Interview with Philip Peters, July 26, 2022

Interview Summary

Philip Peters served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Guatemala, from 1962 through 1964, in the Agriculture and Community Development Programs. While attending Portland State University he met a Peace Corps recruiter. After sharing a meal and getting more information, he went home to his wife and convinced her that they should apply. They were selected for the first group to serve in Guatemala. Training included a 30 day Outward Bound program in Puerto Rico, followed by two months of Spanish language and culture training at New Mexico State University. Philip was designated as a Volunteer Leader. The Peters’ first assignment was in San Antonio Suchitepéquez, working with the Guatemala Agricultural Institute. After a year they were reassigned to Agua Caliente. They collaborated with CARE to distribute food assistance. Philip’s major project was the establishment of a weekend medical clinic, using the local school facility. Their work received considerable attention, including a visit from Senator Everett Dirksen, and was featured in Peace Corps 5th Annual Report. The Peace Corps experience played a big role in Philip’s life. He gave over 300 presentations about Peace Corps in the late 1960’s. He was the first secretary of the National Peace Corps Association, and served as President of the Oregon RPCV Association.

Interview Keyword

Peace Corps (U.S.) Guatemala (country of service) 1962-1964 (date of service) Peace Corps Volunteer Job: Agriculture Peace Corps Volunteer Job: Community Development Peace Corps (U.S.)--1960-1970 Peace Corps married couple Outward Bound Puerto Rico (training) New Mexico State University (training) Spanish (language) volunteer leader San Antonio Suchitepéquez (assignment) Guatemala Agricultural Institute Agua Caliente (assignment) medical clinic National Peace Corps Association Oregon RPCV Association CARE book “What Do I Do Now?”

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