The Special Peace Corps

The Special Peace Corps
A Community Service and Vocational Program for high school and college age special needs students.
Founded 1994

Mission: To offer high school and college age men and women with special needs the opportunity to become actively involved in community service in the spirit of President Kennedy's Peace Corps.

Purpose: To provide opportunities for people

with different abilities to learn about community service as a fulfilling vocation and a way of life. The Special Peace Corps provides its members with opportunities to fully contribute to the healthy functioning of their communities.

Background: The concept for a Special Peace Corps grew out of the philosophy of The Life Experience School in Sherborn, Massachusetts. The school has pioneered peace education for children and young adults with mental challenges for over 30 years. Educating its students to see themselves as instruments of peace, and the Peace Movement as a way of life, the school developed a philosophy, structure and style of engaging young people in humanitarian work that transforms the lives of its students and those with whom they come in contact.

Scope: Beyond the given objective of a particular assignment of the Special Peace Corps - i.e. delivering donations to food pantries and homeless shelters, grooming and walking dogs at humane societies, volunteering at nursing homes, visiting shut-ins, cleaning places of worship or public parks - the involvement of people with disabilities in the national service movement carries with it a profound message of compassion and love. Their involvement in community service is capable of touching the hearts of even the most hardened and cynical.

Benefits: Referring school departments and the DMR (A.K.A. Department of Mental Development) support participation in the Special Peace Corps. Though not appropriate for everyone, this altruistic opportunity offers a unique choice for those who come alive through service - those who have found that giving is as important as receiving.

Piecework vs. Peacework: Mentally challenged teens and young adults, unable to engage in competitive employment, typically attend workshop style jobs where they perform piecework such as collating sales information and assembling articles for private industry. While those attending sheltered workshops often find their work challenging and rewarding, there are many who remain disinterested and uninvolved. The dissatisfaction often lies in their inability to make a difference in the lives of others. And like others in society, mentally challenged persons are compassionate, deeply spiritual and conscientious.

The need to serve is universal. Given the opportunity to serve, citizens with special needs develop a strong and well-defined desire to participate in activities which promote understanding, cooperation, social justice and peace. Not only do these “activists of the heart” have something special to offer, in many respects society needs them. The participation of these peacemakers-with-disabilities is itself a gift to communities - and the vehicle of this gift is the Special Peace Corps.

Another benefit of the Special Peace Corps is the diversity of skills members develop while serving in the program. While most vocational programs provide training in one specific area, the Special Peace Corps provides its members with a variety of experiences on a daily basis.

After completing their service, members will have developed numerous skills and, in the process, opened doors and hearts that increase opportunities for future employment.

Length of Service: Participation in the Special Peace Corps is for a one to two year period or until such time that community employment is arranged. Members may re-enlist after the completion of their service should it be approved by the referring human service agency.

Special Peace Corps creed:

"When I am hungry, send me someone to feed; When I am thirsty, send me someone who needs a drink; When I am cold, send me someone to warm; When I am sad, send me someone to cheer; When I need understanding, send me someone who needs mine; When I need to be looked after, send me someone to care for; When I think only of myself, draw my thoughts to another."

Create enthusiasm for acts of altruism
Respect the inherent dignity of the individual
Encourage confidence and self-esteem
Accentuate spiritual character
Imbue reverence for life
Celebrate strengths
Instill sense of purpose
Promote a sense of belonging
Impart knowledge that enhances the quality of life
Stimulate convictions about responsible relationships
Nurture creativity and personal resourcefulness
Foster community participation
Produce a sense of well-being
Harmonize dreams with reality
Honor individuality
Ground emotions
Offer choices
Stimulate loving interaction
Provide opportunities for problem solving and decision making
Encourage as many new, meaningful experiences as possible
Strive to bring laughter, joy and happiness into each heart
Affirm one's birthright to serve as an Instrument of Peace
Challenge limitations in a safe and secure environment
Offer a context in which to utilize knowledge and skills

For further information, or should you wish to request assistance from the Special Peace Corps, please contact the Special Peace Corps at 508-655-2143.