Ask the Scholar
Document scope · 1 page
Scholar
Ask about this object, its catalog metadata, its source description, or the page inventory.
For page-specific OCR and visual context, open one of the page chats.
Scholar Source Context
Document identity
localId
301671963
label
[VISTA Reports]
core
doc
dtoType
document
citationUrl
pageCount
1
Source metadata
id
301671963
contentType
document
title
[VISTA Reports]
citationUrl
collections
White House Staff Member and Office Files (Nixon Administration)
Charles B. Wilkinson's Files
largeImageUrl
imageCount
1
hasImages
yes
source
import
hasTranscription
no
Source extras
naId
301671963
levelOfDescription
fileUnit
recordType
description
ocrSource
nara-archive
Single page context
seq
1
pageIndex
0
type
document
mediaId
e914ad7decf9ece5
ocrText
ATTITUDES OF COLLEGE STUDENTS
TOWARD VISTA
The Gallup Organization, Ino
MARKETING AND ATTITUDE RESEARCH
ATTITUDES OF COLLEGE STUDENTS
TOWARD VISTA
A Study
Conducted For The
U.S. OFFICE OF ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY
May, 1969
Budget Bureau No. 116-S-68007
A National Opinion Trends Report
THE GALLUP ORGANIZATION, INC.
53 Bank Street
Princeton, New Jersey
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
Objectives of the Study
1-2
Summary of the Findings
3-5
Findings in Detail
6-18
Technical Appendix
19-23
The Gallup Organization. Inc.
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library
Objective of the Study
The overall objective of this study was to measure attitudes of
college students toward volunteer social service in general and the
VISTA program in particular. The survey was also designed to find the
prototype of the college student interested in VISTA. Many questions
asked this year are repeated from earlier studies.
A total of 972 interviews with college students was conducted
between April 23 and May 17.
The composition of the sample is to be found at the end of this
report. It is followed by a description of the design of the sample and by
tables of recommended sampling tolerances to have in mind when read-
the report.
Following are the questions asked:
1.
What is the greatest single social challenge you think
your generation will face between now and the year
2000?
2. In general, do you think your basic political views are
sharply at odds with those of your parents?
3.
Please name three public figures active in the past ten
years whom you most admire?
4. Have you ever participated in a peace march or civil
rights demonstration?
5a. The PEACE CORPS is a Federal program that sends
volunteers to work in underdeveloped countries over-
seas. VISTA sends volunteers to work on projects serv-
ing the poor in America. Do you think you would have
any interest in either of these programs?
IF YES, ask:
b. Would you prefer serving in VISTA or the PEACE
Corps?
The Gallup Organization. Inc.
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library
IF VISTA, ask:
C. In which of these areas do you think you would most
like to serve? (Just read off the letters)
6. If there were a VISTA project operating in or near your
college community, would you consider giving some of
your time to it as an unpaid part-time volunteer?
7.
Were America not at war do you think VISTA and the
Peace Corps service should be considered as alternatives
to military service for young men who are eligible for
the draft?
8.
In Israel all young men and women are required to give
a period of military service to their country. Do you
think all young Americans should be subject to a year
of military or civilian national service?
9a. Do you have any interest in doing social work as a life-
time career?
IF YES, ask:
b. In what specific area of social work?
The Gallup Organization. Inc.
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library
Summary of the Findings
1.
Racial problems - racial equality, civil rights, integration -
are regarded by the largest single group of college students
(35 per cent) as the greatest single social challenge their gener-
ation will face between now and the year 2000. This marks a
significant decline since the 1968 study, when racial problems
were cited by 50 per cent of the student population.
"Improving human relationships," cited by 16 per cent, and
"international relations," 12 per cent, are mentioned next
most often this year. International problems and overpopula-
tion were cited next most often behind racial problems, each
receiving 7 per cent, in the 1968 study.
2. John Kennedy is again the public figure, active in the past 10
years, that college students admire most. Robert Kennedy
was named next most often this year, followed by the Rev.
Martin Luther King, Eugene McCarthy, Dwight Eisenhower
and Richard Nixon, in that order.
In the 1968 study, Rev. King was in second position, followed
by Lyndon Johnson, Adlai Stevenson, Dwight Eisehhower,
and Eugene McCarthy.
3. The large majority of students (74 per cent) feel their basic
political views are in line with those of their parents, virtually
the same as the results of the 1968 study. Only 23 per cent
feel their political views differ sharply from their parents.
4.
Most students (78 per cent) have never participated in either
a peace march or a civil rights demonstration, again showing
little change over the past year.
The Gallup Organization. Inc.
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library
5.
More than 7 in 10 students (72 per cent) interviewed express
an interest in working in either VISTA or the Peace Corps.
Interest is somewhat greater among women (78 per cent)
than men (68 per cent) and interest also runs slightly higher
in denominational schools (78 per cent) than in private (73
per cent) or public colleges (71 per cent).
6. VISTA has moved ahead of the Peace Corps in relative popu-
larity among those who express a general interest in working
in one or the other of these programs. In the 1968 study the
two programs appealed to an equal number of "interested"
students; today, however, VISTA outranks the Peace Corps
by 56 to 44 per cent among this group.
VISTA this year is preferred over the Peace Corps among all
major groups on campus, with the exception of those students
who describe themselves politically as Republicans.
VISTA appeals most to coeds, students between 21-23, "in~
dependents," students whose parents incomes are less than
$7,000 per year, and upper classmen rather than freshmen.
7. Seven in ten students (71 per cent) say they would consider
working as a part-time volunteer for VISTA if there were a
project operating in or near their college community. The
figure is higher among women (80 per cent) than among men
(65 per cent).
8.
Most college students (72 per cent) think service in VISTA
and the Peace Corps should be considered as alternatives to
military service for draft-eligible young men.
The Gallup Organization. Inc.
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library
9. College students are about evenly divided on the concept of
compulsory military or civilian service - 49 per cent react
favorably to the idea, while 48 per cent express opposition.
A small majority of men favor the idea, while a similar ma-
jority of college women oppose.
The older the student the more inclined he is to support the
compulsory service idea.
10. Three in ten students, among those with opinions, express an
interest in doing social work as a lifetime career. This is com-
parable to the figure recorded in the 1967 study.
Among college women, 36 per cent say they would be inter-
ested in doing social work as a career. The figure for men is
24 per cent.
Students attending denominational schools are far more like-
ly to want to pursue a career in social work (49 per cent)
than are students in either private (31 per cent) or public
schools (25 per cent).
11. Among those who say they would be interested in a career
in social work, case work is preferred over community or-
ganization by better than 2-to-1.
The Gallup Organization. Inc.
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library
6
Greatest Social Challenge
Question:
"What is the greatest single social challenge you think your generation will face between
now and the year 2000?
- Total Sample -
1969
1968
Study
Study
%
%
1.
Racial Problems - racial equality, civil
rights, integration, etc.
35
50
2.
Improving Human Relationships - trying
to get along with others, stressing people
rather than business or money
16
5
3.
International Relations - settling the Viet-
nam war and future wars, getting along with
other nations
12
7
4.
Overpopulation - overcrowding, the birth
control issue
9
7
5.
Poverty - ending poverty
7
3
6.
The Chaning Morality - changing moral
standards, sex morality, marriage morality
4
5
7.
Economic Challenges - distribution of
wealth, problems of automation, unem-
ployment
4
4
8.
The Urban Crisis - rebuilding slums and
ghettoes, relocation
3
3
9. Others
16
14
No Opinion
5
2
111%
100%
*
NOTE: You may want to combine categories 1, 5, and 8 since they all basically pertain to the
poverty program.
The Gallup Organization. Inc.
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library
7
Most Admired Public Figure
Question:
"Please name three public figures active in the past ten years whom you most admire."
- Total Sample -
Total
Position
Choices
in 1968 study
1.
John Kennedy
602
(1)
2.
Robert Kennedy
317
*
3.
Martin Luther King
263
(2)
4.
Eugene McCarthy
195
(6)
5.
Dwight Eisenhower
175
(5)
6.
Richard Nixon
87
*
7.
Lyndon Johnson
81
(3)
8.
