PEACE CORPS IN THE 21 ST CENTURY: A RHETORICAL ANALYSIS

128mimicked the blogging phenomenon happening in the volunteer community forrecruitment purposes. The volunteer entries on the official web site are quite differentthan the independent blogs found on the internet. They are consistent, however, with theofficial web site in every way, emphasizing the excitement and adventure of servicerather than the “reality” of life abroad, which we find in the volunteer blogs.Volunteer bloggers have contributed a wealth of information for travelers andpeople curious about foreign lands. Blogs allow readers to enter the mind of thevolunteer and add an alternate to the official web site. These blogs are a powerfulmedium for the dissemination of information, and the Peace Corps knows it. In 2007, thePeace Corps volunteers were told they would need to add a disclaimer to their blogs thatmade clear the information found on the blogs was in no way the stance of theorganization or the United States government. This is a clear indication the organizationrecognizes the power of these volunteer accounts.According to the third goal, the role of the volunteer is to help promote a betterunderstanding of other peoples on the part of Americans. Blogs have changed thedissemination of PCV experiences and information. Blogs are the most direct line ofcommunication between the volunteer and Americans, providing insight into the life ofthe volunteer. This analysis reveals volunteers who are passionate about their service.They want to communicate the challenges they face in their daily lives as volunteers.And they are clear about how rewarding their experiences are.The three Peace Corps goals have guided the organization since 1961. Today, theorganization is contemplating the introduction of a fourth goal. This fourth goalemphasizes a global alliance for peace and peace-keeping practices. Blogs have