The Peace Corps?

5 Austin South Asian | June 2021 Do You Have What It Takes To Be In The Peace Corps?

Are you an older adult looking for your next big adventure? The Peace Corps is encouraging U.S. adult citizens to volunteer their service abroad to promote world peace and friendship. While the Peace Corps temporarily suspended volunteer operations at all posts in March 2020 due to COVID-19, the agency is working to return to service and is accepting applications. In time for Older Americans Month in May, a legacy of the John F. Kennedy presidential administration along with the Peace Corps itself, here’s what to know:

Experiences Vary Widely

Partnering with communities abroad to develop sustainable solutions for the world’s most pressing challenges, the Peace Corps has served in 61 countries globally. Volunteers serve in such sectors as education, health, youth in development, agriculture, community, economic development, environment and Peace Corps response.

Over 240,000 American citizens -- 13,898 of whom served over the age of 50 -- have served in the Peace Corps since it was established 60 years ago in 1961. Recent older American volunteer experiences have ranged from working closely with a women’s business association in Moldova to help

develop small enterprises, to working with the Ministry of Education in Fiji in establishing a solar-powered digital library system and revamping its textbook warehouse. Older Volunteers are Valued According to Peace Corps officials and returned volun teers, not only are older Ameri cans uniquely qualified to serve because of their perspectives and experiences, they are viewed and respected as an asset to their new communi-

ties.

They’re also recognized back home. Indeed, now through May 23, the Peace Corps is accepting nominations for the Lillian Carter Award, which honors the contributions that older adults bring to service. Established in 1986, the award is named for former President Jimmy Carter’s mother, Lillian Carter, who served as a health volunteer in India in 1966 at age 68. Awardees have demonstrated a commitment to civic engagement and service, advancing the Peace Corps’ mission of promoting world peace and friendship and strengthening Americans’ understanding of the world and its people. The award ceremony will be held on Thursday, June 24, 2021 at 4:00 p.m. EST on Zoom.

Getting Started

There is no upper age limit to Peace Corps service and many volunteers have served into their 80s. Interested applicants can connect with a recruiter to learn more and get the application process started by visiting peacecorps.gov.

While experiences in the Peace Corps are as unique as the individuals and communities involved, building friendships and working locally to address pressing challenges serves as a fulfilling second act for many older Americans, giving volunteers a way to embrace a new purpose in retirement or following other careers.(StatePoint)

How To Treat On-The-Go Stains

Whether it’s spilling a to-go coffee on your stark white shirt or dropping your blush brush in your lap, stains can happen anywhere at any time, even to the most poised among us. But how -- and when -- you deal with the stain can impact whether your garment survives the snafu.

While spills that occur at home can instantly and easily be treated by flushing the garment under cold water (don’t use hot water as it can cause the stain to set), when you’re on-the-go, you’ll need a fast solution that doesn’t require a wardrobe change.

One convenient way to ensure your clothes stay good as new, come what may, is by keeping a stain remover pen with you.

For an effective option that’s safe for all colorfast, washable fabrics and doesn’t leave a residue, try the OxiClean On the Go Stain Remover pen.

Recommended by 91% of reviewers, according to PowerReviews, it works great on common food, drink and makeup stains, tackling anything from spaghetti to soy sauce in two steps: 1. Remove excess residue from the stain and place a napkin behind the fabric.

2. Squeeze the pen, and use its scrubber tip like an eraser to eliminate the stain.

For more on-the-go stain removal information, visit oxicleanpen.com. A good quality stain removal pen can save the day, but only if you’re prepared.

To be ready for every situation, consider keeping a stain remover pen in your desk or workplace, in your everyday purse or bag, and in your carry-on suitcase when you travel. (StatePoint)

Mutton Pulao From A Pakistani Kitchen A Conversation Of Thoughts

By Sumaiya Malik

I bought my inexpensive slow cooker from Walmart over eight years ago and still hold on to it. I chose mine when a friend pointed out that the cooking pot inside was metal and not ceramic and hence could be taken out and put directly on the stove to brown the onions for mutton pulao, a Pakistani rice and meat dish cooked as frequently as mac and cheese or burgers in in our home.

I have never been great at cooking. I need my book of recipes even if I have cooked something multiple times. I multi-task and forget ingredients, and sometimes burn food because I forget to turn on the timer. One meal that I can bank on that will make my friends and family happy every single time is the mutton pulao that I cook in the slow cooker. It’s a recipe at the back of my hand and I know that the slow cooker will save it from overcooking.

Growing up, I never paid attention to cooking. I’d notice the hustle and bustle from morning to evening when our cook and my mother would be in the kitchen and the fresh aroma of mutton curry, the base of the pulao would waft into the dining room where I’d have some project for school going on. (Continued On Page 12)