John Lindsay
52
(8)
9.
Adlai Stevenson
38
(4)
10.
Winston Churchill
37
(9)
* Not on list in 1968 study.
The Gallup Organization. Inc.
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library
8
Political Views
Question:
"In general, do you think your basic political views are sharply at odds with those of
your parents?"
1969 STUDY
1968 STUDY
Yes
No
Don't Know
Yes
No
Don't Know
%
%
%
%
%
%
NATIONAL TOTAL
23
74
3
24
72
4
SEX
Men
24
73
3
Women
21
75
4
AGE
18 yrs. & younger
21
76
3
19 years
23
73
4
20 years
17
81
2
21 23 years
26
71
3
24 yrs. & older
28
68
4
POLITICAL AFFILIATION
Republicans
11
86
3
Democrats
22
75
3
Independents
29
68
3
PARENTS' INCOME
$15,000 & over
23
76
1
$10,000 - $14,999
21
78
1
$7,000 $9,999
23
73
4
Under $7,000
26
69
5
CLASS IN SCHOOL
Freshman
24
73
3
Sophomore
21
76
3
Junior
20
78
2
Senior
24
72
4
Graduate
29
68
3
TYPE OF COLLEGE
Public
23
74
3
Private
24
71
5
Denominational
16
83
1
The Gallup Organization. Inc.
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library
9
Demonstrations
Question:
"Have your ever participated in a peace march or civil rights demonstration?"
1969 STUDY
1968 STUDY
Yes
No
Yes
No
%
%
%
%
NATIONAL TOTAL
22
78
21
79
SEX
Men
24
76
Women
19
81
AGE
18 yrs. & younger
21
79
19 years
21
79
20 years
22
78
21 23 years
25
75
24 yrs. & older
22
78
POLITICAL AFFILIATION
Republicans
8
92
Democrats
28
72
Independents
24
76
PARENTS INCOME
$15,000 & over
24
76
$10,000 $14,999
17
83
$7,000 $9,999
26
74
Under $7,000
27
73
CLASS IN SCHOOL
Freshman
22
78
Sophomore
22
78
Junior
19
81
Senior
23
77
Graduate
28
72
TYPE OF COLLEGE
Public
21
79
Private
27
73
Denominational
19
81
The Gallup Organization. Inc.
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library
Interested In VISTA Or Peace Corps?
Question:
"The PEACE CORPS is a Federal program that sends volunteers to work in underdeveloped
countries overseas. VISTA sends volunteers to work on projects serving the poor in America.
Do you think you would have any interest in working in either of these programs?"
1969 STUDY
1968 STUDY
Yes
No
Don't Know
Yes
No
Don't Know
%
%
%
%
%
%
NATIONAL TOTAL
72
24
4
67
30
3
SEX
Men
68
28
4
Women
78
18
4
AGE
18 yrs. & younger
77
19
4
19 years
78
16
6
20 years
72
24
4
21 23 years
66
30
4
24 yrs. & older
62
34
4
POLITICAL AFFILIATION
Republicans
69
27
4
Democrats
71
24
5
Independents
73
23
4
PARENTS INCOME
$15,000 & over
66
28
6
$10,000 $14,999
76
21
3
$7,000 $9,999
72
24
4
Under $7,000
74
24
2
CLASS IN SCHOOL
Freshman
76
18
6
Sophomore
74
23
3
Junior
70
27
3
Senior
65
29
6
Graduate
64
34
2
TYPE OF COLLEGE
Public
70
25
5
Private
73
23
4
Denominational
78
21
1
The Gallup Organization. Inc.
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library
Prefer Service In VISTA or Peace Corps?
Question:
"Would you prefer serving in VISTA or the PEACE CORPS?"
Asked only of those who indicated an interest
in serving either VISTA or Peace Corps
1969 STUDY
1968 STUDY
VISTA
Peace Corps
VISTA
Peace Corps
%
%
%
%
TOTAL
56
44
50
50
SEX
Men
56
44
Women
57
43
AGE
18 yrs. & younger
52
48
19 years
55
45
20 years
60
40
21 23 years
60
40
24 yrs. & older
54
46
POLITICAL AFFILIATION
Republicans
42
58
Democrats
57
43
Independents
63
37
PARENTS' INCOME
$15,000 & over
55
45
$10,000 $14,999
53
47
$7,000 - $9,999
63
37
Under $7,000
61
39
CLASS IN SCHOOL
Freshman
52
48
Sophomore
64
36
Junior
55
45
Senior
56
44
Graduate
56
44
TYPE OF COLLEGE
Public
57
43
Private
54
46
Denominational
56
44
The Gallup Organization. Inc.
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library
Consider Working With VISTA?
Question:
"If there were a VISTA project operating in or near your college community, would you
consider giving some of your time to it as an unpaid part-time volunteer?"
1969 STUDY
Yes
No
Don't Know
%
%
%
NATIONAL TOTAL
71
24
5
SEX
Men
65
29
6
Women
80
16
4
AGE
18 yrs. & younger
71
22
7
19 years
75
20
5
20 years
72
24
4
21 23 years
68
26
6
24 yrs. & older
66
30
4
POLITICAL AFFILIATION
Republicans
67
27
6
Democrats
74
21
5
Independents
71
24
5
PARENTS INCOME
$15,000 & over
69
25
6
$10,000 - $14,999
72
23
5
$7,000 $9,999
67
26
7
Under $7,000
76
22
2
CLASS IN SCHOOL
Freshman
72
23
5
Sophomore
70
24
6
Junior
71
23
6
Senior
65
30
5
Graduate
75
23
2
TYPE OF SCHOOL
Public
70
25
5
Private
70
23
7
Denominational
74
21
5
The Gallup Organization. Inc.
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library
Areas of Service
Question:
"(HAND RESPONDENT CARD C) In which of these areas do you think you would most
like to serve? (Just read off the letters)."
Asked only of those who indicated an interest
in serving VISTA
A
B
C
D
E
F
Don't kno
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
NATIONAL TOTAL
51
30
28
11
34
26
1
SEX
Men
54
31
26
10
26
27
2
Women
47
29
30
11
44
24
1
AGE
18 yrs. & younger
47
31
36
7
30
21
19 years
56
30
24
9
37
23
20 years
49
24
28
6
31
24
3
21-23 years
49
31
23
15
32
30
4
24 yrs. & older
58
36
39
17
36
36
POLITICAL AFFILIATION
Republicans
42
25
33
5
38
33
Democrats
54
28
24
11
32
27
2
Independents
52
31
31
11
35
23
2
PARENTS' INCOME
$15,000 & over
54
33
29
13
36
29
2.
$10,000 $14,999
58
29
24
13
29
20
3
$7,000 $9,999
44
26
30
11
34
32
Under $7,000
43
36
31
3
38
31
CLASS IN SCHOOL
Freshman
52
31
34
10
32
25
Sophomore
49
31
21
7
35
23
1
Junior
55
28
23
11
35
31
1
Senior
47
29
31
16
33
23
6
Graduate
51
27
33
15
33
30
3
TYPE OF COLLEGE
Public
52
29
31
11
36
25
Private
45
35
24
10
29
32
Denominational
56
26
15
12
26
18
15
The Gallup Organization. Inc.
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library
Key To Next Page
A.
In urban poverty areas
B.
In rural poverty areas
C.
On Indian reservations
D.
In migrant workers' camps
E.
Helping persons who have been in mental
institutions readjust to society
F.
As a counsellor in a Job Corps camp
The Gallup Organization. Inc.
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library
National Service A Substitute For Military Service?
Question:
"Were America not at war do you think VISTA and Peace Corps service should be con-
sidered as alternatives to military service for young men who are eligible for the draft?"
Yes
No
No Opinion
%
%
%
NATIONAL TOTAL
72
25
3
SEX
Men
74
24
2
Women
70
27
3
AGE
18 yrs. & younger
74
22
4
19 years
71
27
2
20 years
74
24
2
21 is 23 years
70
28
2
24 yrs. & older
76
21
3
POLITICAL AFFILIATION
Republicans
66
32
2
Democrats
74
23
3
Independents
73
25
2
PARENTS INCOME
$15,000 & over
73
25
2
$10,000 $14,999
72
25
3
$7,000 $9,999
72
24
4
Under $7,000
71
27
2
CLASS IN SCHOOL
Freshman
71
27
2
Sophomoze
76
21
3
Junior
69
27
4
Senior
69
29
2
Graduate
77
22
1
TYPE OF COLLEGE
Public
72
26
2
Private
70
27
3
Denominational
78
18
4
The Gallup Organization. Inc.
