How to Put YourPassion and Skills to Work in the Peace Corps

(StatePoint) Since President John F. Kennedy established the Peace Corps in 1961, more than 240,000 Americans have served in 143 countries worldwide. The agency has high needs for volunteers to deliver on its mission of world peace and friendship, particularly in the agriculture, health, education and youth-in-development sectors.

are 3-12 month service options ideal for experienced professionals and returned volunteers for specialized, high-impact, short-term assignments and part-time virtual opportunities.

(StatePoint) Home organizing is more than a trend; it’s a lifestyle. From streaming shows demonstrating how to color-code your pantry to magazines offering tips to unclutter quickly and even a litany of organization products, there’s an abundance of information in the world of home organization. Yet, despite all this great content, younger generations still struggle with staying organized. In fact, a recent survey conducted by Pollfish on behalf of Duck brand finds that nearly 75% of Gen Z and millennials, ages 16 to 42, need a better organizing system or routine at home.

Here’s what these generations struggle with the most: Clutter is Chaos: While about half of Gen Z and millennials clean and organize up to an hour a day, they still have an issue with clutter. The survey finds that the kitchen counter is the biggest clutter hotspot, and car or house keys are the top misplaced items. Among their worst organizing habits, 54% of the younger generations throw everything into a junk drawer, while 40% say they don’t hang up their purse or jacket. Additionally, their top challenges to staying tidy are too much clutter and not enough room.

Family Dynamics: Living with messy family members is another top challenge. Less than half of Gen Z and millennials say their spouses and children pick up after themselves and more than 40% wish their significant other was neater/tidier at home.

Most Gen Z and millennials (nearly 64%) feel they are the best at staying organized at home compared to others they live with: about 30% of Gen Z say their parents are the tidiest and 16% of millennials say their partner is the neatest.

Personal Preference: A quick and easy installation is at the top of their priority list when it comes to picking an organizing system, but 29% of Gen Z also favors stylish and modern aesthetics. Among the products they’re willing to try, Gen Z is more likely to use shelves while millennials chose a wall organizer. As for the cost,

“Americans are embracing a ‘less is more’lifestyle and prefer clutter-free spaces, but it’s clear they have challenges when it comes to tidying up,” says Angee Mantell, Insights & Innovation product manager at Shurtape Technologies, LLC, the company that markets the Duck brand. “Simple solutions can help people of all ages create homes that are more efficient, livable and meet the demands of their busy lifestyles.”

From the entryway to the garage, Duck brand’s EasyMounts Heavy-Duty Drywall Hooks and HeavyDuty Drywall Tool Holders help restore order to hightraffic areas and give out-ofplace belongings, such as key, bags and garage gear, a designated home while keeping them off the floor. The universal mounting system comes in a modern matte finish and installs in drywall without the need for tools, solving the problem of limited storage.

For other expert tips on home organization, visit Tidy Up with Duck brand at www.duckbrand.com.

While some factors are beyond one’s control, such as the amount of storage space available and the behavior of housemates, smart organizational tools can minimize mess and stress at home, for all generations.

In more than 60 countries, Peace Corps volunteers are putting their purpose, passion and skills to work in partnership with welcoming host communities –growing, teaching, learning and making change.

Peace Corps volunteers live and work alongside community members on locally prioritized projects, receiving a stipend and other support as they immerse themselves in a new culture. They build relationships, exchange knowledge and help transform lives for generations.

The Immersive Volunteer Experience

The Peace Corps volunteer program is often called life-defining by the more than 240,000 Americans who have served. Volunteers get the chance to fully inte- grate into a host country community, where they live and work on projects ranging from education to business development

To be considered for global service, adult U.S. citizens should apply at peacecorps.gov/apply. Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis.

As part of its recruitment campaign, the Peace Corps is sharing a few essential things that potential volunteers need to know about service:

• Fast facts: Volunteers typically serve for 2 years, with an additional 3 months of training. These assignments are great for recent college graduates, retirees, career changers or anyone looking to make a difference in the world. Additionally, there

• What volunteers do: Volunteers live and work alongside the people they serve, collaborating with local governments, schools, small businesses and entrepreneurs to create sustainable, communitybased projects that address local development priorities across six sectors.

• Post-service: Serving in the Peace Corps is a viable way to launch a career. It gives volunteers the skills needed in today’s global economy. In addition to rigorous technical training at the start of service and regular opportunities to gain new skills related to work, language, culture and safety, the Peace Corps offers graduate school benefits and career support specifically tailored to volunteers when they return home to help them prepare for their next step.

For more recruitment information and to learn more, visit peacecorps.gov/volunteer/connect-with-a-recruiter/.