Greetings Bolivia 47!
Here is a Welcome Letter from your Country Director, Javier Garza:
January 2008
Dear Peace Corps Bolivia Invitees—Bolivia 47 (B-47):
Saludos y Felicitaciones!
We have received word about your invitation and acceptance to PC-Bolivia. The Volunteers, Staff and I are excited you have accepted an invitation to come to Bolivia to serve in the Peace Corps. This is an amazing place and one where you can accomplish many things to better humanity.
You will become part of the best face that America has to offer. Much is expected of our Volunteers. PC Bolivia is a no nonsense, high expectations post. Our comportment and demeanor are always being watched and judged, especially because of the strained political climate. As guests in a foreign country, especially this one, we have rules and regulations that we must constantly abide by, whether we like them or not.
Sometimes this is hard, but as Americas' best and brightest and most motivated (that's whom we select and invite), I know that you all can handle this with grace. If you want to come and demonstrate for or against the US government and/or Bolivian government and its policies, this is not the place for it. If you have any drug or related habits we suggest that you not come. Any incident places the entire Peace Corps program at risk of being asked to leave. This may sound unduly harsh but we want to be clear with you about the dire consequences of inappropriate behavior before you agree to come.
Bolivia is going through some tumultuous times and we clearly don’t want to soft pedal any issues. The Morales government promised to change the economic and political landscape. The recent approval of a new constitution by part of constituent assembly is causing concern and opposition factions are gearing up to contest it when it comes up for vote. Some of the Eastern departments (states) are calling for opposition and for autonomy at varying levels.
Bolivia has, as part of its political fabric, a history of people voicing their opinions and often, their displeasure. If you are skittish about political and civil unrest, this may not be a comfortable place for you. For those of us that that have seen this over many years (I worked for USAID here 26 years ago), it is just more of the same. Some of it is tame; some is not. At home, we write Congress; here they are more apt to demonstrate and block roads for days on end, go on hunger strikes and make their voices heard. These are things can prevent us from doing our work or getting to where we want or need to go. Despite this, we do our work and move on!
As Peace Corps, our aim is to always keep you safe; we always remain politically neutral. We leave political things to our respective governments and expert diplomats to work out. You will find that there is vocal opposition to the US and its policies on the part of the Bolivian government. We are blamed for many of the lesser developed countries’ ills. Welcome to the front row seats in a developing democracy!
I've always told my Volunteers that I shoot straight with them, no matter what. Granted, there is some nervousness at home and here over the political tenor of this socialist-leaning administration with clear ties to Cuba and Venezuela. Doubtless, it is a bit worrisome and our future is perhaps a bit unclear. The political rhetoric during the last presidential campaign was and continues to be anti-American on the part of the MAS, the President’s Movement toward Socialism party. We can't deny or mitigate that. Barbs continue. Nonetheless, we operate a wonderful program and I am proud to say that our Volunteers are doing amazing work.
At Peace Corps we always stand for and work for better understanding--people to people. The more we do that, the more everyone will benefit. Certainly and hopefully, we will all have more peace in the world as a result—which we need. Peace Corps represents the best hope for peace and understanding in this world. I firmly believe in this and that's why I decided to be a part of Peace Corps again as a staff member after many years.
You and your families can rest assured that Peace Corps Bolivia works very hard at protecting the health and safety all our volunteers. We have a great staff. This is the primary and number one job for all of us. There are incidents here that can occur on any corner anywhere. But in a place where economic necessity is an issue, we do have our fair share of assaults and robberies. Some of our PC women are sexually harassed and some have been assaulted. To hide this would be disrespecting of the truth. I'm from Texas and I have a 24-year-old daughter who is in college in California. I tell all invitees and their parents and loved ones that we take care of you all (regardless of age) like I'd expect someone to watch over anyone in our family, were they overseas doing the same thing. Volunteers always have to do their part to stay safe.
If anyone needs more information, anything clarified or you or yours want to contact me directly to perhaps allay some jitters or uncertainty; don't hesitate to do so. E-mail me and I’ll try to answer your e-mails as quickly as possible. We are here for you 24-7. Our VAC (Volunteer Advisory Council) and PSN (Peer Support Network) are also ready to connect with you all. If we haven’t already, we will be forwarding information about them through the country desk in PC/Washington. You should receive it shortly. I’m sure you’ll want to connect and contact some of our great volunteers in country to get the real scoop about service in Bolivia from their perspective, not to mention tips on what to pack!
I have been here for two and a half year years, and served as PC Country Director in the Dominican Republic for two years prior to coming here. I was thrilled to be able to come back to Bolivia. I also served as a Peace Corps volunteer in Peru back in 1970-71. I love the Andes and its rich cultures. Much as changed in that time; but the spirit of Peace Corps is the same.
We are absolutely committed to making this the best experience of your lives. We work hard to develop programs that are relevant and work that is satisfying in sites where you are wanted. You’ve got to be ready to give it your all when you come. I truly believe that you can contribute a lot here if you remain flexible, objective, open your hearts and minds, work hard, follow the rules and work at staying safe. I am really looking forward to getting to know every one of you.
As you get ready and get packed and you begin to say good-byes to your loved ones and the excitement and preparation for your travel here really begins in earnest, I wanted to wish you all the best. Cherish this time with your families before we introduce you to your new families. Bolivians are warm, friendly and welcoming people. Peace Corps is tough work, Bolivia is tough terrain, but as our old tag line states, it’s the toughest job you'll ever love!
Looking forward to meeting you at the airport on in January. Best Wishes for the holiday season.
Javier
Javier L. Garza
Country Director, Peace Corps Bolivia
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