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library
Compulsory Service
Question:
"In Israel all young men and women are required to give a period of military service to their
country. Do you think all young Americans should be subject to a year of military or civilian
national service?"
Yes
No
No Opinion
%
%
%
NATIONAL TOTAL
49
48
3
SEX
Men
52
45
3
Women
45
53
2
AGE
18 yrs. & younger
41
55
4
19 years
48
50
2
20 years
43
54
3
21 - 23 years
55
41
4
24 yrs. & older
57
41
2
POLITICAL AFFILIATION
Republicans
53
44
3
Democrats
48
50
2
Independents
49
47
4
PARENTS INCOME
$15,000 & over
49
49
2
$10,000 $14,999
51
47
2
$7,000 $9,999
43
53
4
Under $7,000
54
42
4
CLASS IN SCHOOL
Freshman
43
54
3
Sophomore
48
49
3
Junior
49
47
4
Senior
55
42
3
Graduate
65
34
1
TYPE OF COLLEGE
Public
47
50
3
Private
53
43
4
Denominational
51
46
3
The Gallup Organization. Inc.
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library
Interest In Social Work As A Career
Question:
"Do you have any interest in doing social work as a lifetime career?"
1969 STUDY
Yes
No
No Opinion
%
%
%
NATIONAL TOTAL
28
67
5
SEX
Men
24
71
5
Women
36
59
5
AGE
18 yrs. & younger
29
65
6
19 years
24
70
6
20 years
29
65
6
21 23 years
30
67
3
24 yrs. & older
31
64
5
POLITICAL AFFILIATION
Republicans
20
73
7
Democrats
32
64
4
Independents
28
68
4
PARENTS INCOME
$15,000 & over
25
72
3
$10,000 $14,999
29
64
7
$7,000 - $9,999
34
61
5
Under $7,000
31
67
2
CLASS IN SCHOOL
Freshman
28
65
7
Sophomore
26
69
5
Junior
27
68
5
Senior
32
67
1
Graduate
32
67
1
TYPE OF COLLEGE
Public
25
71
4
Private
31
63
6
Denominational
49
38
13
The Gallup Organization. Inc.
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library
What Area Of Social Work?
Question:
"In what specific area of social work?"
Asked of those who indicated any
interest in doing social work as a lifetime career
Community
Case
No
Organization
Work
Opinion
%
%
%
TOTAL
30
68
2
SEX
Men
36
62
2
Women
23
75
2
AGE
18 yrs. & younger
26
70
4
19 years
29
68
3
20 years
41
56
3
21 23 years
25
72
3
24 yrs. & older
27
73
0
POLITICAL AFFILIATION
Republicans
25
73
2
Democrats
30
68
2
Independents
30
67
3
PARENTS INCOME
$15,000 & over
36
63
1
$10,000 $14,999
24
72
4
$7,000 $9,999
39
60
1
Under $7,000
23
74
3
CLASS IN SCHOOL
Freshman
31
65
4
Sophomore
34
66
0
Junior
30
68
2
Senior
25
71
4
Graduate
20
80
TYPE OF COLLEGE
Public
32
67
1
Private
22
72
6
Denominational
32
66
2
The Gallup Organization. Inc.
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library
TECHNICAL APPENDICES
The Gallup Organization. Inc.
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library
N
Composition of the Sample
No. of
Interviews
%
ALL FULL-TIME STUDENTS
972
100.0
SEX OF RESPONDENT
Men
595
61.2
Women
377
38.8
AGE OF RESPONDENT
18 years or less
183
18.8
19 years
231
23.8
20 years
156
16.1
21 - 23 years
278
28.6
24 years and older
108
11.1
Undesignated
16
1.6
CLASS YEAR
Freshman (or First Year of Junior College)
337
34.7
Sophomore (or Second Year of Junior College)
234
24.1
Junior
169
17.4
Senior
139
14.2
Graduate
93
9.6
PARENT'S ANNUAL FAMILY INCOME
$15,000 and over
307
31.6
$10,000 - $14,999
253
26.0
$7,000 - $9,999
180
18.5
Under $7,000
128
13.2
Parents deceased
5
0.5
Undesignated
99
10.2
TYPE OF COLLEGE
Public
687
70.7
Private
207
21.3
Denominational
78
8.0
The Gallup Organization. Inc.
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library
N
REGION OF COLLEGE LOCATION
East:
Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Connec-
ticut, Vermont, Massachusetts, New York, New
Jersey, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Delaware,
Maryland, District of Columbia
250
25.7
Midwest: Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota,
Wisconsin, Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota,
Kansas, Nebraska, Missouri
290
29.8
South:
North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia,
Florida, Mississippi, Arkansas, Louisiana,
Kentucky, Tennessee, Virginia, Alabama,
Texas, Oklahoma
242
24.9
West:
Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, Nevada,
Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, Utah, California,
Washington, Oregon, Alaska, Hawaii
190
19.6
The Gallup Organization. Inc.
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library
SAMPLING TOLERANCES
In interpreting survey results, it should be borne in mind that all
sample surveys are subject to sampling error, that is, the extent to which
the results may differ from what would be obtained if the whole population
surveyed had been interviewed. The size of such sampling errors depends
largely on the number of interviews.
The following tables may be used in estimating the sampling error
of any percentage in this report. The computed allowances have taken into
account the effect of the sample design upon sampling error. They may be
interpreted as indicating the range (plus or minus the figure shown) within
which the results of repeated samplings in the same time period could be
expected to vary, 95 per cent of the time, assuming the same sampling
procedure, the same interviewers, and the same questionnaire.
The first table shows how much allowance should be made for the
sampling error of a percentage:
Recommended Allowance for Sampling Error
of a Percentage
In Percentage Points
(At 95 in 100 confidence level)
Sample Size
1100
700
400
300
200
Percentages near 10
2
3
4
5
5
Percentages near 20
3
4
5
6
7
Percentages near 30
4
4
6
7
8
Percentages near 40
4
5
6
7
9
Percentages near 50
4
5
6
8
9
Percentages near 60
4
5
6
7
9
Percentages near 70
4
4
6
7
8
Percentages near 80
3
4
5
6
7
Percentages near 90
2
3
4
5
5
The table would be used in the following manner: Let us say a reported
percentage is 33 for a group which includes 1100 respondents. Then we go to
row "percentages near 30" in the table and go across to the column headed
"1100." The number of this point is 4, which means that the 33 per cent
The chances are 95 in 100 that the sempling error is not larger than the
figures shown.
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library
obtained in the sample is subject to a sampling error of plus or minus 4 points.
Another way of saying it is that very probably (95 chances out of 100) the
true figure would be somewhere between 29 and 37, with the most likely figure
the 33 obtained.
In comparing survey results in two samples, such as, for example,
male students and female students, the question arises as to how large a
difference between them must be before one can be reasonably sure that it
reflects a real difference. In the tables below, the number of points which
must be allowed for in such comparisons is indicated.
Two tables are provided. One is for percentages near 20 or 80; the
other for percentages near 50. For percentages in between, the error to be
allowed for is between that shown in the two tables:
Recommended Allowance for Sampling Error
of the Difference
In Percentage Points
(at 95 in 100 confidence level) #
TABLE A
Percentages near 20 or percentages near 80
Size of Sample
1100
700
400
300
200
1100
4
700
5
6
400
6
7
7
300
7
7
9
8
200
9
9
9
10
10
TABLE B
Percentages near 50
Size of Sample
1100
700
400
300
200
1100
6
700
6
7
400
8
8
9
300
8
9
10
11
200
10
10
11
12
13
Here is an example of how the tables would be used: Let us say that
50 per cent of the male students respond a certain way and 40 per cent of the
female students respond that way also, for a difference of 10 percentage points
between them. Can we say with any assurance that the 10-point difference
The chances are 95 in 100 that the sampling error is not larger than the
figures shown.
