Belated Happy New Year to all!!

Much has happened since our last newsletter. We have a new administration to deal with the old world problems, including a worsening recession. We as a nation are known for pulling together to help family, neighbors and those abroad. I am sure we will do the same now for as long as it takes. There will be difficult social and economic changes, which in turn will present opportunities for new ideas to make our country stronger. We all can help shape tomorrow's future. Like so many, we as former Peace Corps Volunteers have had experience working with those eking out an existence with limited resources. Let's stay connected with that spirit that bred so many innovative ideas.

Friends of India reunion: We have been hearing rumbles about getting us together again. Some expressed interest in a reunion on the West Coast and others on the East Coast. It may make sense to have two reunions, or perhaps one reunion in the center of the country. The Board could handle an eastern one in Washington DC or Wilmington, NC but would need your help doing a reunion in other places in the East as well as anywhere else. In any case we need to hear from you about location, timing, and your ability to help. You can email me at FOIndiaSlattery@aol.com.

Some reads on India: (1) See more details in this newsletter on a recent publication ("Americans Do Their Business Abroad") revealing the lighter side of the Peace Corps Volunteer's service. (2) Also see Feb 23, 2009 issue of the New Yorker "Letter from Mumbai, Opening Night, The scene from the airport slums". This article, written by Katherine Boo, who has spent 14 months reporting from the Mumbai slums for a book to be published next year. This article about the airport slum, Gautam Nagar, and the British film "Slumdog Millionaire" reveal the resilience and creativity of the human spirit under the worst of living conditions. To see article abstract go to see Abstract. For video scenes of children of Gautam Nagar, see Video.

More Peace Corps is planning a National Day of Action on Tuesday, March 3, 2009. On that day, members and supporters of the Peace Corps community will be contacting their lawmakers in Washington for a collective national action to urge support for increased Peace Corps funding. For more information see www.state-specific resources.

Stay healthy and well and keep in touch.

Namascaram,
Jack Slattery
Email: FOIndiaSlattery@aol.com

PS, See inside for new 4th FOI Charity initiated by India 42 -Kolar Water Filters
PPS, Visit www.FOIndia.org photo gallery. Thanks to you we are adding to it all the time.