhibit Highlighting Volunteerism

Mexico City, August 4, 2011 – The Benjamin Franklin Library and Peace Corps Mexico today launched the opening of a commemorative photographic exhibit titled, Peace Corps Perspectives: The Many Facets of Volunteerism in Mexico. The photo collection commemorates the Peace Corps’ 50th Anniversary, while highlighting the importance of volunteerism, the library’s resources for volunteers, and inspiring the next generation of volunteers in Mexico through education and engagement.  

The opening reception was presided by James Williams, Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy, and Director of the Peace Corps in Mexico Dan Evans, who spoke about the goals of service in Mexico. The event featured discussions from past and present Peace Corps Volunteers on their experiences and unique perspectives, and was attended by a wide-range of U.S. and Mexican counterparts, including representatives from the Public Research and Development Centers of National Council for Science and Technology (CONACYT), the Offices of Environment and Natural Resources at the Secretariat of the Environment and Natural Resources (SEMARNAT), the National Commission for Protected Natural Areas (CONANP) and the National Forestry Commission (CONAFOR), the U.S. Embassy and Benjamin Franklin staff.

Although the Peace Corps was founded 50 years ago, 2003 marked the first entry of the agency into Mexico. Since the establishment of Peace Corps Mexico there have been over 180 volunteers, with 82 Peace Corps Volunteers currently serving in nine states. Volunteers share their academic and professional experience in the following areas: engineering, informational technology, business administration, organizational development, English instruction, science, and sustainable businesses.  Peace Corps Volunteers come to Mexico with a profound interest in contributing to the technical and economic development of the country, and to understand and integrate themselves into the culture and the everyday life of the Mexican people.

Peace Corps Perspectives: The Many Facets of Volunteerism in Mexico photo exhibit will be on display for the next month at the entrance of the Benjamin Franklin Library, where visitors are invited to enjoy a rich and insightful photographic story of volunteerism. Present and past Mexico Peace Corps volunteers and staff have submitted 26 unique images that capture the diverse range of Peace Corps experiences, incorporating perspectives on volunteerism, cross-cultural exchanges, and the beauty of the environment. Through their lens, viewers are witness to the aspirations of a Peace Corps volunteer: to help promote a better understanding of Americans on the part of the communities served, and to promote a better understanding of other peoples on the part of Americans.

After the Benjamin Franklin Library exhibition, the photo collection will progress as part of a continuing “roaming exhibit” to promote awareness of the Peace Corps 50th Anniversary, and its seven years of collaboration in Mexico, which has successfully contributed to a legacy of service with numerous initiatives promoting technical and economic development, and the protection, restoration and conservation of Mexico’s natural resources.

The Benjamin Franklin Library was established in 1942 to promote friendship and understanding between the United States and Mexico.  Today, the library offers research services, guided tours, wireless Internet, and ongoing cultural events to Mexican students, academics, government, media, business, and anyone with an interest in the United States.