The
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library
reflects a real difference between male students and female students on the
question? Let us consider & sample which contains approximately 700 male
students and 400 female students.
Since the percentages are near 50, we consult Table B, and since
the two samples are 700 male students and 400 female students, we look for
the number in the column headed "T00" which is also in the row designated
"400." We find the number 8 here. This means that the allowance for error
should be 8 points, and that in concluding that the percentage among male
students is somewhere between 2 and 18 points higher than the percentage
among female students we should be wrong only about 5 per cent of the time.
In other words, we can conclude with considerable confidence that a difference
exists in the direction observed and that it amounts to at least 2 percentage
points.
If, in another case, male students' responses amount to 22 per cent,
say, and female students' 24 per cent, we consult Table A because these
percentages are near 20. We look in the column headed "700" and the row
designated "400" and see that the number is 7. Obviously, then, the two-
point difference is inconclusive.
The Galluh Organization Inc.
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library
DESIGN OF THE SAMPLE
The sample is designed to provide a national sample of all
full-time college students taking courses creditable towards a bach-
elor's or graduate degree. The population being sampled, therefore,
includes students living off campus, married students, graduate stu-
dents, and those attending universities, four-year colleges and two-
year junior colleges.
Using the latest available information on college enrollment,
all colleges were listed by the state in which they were located and
the alphabetically within each state. After stratifying by region
and state, a probability sample of colleges, with probability of se-
lection proportional to size, was drawn from the list of colleges.
Twenty students were interviewed at each college.
Within colleges the selection of individual students was in
conformance with sex and class year distribution, plus as approxi-
mate stratification within each college selected by whether living
in organized groups such as fraternities or sororities or living
independently in dormitories, or off campus.
To control the possibility of interviewing an abnormally
high proportion of students in any one field of study (this is
particularly a problem at large universities where a department
or school such as the engineering or agricultural school may be
located in one specific area) the interviewers were instructed
to conduct their interviews in several different locations on
each campus.
A total of 972 students from 55 colleges were interviewed.
The Gallup Organization. Inc.
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library
PEACE CORPS
WASHINGTON
OFFICE OF
THE DIRECTOR
December 7, 1970
Dear Bud:
I hope you will be interested to
see a copy of Peace Corps' 18-month
report which I have transmitted to the
President.
Also enclosed is a copy of a
recent article which appeared in the
Foreign Affairs Quarterly which I feel
tells the course we have charted for the
Peace Corps under this Administration.
With kindest personal regards,
Sincerely,
Joe
The Honorable
Charles Wilkinson
The White House
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library
PEACE CORPS
WASHINGTON
OFFICE OF
November 30, 1970
THE DIRECTOR
MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT
THROUGH: Dr. Henry Kissinger
FROM
:
Joseph H. Blatchford
111B
SUBJECT: The Peace Corps in the Nixon Administration:
An 18-month Report - May 1969 to November 1970
THE BACKGROUND
When this Administration took office the Peace Corps was
nearly eight years old and losing the verve and excitement
which had been its principal appeal. Of its Volunteers over-
seas, 78 percent were recent college graduates in the liberal
arts -- at a time when most developing countries were asking
for more highly skilled and mature people. Moreover its
traditional recruiting ground, the campus, was in a state of
unrest.
The style in which the Volunteers worked, however, was
respected abroad and admired at home. Surveys showed that
the American people agreed with Senator Barry Goldwater, who
said "To me the Peace Corps is the best thing we have going
in the field of foreign relations." Overseas, its non-political,
humanitarian nature, removed from foreign policy considerations,
made the Volunteers well received by host governments.
PROGRESS TO DATE IN THE PEACE CORPS
When I became Director 18 months ago, a task force was estab-
lished to re-think the goals and methods of the agency. Its
conclusions, plus my own, were formed into a strategy which
I presented to you. Fourteen months ago this strategy was
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library
MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT
Page 2
announced as "New Directions for the 1970's.' Here are
the results SO far:
1. Reorganization - The agency has been reorganized, made
more lean and efficient, and Washington staff has been
cut by 20 percent.
2. A New Team - A new management has been installed. Because
it is unrestricted by Civil Service tenure requirements,
an 80 percent change in top management has been possible.
Articles in the Wall Street Journal, Business Week and
elsewhere brought in 12,000 inquiries and enabled us to
recruit a team with high management competence. (Major
offices are held by former vice presidents of Irving
Trust, Ogilvy and Mather, and a major steel company;
yet, the average age of this team is 36, compared to 44
under the agency's first director.)
3. Better Programs -- The Peace Corps has moved into high
priority problem areas of developing countries. Emphasis
is now placed on teacher training, high-yield agriculture,
manpower training, public administration, vocational
skills, natural resources development and population.
With the promise of higher-skill Volunteer specialists,
requests have gone up for the first time in four years.
And, as a result, 73 percent of all requests today are
for Volunteers with skills and specialized backgrounds
compared to only 22 percent in 1968. Planning for
Volunteer placement is now a four-year process.
4. A New Call to Americans - A new call has been issued for
Americans of all ages and skills to join the Peace Corps.
Regulations have been changed to allow an unusually
skilled man to take his wife and family. Joint programs
have been established with 14 universities, linking
academic learning with service for development. New
advertising and recruitment methods have been adopted.
Since recruitment is done mostly in the summer, this
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library
MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT
Page 3
past summer was the first opportunity to test the New
Directions. Here are the results so far:
The number of experienced farmers recruited is up
from 360 to 600.
The number of skilled tradesmen, such as machinists,
carpenters and vocational education teachers, has
increased from 85 to 280.
Until recently the Peace Corps would only send Vol-
unteers in groups of 30 or more when the countries
might have a greater need for a handful of uniquely
qualified individuals. The recruitment-selection
system has now been geared to find and place such
specialists. This year we have sent 238 of them
overseas.
The number of applications now is on the increase for
the first time in four years.
Selection has been revised. Psychological testing and
interviews with psychiatrists after acceptance into
training has been eliminated. Now 60% of all candí-
dates receive three days of screening and exposure
to Peace Corps policies and the realities of Peace
Corps life abroad before they are accepted. This
system is already resulting in higher retention rates
in training and lower attrition rates overseas, there-
by reducing costs.
The Peace Corps now operates 467 programs in 61 countries.
Volunteer specialists possess 312 different skills and
speak 180 different languages and dialects. Specific
examples of new programs include the following:
a small industries program in India, with 15 Volun-
teers average age 33.
an irrigation project for the Kenya Highlands, with
20 civil engineers.
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library
MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT
Page 4
an emergency relief program for the earthquake area
of Peru, initially with 56 experienced returned
Volunteers -- now followed up by 24 carpenters and
engineers in long-term reconstruction.
30 architects, city planners and lawyers to strengthen
local government through modern management in Venezuela.
a team of experienced auto mechanics for the
transportation system of Guinea.
a team of accountants to modernize the government
accounting system of Malaysia.
5.
Binationalism - Your foreign policy objectives include
de-emphasizing the American presence abroad and removing
the often heavy hand of American decision-making in
development projects. The Peace Corps is taking a number
of steps in this direction:
the American staff overseas has been cut 10 per cent.
30 percent of all policy-level staff members overseas
are now non-Americans. 50 percent of the total staff,
including 40 percent of the physicians, are local
citizens.
policy decision-making is now in the hands of local
ministries or private organizations. Advisory
committees of private citizens are being formed to
oversee the work of the Peace Corps in an entire
country or in a sector such as agriculture. Special
effort is being made to reach the younger leaders
in each country.
recruiting in the United States is now being done by
foreign as well as American citizens.
6.
New Programs and Projects - In order to move in new
directions, several new programs have been created. These
are:
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library
MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT
Page 5
A.
International Programs -- Through this program the
Peace Corps is promoting cooperative projects with
international agencies and other volunteer-sending
groups.
Joint projects with other volunteer groups, princi-
pally in Europe, have been undertaken. In the Mekong
River Development Project several European countries
are involved. In Sierra Leone we work with the
Nationalist Chinese, in Ivory Coast with the Dutch, in
Panama with the Germans, etc.
