The Peace Corps' Mission

The Peace Corps was established in 1961 to promote world peace and friendship through the service of American Volunteers abroad. In adapting to changing needs around the world, the Peace Corps remains guided by its founding mission--to help the people of developing countries meet their basic needs and to help promote mutual understanding among Americans and people from other cultures. More than 165,000 Americans have furthered these goals through service in the Peace Corps for over 40 years and in 135 countries.