We now work with agencies of the United Nations such
as FAO and UNICEF and expect to have volunteer special-
ists assigned directly to these agencies in the near
future.
Beginning with your speech to the United Nations, we
have helped to form the U.N. Volunteer Corps which is
likely to begin operations next summer.
B.
Minority Affairs -- This agency has doubled the number
of minority group members in the Peace Corps. Now we
intend to increase that figure, improve employment prac-
tices, award more procurement contracts to minority
enterprises and improve opportunities for women.
C. Returned Volunteers -- There are more than 42,000
returned Volunteers. We are taking steps to channel the
most recently returned into socially important jobs in
the United States. Two hundred now help bring "Sesame
Street" to the inner city. Agreements with the Mayors
of Cleveland, Atlanta, San Juan will put Volunteers into
innovative fields of city government. Orientation
sessions, at an experimental Transition Center in Wash-
ington, have been started to acquaint returning Volun-
teers with social problems in the United States and job
opportunities which would employ their skill and commit-
ment. So far 300 returned Volunteers have participated.
Another Center will be opened on the West Coast soon.
Although experimental, the program appears to be appli-
cable to reorienting military men coming back from over-
seas. (A full report has been given to John Ehrlichman.)
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library
MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT
Page 6
D.
Environmental Programs -- Under a joint agreement with
the Smithsonian Institution the Peace Corps will place
overseas next year 200 graduate-level-or-above special-
ists in natural resource utilization and ecology.
E.
Private Enterprise -- An experimental program is being
formed to join the resources of the Peace Corps and
private enterprise. The first project will involve
broader popular participation in business and small
industry formation in five Latin American countries.
PROBLEM AREAS
The past 18 months has also seen a number of problems develop.
Declining Numbers -- Partly because of the downward trend
already in progress when this Administration arrived and
partly because of the elimination of weak programs, the
total number of Volunteers and trainees has dropped. While
we interpret this as a healthy emphasis on quality, the
press and some members of Congress view it as a cutting
back of the Peace Corps, a failure of commitment. We are
satisfied to allow the numbers to level out this year and
begin a climb upwards only as mature, skilled Volunteers
are made available by the recruiting process. This should
occur next year.
Attrition -- A more serious problem is attrition - Volunteers
leaving their jobs early. This has always been an undetected
weakness in the Peace Corps, with attrition running as high
as 50 percent in some programs. Recruiting mature Volunteers,
creating better programs, and employing better selection can
reverse the trend.
Protest -- Protest from a handful of Volunteers has also
been a major problem. While it is impossible to predict the
conduct of so large a group under the best of circumstances,
we believe the relative quiet of the last six months can be
attributed to the establishment of clear guidelines about
permissible conduct and the recruitment of Volunteers who
are job-oriented.
Evaluation -- Another chronic weakness of the Peace Corps
has been an inability or an unwillingness to evaluate the
impact of its programs. There has been almost no systematic
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library
MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT
Page 7
work in this area. While measurement will always be
elusive when dealing with 467 projects in 61 countries,
there is a very real opportunity for substantial improve-
ment.
A SUMMARY OF PEACE CORPS TODAY
For the first time the Peace Corps is being seen as an instru-
ment of development by the leaders of 61 host countries. The
New Directions have made a favorable impression; the innovations
undertaken reflect favorably upon this Administration. From
talks with the heads of state of Malaysia, the Philippines, Peru,
Venezuela and Iran, the Vice President of India and other
national leaders, I can report that the change is viewed as a
solid accomplishment by those to whom our success is most im-
portant. The Presidents of Venezuela and Peru have particularly
expressed their appreciation for special projects requested from
you or Mrs. Nixon.
Support from Congress has also been good. The Peace Corps will
be fully funded for the second straight year and the perennial
Gross Amendment to drastically cut the budget in the House, which
failed by only seven votes in 1968, failed by 140 in 1970. A bi-
partisan advisory committee of Congressmen has been formed and
meets monthly.
A strong National Advisory Council, which you met, has been
formed under the Chairmanship of Neil Armstrong. The Council
is meeting frequently -- most recently in Los Angeles ---
traveling, promoting the Peace Corps and undertaking special
projects.
In summary and somewhat ironically, we believe this Administra-
tion has breathed new life into a good idea originated by its
predecessor, one which was running behind the times 18 months
ago. It is smaller today but more effective. The non-political
nature of the Peace Corps, its prople-to-people style, and the
New Directions can serve this Administration and the American
people well.
We believe that in its public pronouncements this Administration
can and should take satisfaction in the accomplishments achieved
in the Peace Corps to date.
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library
THE PEACE CORPS:
MAKING IT IN THE SEVENTIES
By Joseph H. Blatchford
Reprinted From
FOREIGN
AFFAIRS
AN AMERICAN QVARTERLY REVIEW
OCTOBER 1970
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library
THE PEACE CORPS:
MAKING IT IN THE SEVENTIES
By Joseph H. Blatchford
FOREIGN AFFAIRS
T
EN years ago this fall John Kennedy first spoke about
AN AMERICAN QUARTERLY REVIEW
sending Americans overseas in voluntary service. By the
following summer the idea had a name-the Peace Corps
-several hundred Volunteers were in training, and even as Con-
gress debated the program it became clear that the idea was
catching on. The Silent Generation was ready to be heard from
OCTOBER 1970
and young Americans were flooding the Corps' makeshift head-
The Future of Cambodia
Prince Norodom Sihanouk
I
quarters with thousands of applications. The public saw in it
America and Europe
Zbigniew Brzezinski
II
an opportunity to "show what Americans are really like" and
On Violence, Peace and the Rule of Law
Ramsey Clark 31
redeem the image portrayed in Eugene Burdick's best-seller,
Germany in the Era of Negotiations
Helmut Schmidt 40
"The Ugly American." Surveys revealed thousands of jobs to
The Arab-Israeli Conflict: An American Policy
be done abroad. It seemed obvious that the most modern nation
John C. Campbell 51
Soviet Policies South and East of Suez
T. B. Millar 70
in the world could provide the needed manpower. Despite mis-
"What Is To Be Done?"-Gigantism in Washington
givings, Congress baptized the experiment by overwhelming
John Franklin Campbell 81
votes.
Overcoming Insularity in Jamaica
Michael Manley 100
The original plan proposed to the President by Sargent
Tribal Politics Harass Kenya
Stanley Meisler III
The Peace Corps: Making It in the Seventies
Shriver envisioned a role for Americans of all ages, skills and
Joseph H. Blatchford 122
backgrounds and Kennedy responded by calling for all kinds
The New Generation of Isolationists
James A. Johnson 136
of Americans to volunteer. It was, however, almost exclusively
Italy: The Crisis of Governing
Arrigo Levi 147
the young who answered the call. They were ready, willing and
Recent Books on International Relations
John G. Stoessinger 161
available in such numbers that it became an immense task to find
Source Material
Donald Wasson 180
enough assignments for them abroad.
But the times were propitious abroad as well as at home. In
HAMILTON FISH ARMSTRONG
Editor
Africa the beginning of the Peace Corps coincided with the first
JAMES CHACE
few years of freedom from colonial rule. Many new govern-
Managing Editor
ments, uncertain of their needs, signed up for anyone who could
Editorial Advisory Board
McGEORGE BUNDY
GEORGE F. KENNAN
JOHN J. McCLOY
help. The Peace Corps was invited to send hundreds of teachers
ALFRED M. GRUENTHER
HENRY A. KISSINGER
PHILIP E. MOSELY
CARL KAYSEN
WILLIAM L. LANGER
ISIDOR I. RABI
for rural schools as young governments expanded an élite colo-
nial school system, trying to reach more of their citizens and
Reprints of FOREIGN AFFAIRS articles are available at the following prices: 1 to 24 - 50 25 to
99 45 100 to 299 - 40 300 to 499 35 500 to 999 30 c; 1000 to 2499 25 ¢; 2500 to
educate its own civil service. At one time the Peace Corps pro-
4999 20 c; 5000 and over 15 c. For further information write FOREIGN AFFAIRS Reprint
Department, 58 East Sixty-Eighth Street, New York, N.Y. 10021.
vided half of all the secondary school teachers in Ethiopia and
Vol. 49, No. I. Copyright 1970, Council on Foreign Relations, Inc. Printed in the U.S.A.
Sierra Leone.
The Peace Corps was Point Ten of the Alliance for Progress
and thus part of President Kennedy's assistance package for
Latin America. Living there at the time, I recall the early sixties
as an era of renewed promise. The greatest number of demo-
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library
THE PEACE CORPS
123
124
FOREIGN AFFAIRS
cratically elected governments in Latin America before or since
American college graduate could mobilize campesinos to build
had great schemes for rapid social change, such as a sixth-grade
up their communities and to demand their full rights as citizens.
education for every child by the end of the decade. The Peace
The Volunteers were thought of as superpioneers, new frontiers-
Corps was to be part of the peaceful revolution; its Volunteers
men for a new society. But, as it became clear, this means of
poured in by the thousands.
setting the Volunteers out on their own (which came to be called
The agency grew in almost geometric progression. In 1961
"parachuting") failed because of a lack of extensive training,
there were 75° Volunteers and trainees; in 1963, 6,500; and by
thorough supervision and substantial prearranged local support.
1966, 15,500. The number of countries grew from 8 in 1961 to
At the same time it was found that other projects throughout the
44 in 1964. Volunteers were sent in large groups. For example,
world were not sufficiently oriented to the immediate needs of
there were 1,133 in India in 1967, 716 in Nigeria in 1966, 720
the country.
in the Philippines in 1968, 625 in Micronesia in 1968 and 639
In 1967 Pakistan decided not to request additional Volunteers
in Brazil in 1966.
"because it has determined that its needs were for technicians
Americans felt genuine excitement and pride when it was
and specialists of a more sophisticated level than the Peace Corps
discovered that, contrary to our affluent image, Volunteers could
generally provides." The Peace Corps left nine other countries
live in the villages or barrios and love it. They proved to be
in the late sixties, most of them for reasons of domestic or inter-
popular with the people, and the best of them made remarkable
national politics, as in Libya and Somalia, where military gov-
impressions. The American people, in a public opinion poll,
ernments came to power in 1969.
declared the Peace Corps to be the best investment among our
As the decade came to a close, pressures of this kind, plus a
foreign assistance programs. The agency opened a massive com-
growing suspicion within the Peace Corps of the "numbers
munity development program in Latin American avowedly to
game" which emphasized the quantity of Volunteers overseas,
bring "social revolution" through "agents of change." Great
steadily reduced the number of Volunteers. The press no
faith was placed in the ability of a young American to mobilize
longer found it exciting. If the public had any thoughts on
a rural village without substantial training, supervision and sup-
the subject they could be summed up in one query: "Whatever
port. By the middle of the decade Peace Corps officials were
happened to the Peace Corps?" The Senate Foreign Relations
speaking of the possibility of 100,000 volunteers. The idea also
Committee provided one answer when its 1970 report noted
caught hold in Europe where a half-dozen countries started
that the Peace Corps was "increasingly becoming the target of
smaller groups of their own.
anti-American sentiment
The committee believes that the
However, problems beneath the surface, ignored in the early
time is near when the assumptions and concepts on which the
excitement, soon began to emerge. Governments became dis-
Peace Corps was founded need complete reëxamination."
turbed by the presence of foreigners in schools which trans-
What would a reëxamination reveal? Has an idea which
mitted their history and culture. They therefore reduced the
seemed so timely nine years ago now become outdated? Certainly
number of Volunteer teachers, restricting them to less sensitive
the election of Richard Nixon, who has no need to champion
subjects and to rural areas. In Ethiopia the Peace Corps seemed
the Peace Corps, and the shifting outlook of Congress toward
to have helped educate a revolution. Students opposed to the
foreign aid and involvement abroad, make the Peace Corps fair
Selassie government and the American support of it demanded
game for criticism. Are we seeing the beginning of the end for
the withdrawal of Volunteers from education. Student agita-
the Peace Corps, or is it perhaps the end of the beginning?
tion also led to withdrawal of Volunteers from universities and
capital cities in several countries, most notably Turkey and the
II
Philippines.
There can be little doubt that, as originally intended by the
In Latin America the community development venture almost
Congress, Peace Corps Volunteers have presented another and
disappeared. It had been founded on the belief that a young
more favorable view of the United States, particularly in small
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library
THE PEACE CORPS
125
126
FOREIGN AFFAIRS
countries where they are most visible. Nor can it be doubted
met with leaders of European peace-corps type agencies and for
that nearly 40,000 Volunteers have provided this country with
the first time in the agency's history the 60 overseas country
a new wealth of knowledge and understanding of foreign cul-
directors were assembled to discuss the future of the Peace
tures. Moreover, the Peace Corps experience has equipped
Corps and make recommendations.
Volunteers for innovative roles upon their return to the United
The Task Force felt that with only 10,000 Volunteers in a
States.
world dramatically short of trained manpower, it was still
There have also been notable examples of success in "meeting
possible to make a substantial contribution. However, they sug-
the trained manpower needs of developing countries," as Con-
gested a number of guidelines for increasing the value of their
gress expected. However, the Volunteers themselves have put
contribution, which have been adopted by the Peace Corps in the
that in perspective. A questionnaire completed by 7,000 returned
form of five new directions for the 1970s. These plans have been
Volunteers last year revealed that 92 percent thought their
approved and supported by President Nixon and generally
service "very valuable" to them and 45 percent felt it had been
endorsed by Congress.
very valuable for the United States, but only 25 percent felt it
The first of these new directions is to shift more Volunteer
had been very valuable for the foreign country. If those who
assignments to the high priority needs of developing countries.
have been through the Peace Corps are accurate judges, the
Long-range planning is the first step; Country Directors have
Peace Corps must do more to fulfill its first goal: to help coun-
therefore been asked to work out with local leaders a four-year
tries meet their needs for trained manpower.
plan to utilize Volunteers. We expect this planning to take the
What we have seen so far is that the Volunteer is a unique
Peace Corps more heavily into vocational training, irrigation,
and valuable resource. The dedication and idealism associated
small business development and such hitherto ignored areas as
with the Corps concept make the Volunteer willing to per-
educational television, self-help housing and urban planning.
severe. The fact that he serves a comparatively short time, out-
In this search we will be making a number of new assumptions.
side of the local civil service systems, can make him construc-
First, we are willing to seek out and send overseas a single
tively impatient and genuinely innovative. The fact that he will
man or woman with a special skill, or to put together a small
live among the people insures that he can understand how to
team of people. Large numbers are not important and can even
apply his know-how or a particular technology in a way that
create an unhealthy dependency. What is important is providing
makes sense in the local situation. The transfer of technology
people with the particular and often unusual skills found in a
has to start with a desire to receive and use it, which in turn
modern society, which a developing society cannot afford to
requires that someone see the problem through the eyes of the
educate-for example, a soil scientist, a man trained in forest
recipient. This approach, so often ignored, has been at the heart
fire control or a cattle rancher. Operating on this assumption
of the Peace Corps. What remains to be done is to hitch this
the Peace Corps will soon have overseas Volunteers in over 320
approach consistently to problems of higher priority.
skill categories.
To meet the needs of this new decade the Peace Corps has
Second, we will work with those private agencies which have
been undergoing a renewal process for more than a year. In
standing within the country and work on important needs. In
May 1969, a task force drawn from government, business, labor,
the past the Peace Corps has dealt almost exclusively with
Peace Corps staff and returned Volunteers undertook a study
central governments.
of IO specific aspects of the Peace Corps. A survey was taken
Third, once a need is identified we will consult with volunteer-
to get the suggestions of returned Volunteers; another national
sending agencies in other countries, most of which are in Europe,
poll surveyed college seniors; a management consultant firm
to put together multinational teams of Volunteers. If carefully
studied the organization of the Peace Corps and recommended
selected, these teams will provide a greater capability than
reorganization and a 22 percent headquarters staff reduction,
Volunteers from a single country and will be less susceptible
both of which have now been carried out. On two occasions we
to political changes.
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library
THE PEACE CORPS
127
128
FOREIGN AFFAIRS
We hope to build into all projects an indigenous capacity to
Naturally there is widespread skepticism about the agency's
perform the task for which American Volunteers are being
ability to attract people with the critical skills, but I would
imported; in other words, each project should work itself out
suggest this skepticism misreads the changing times. In 1970
of a job in a given number of years. Even in projects such as an
Americans are more mobile and flexible; they are unwilling to
immunization program or the building of an irrigation system,
stay on one job or even live in one place for 30 years. We are
where the job needs to be performed only once, the Peace Corps
therefore operating on the assumption that Americans with the
must try to serve a training function.
needed skills will respond in this decade just as did the liberal
Using these guidelines, local governments have identified
arts graduate in the last decade.
dozens of new projects, 39 this summer alone. In Guinea (which
Moreover, I am confident that the young person, single, just
dismissed the Peace Corps in 1966) Volunteer mechanics and
out of college, will continue to join the Peace Corps under the
electricians have put the bus and truck system of Conakry back
right conditions. This is a terribly serious generation. Today's
on the road, trained Guineans to operate the maintenance system
student wants to apply his skills to significant social problems.
and are now going to expand into other parts of the country.
If the Peace Corps speaks in slogans and vague pleas, it will
This summer in Thailand, Volunteer engineers and agricul-
not appeal. But it will attract students if we say, "Here is what
turalists began a project to bring irrigation water from the Nam
has to be done in X country and here is the training we will
Pong Dam, part of the Mekong Development complex, to
provide to equip you to do the job." To cite just one example,
thousands of farmers. In India last winter officials told me of
the Peace Corps has initiated a program with the State Uni-
the need for Volunteers to go beyond the miracle rice and wheat
versity of New York at Brockport under which junior year
projects which have involved them for several years to second-
math and science majors are recruited for study and training
stage problems of the green revolution, such as food distribu-
during their senior year at college and then for volunteer ser-
tion, grain storage and repair of farm machinery.
vice as teachers in Peru. This year the University received over
The second new direction is to recruit the Volunteers with the
10,000 inquiries to fill just 60 positions. Intern programs like
skills which meet these higher priority requests. To attract
this combine study with action in a dosage which appeals to
Volunteers from a wider spectrum of American society, the
today's students.
Peace Corps has to broaden its appeal. Many people still think
Intern programs are also one means of recruiting members
that to serve they must have a college degree or be under 30
of minority groups into the Peace Corps. Until now less than
years of age. A new message must go out, a new call to all
one percent of Volunteers have been black, and only a handful
Americans to volunteer. These will, in turn, require new rules
have come from the Spanish-speaking community. Africans,
and recruiting methods. For example, an experienced engineer,
for one, feel that the Peace Corps is "lily white." The Peace
or a machinist, carpenter or farmer is more likely to be married
Corps has set up a special division to recruit members of minor-
than the typical recent college graduate. To enable him to serve
ity groups and recently appealed for the assistance of predom-
abroad, Peace Corps must relax its prohibition against Volun-
inantly black colleges. Intern programs have been established
teers with families. This year 200 families will be serving over-
with Shaw, Atlanta and Texas Southern Universities to provide
seas on an experimental basis to determine the feasibility of such
training for Volunteers going to Africa and will award college
a plan. To recruit the kinds of Volunteers requested overseas,
credit for the service abroad. The same is true of Texas A & M,
Peace Corps must also achieve closer coöperation with unions
which is helping to send Mexican-Americans to Peru. We have
and business so that craftsmen or mid-career professionals
already doubled the number of minority members in the Peace
may join the Peace Corps without jeopardizing their seniority
Corps, but this is only the first step.
or advancement. In this, as in the recruitment of Volunteers,
we already have the coöperation of the AFL-CIO, the U.A.W.
III
and numerous businesses.
The third new direction of the Peace Corps concerns its rela-
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library
THE PEACE CORPS
129
130
FOREIGN AFFAIRS
tionship to the host country. For as long as we have operated
percent of the Peace Corps overseas staff positions-including
them, aid programs have been presented in terms of coöperation
the upper echelons-with local citizens. The entire process by
and partnership between giver and receiver, but in fact genuine
which projects are selected, operated and evaluated will hence-
partnerships have been rare. For the most part the United States
forth be a joint responsibility.
has played the benefactor who imprinted the signs of his gen-
When I visited India in February, the Speaker of the Maha-
erosity on all that he gave, like the rich uncle afraid his ragged
rashtra State Assembly and two of his ministers urged me to
nephews would forget his generosity. This has engendered in
place responsibility for the Peace Corps under local advisory
the recipients a hostility quite contrary to the friendship the aid
committees-all the way from a small committee in the township
was intended to inspire. Technical assistance has perhaps been
where each Volunteer worked, to national groups which would
better received, but too often the technicians have been clustered
concern themselves with one type of project or with the opera-
in the capital cities, well paid, well housed and isolated from
tion of the entire Peace Corps in that country.
the countryside. Of late, technical assistance has been conducted
This idea is now being pursued in most of the 60 countries
almost exclusively by contractors who serve a relatively short
where the Peace Corps operates. One role for these local com-
time overseas. Some do not speak the local language and very
mittees might be to encourage the establishment of local volun-
few speak the colloquial or tribal languages or understand the
teer corps. These could range from groups of high school or
culture behind them.
college students working part-time to full-time service like
In the beginning most Peace Corps projects also were clearly
Iran's successful Army of Knowledge, under which 27,000 young
identifiable as being American undertakings but this slowly
Iranian men and women teach or work in the area of their
changed until in many instances the Volunteer is today re-
special training for one year upon completion of academic
sponsible to a local ministry and sees the Peace Corps mainly as
training.
a paymaster and a source of occasional support. In the process
Whether within governments or in semi-public or private
I believe the Peace Corps has demonstrated something about
organizations, dozens of such service corps are now springing
how to conduct assistance programs. A modest living allowance
up around the world as leaders recognize the value in harnessing
insures that Volunteers will experience life below the level of
academic training and the energy of youth to national develop-
the élite. Moreover, the Peace Corps has been increasingly con-
ment. The Peace Corps is lending staff and volunteer support
centrated in the sectors of society where change is taking place
to these movements wherever possible. In many cases these local
most rapidly, for example in the application of miracle wheat
volunteers will take over projects which now engage American
and rice technology, teacher training, and in the unique pro-
Volunteers.
fessional services which are crucial to development.
Encouraging volunteer service by international and multi-
But if the Peace Corps has done better than some agencies, it
national teams is the Peace Corps' fourth new direction. My
is still behind the times. Somehow the Peace Corps must become
experience has been that most countries still prefer to receive
a genuine partnership effort so that the undertaking will be
volunteers on a bilateral basis. However, this is not true in all
"theirs" as well as "ours." It is difficult for Americans to under-
cases. Sometimes one country cannot supply all of the skills
stand the depth of local pride or how easily it can be offended.
needed in a particular project; sometimes governments-par-
Dependency-whether in terms of markets or the need for out-
ticularly those most sensitive to East-West tensions-prefer to
side manpower-is the bane of all who are conscious of this
avoid too close an identity with any one other government; and
sense of national identity. In order for the Peace Corps to avoid
many of today's potential Volunteers prefer to serve under an
engaging in a kind of Volunteer colonialism, it must be rooted
international flag or in concert with Volunteers from other coun-
in local desires and its projects administered by local people.
tries. (In a recent poll of college seniors, 80 percent favored
Therefore we have taken certain concrete steps to help make
service in the Peace Corps as part of an international team.)
the Peace Corps a coöperative venture. Our goal is to fill 50
The Peace Corps has already begun the process of assigning
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library
THE PEACE CORPS
131
132
FOREIGN AFFAIRS
Volunteers to U.N. agencies and enthusiastically supports the
little effort to relate his work abroad directly to needs at home;
idea of the U.N. Corps, which was approved by the U.N. Eco-
moreover, with the Corps' emphasis on classroom teaching and
nomic and Social Council last July and recommended to the
rural community development, Volunteers have been prepared
General Assembly. If the proposal is adopted, requests will be
to meet only a limited number of America's problems.
formulated by U.N. agencies and member countries and their
In the future we expect the Peace Corps to play a larger role
Volunteers supplied through existing private and governmental
abroad in population, ecology and conservation problems, cur-
agencies like the Peace Corps. We expect to provide our share
riculum reform, vocational education and urban planning. In
of Volunteers in the years ahead, and more immediately, to un-
each of these areas the foreign experience can provide training
dertake joint projects with volunteers from other countries, prin-
to meet a need in the United States. We will also undertake pro-
cipally in Europe, before the year is out. Twenty-three such
grams of "combined service," in which a Volunteer would sign
projects have been identified. For example, the Peace Corpsmen
up for three years instead of two and serve part of his time in
in the Mekong River Project will be working with volunteers
the United States and part of it abroad. We expect this year to
from England, Austria and Canada.
undertake joint projects with the Smithsonian Institution in the
fields of ecology and the environment overseas and to double
IV
and then triple the number of Volunteers working in cities.
If the first four new directions emphasize a greater contribu-
More directly, we are working out "internships," under which
tion to the foreign country, the fifth is intended to relate the
Volunteers will return to specific change-oriented jobs in big
Peace Corps to the enormous problems in the United States.
city governments. Such programs have already been worked out
It is common for Americans to ask today, "Why go overseas
with the cities of Cleveland, Atlanta and San Juan and more
when there is so much to be done at home?"
will follow with urban-oriented private organizations.
The answer to the question is also best exemplified in the
nearly 40,000 Volunteers who have now served in the Peace
V
Corps and returned home. After living among the poor abroad
These five new directions are essentially untested, and the test
and struggling in the agonizing process of change, they are not
flight is coming at a time when the political winds are as turbu-
satisfied with "band-aid" cures. Neither are they given to sim-
lent for the agency as at any time since 1961. There is bitter
plistic solutions such as revolution or benign neglect. It is not
disillusionment over the Vietnam war among the Peace Corps'
surprising that 40 percent of Volunteers change their career
traditional college constituency. For many of these students the
plans while in the Peace Corps or that upon returning they
Peace Corps is tainted by the war, an arm of the Establishment,
continue a life of service to society. Of those employed today
merely the most tolerable part of an intolerable government. An
one-third are in teaching, many of them in ghetto schools. (It
organized and vocal minority of returned Volunteers call the
was returned Volunteers who staffed the Cardoza Project in a
Peace Corps "the smile on the devil's policy."
Washington ghetto school which served as a model for the
Moreover, as the country turns inward, voluntary service at
Teacher Corps.) Another third are working at all levels of
home becomes more attractive than service overseas. In the
government, particularly in community action and poverty pro-
shifting and often fickle competition among social causes the
grams. Twelve percent work in international and nonprofit
Peace Corps trails well behind ecology or domestic politics.
organizations and foundations. The young man in Chicago who
Then, too, the election of Richard Nixon could alter the tradi-
helped transform a Chicago street gang into a thriving economic
tional allegiances. Some think the President will allow the Peace
development corporation is one of the more dramatic examples
Corps to die of inattention. In the Congress the Peace Corps
of the hundreds who have begun a life of promoting social
could fall victim to partisan politics. As for the new directions,
change.
none of them lack detractors. Some people are opposed to the
Still, the returned Volunteer is underutilized. There is too
partnership approach, others to working with international
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library
THE PEACE CORPS
133
134
FOREIGN AFFAIRS
agencies and volunteers from other countries. One critic has
of voluntarism overlook the Peace Corps. This President sees the
already called our recruitment of skilled workers, farmers and
Peace Corps as a source of innovation, a proving ground for new
members of minority groups "a disaster," and more charitable
ideas and a people-to-people form of nonpolitical assistance. The
commentators are still skeptical that the Peace Corps can recruit
separation of the Peace Corps from foreign policy considera-
in sufficient numbers beyond the campus. To say the least, there
tions has been reconfirmed by this Administration and the new
is no reason to expect a smooth course for the Peace Corps in
directions given full support.
the years ahead.
The possibility continues that the Peace Corps could suffer
And yet I believe there is reason for optimism. The Peace
from the climate of apathy and skepticism which surrounds most
Corps is in 60 countries, trusted and respected in the main. There
forms of American assistance. Yet in the Congress support spans
is genuine enthusiasm for the new directions among host coun-
the political spectrum from Senator Goldwater who recently
tries, as reflected in the requests we receive. Two years ago 73
called the Peace Corps "the best thing we have going in the field
percent of the requests were for "A.B. Generalists," recent col-
of foreign relations" to Senator Church, who has proposed that
lege graduates in the liberal arts. This summer the figure was 38
the Peace Corps take over more of technical assistance.
percent. Two years ago the request for experienced farmers was
And there is much more that could be achieved through the
5 percent of the total; this year I5 percent. The figure for skilled
Peace Corps. The present system is built on subsistence living
tradesmen and vocational instructors is two and five percent, and
and saves $75 a month for Volunteers-taxable and without in-
rising rapidly. Overall, the number of total requests are "up"
terest-in the United States. Under these conditions, there are
for the first time in four years.
limitations on what can be expected even if the important tasks
These requests are being filled in 1970. For the recruiting year
are identified and matched to the skills of Americans with high
ending August 31, we have met 94 percent of all requests. This
idealism. Although we encourage as many as possible to extend
includes over 260 separate skills. For example, Kenya has re-
for a third or fourth year, too few can afford to delay a return
ceived 20 civil engineers and 20 experienced farmers and farm
to some degree of savings accumulation and therefore go home
mechanics. Volunteers sent to India this summer include a tool
at the time they become most effective and might be most will-
and die maker, a welder, an electrical technician, a psychologist,
ing to stay if they were given some additional incentive.
x-ray and medical technicians, and an operational therapist. Iran
So we ask ourselves, should there be a second or perhaps a
got II experienced mechanics and craftsmen with 148 years com-
third level of Peace Corps service? Could a successful Volunteer
bined experience. In total, the Peace Corps this year provided
be given additional training and sent back into the field, again
157 engineers, 332 experienced teachers, 392 farmers, 127 with
living in a modest fashion but working at a higher level of sophis-
skill trades, 53 with backgrounds in forestry and conservation.
tication with additional compensation held for him at home?
A Peace Corps so composed might not have been possible IO
Should the Volunteers be supported by a cadre of university-
years ago but today the volunteer spirit is expanding to students
professional level experts serving less than two years, again liv-
in the professional schools and older Americans who are no
ing modestly and with their compensation held in the United
longer content to keep their place in the line for affluence and
States? Particularly in the smaller countries where the Peace
retirement. Millions of Americans still ask themselves what they
Corps seems to have the greatest impact, should it be allowed
can do for their country. They, too, are unwilling to undertake
to give material assistance in small quantities, or at least call
"band-aid" assistance overseas, so it is the responsibility of the
upon funds from another grant and loan institution?
Peace Corps to insure that the jobs we ask them to do are of high
Finally, should the Peace Corps remain within the govern-
priority and match the skills they have to offer.
ment in future, and if so, where? The Peterson Report has
As for President Nixon, one would not expect him to shower
recommended that scientific and technical assistance and social
the Peace Corps with attention as did President Kennedy, but
development grants come from an institute having a private-
neither would such a confirmed internationalist and advocate
public board of directors and operating like an independent
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library
THE PEACE CORPS
I35
foundation. Should the Peace Corps be part of such an institute?
Mention of these possibilities will no doubt fuel the criticism
of those who see the Peace Corps becoming a junior AID-
traditional technical assistance in new clothing. Instead of ideal-
istic youth, it will be alleged, the Peace Corps will be the haven
of professionals come to practice their trade among the élite;
and we will be right back to where we started in 1960.
But the Peace Corps will continue to be a people's agency,
dealing primarily with training others and distinguishable by
the living style of its Volunteers. Language, adaptation to local
culture, and modest living habits will continue to be at the heart
of the Peace Corps. This will continue to be so not because ideal-
ism is somehow tested and made pure by adversity (villagers
consider such reasoning irrelevant or a bit mad) but because the
Volunteer must live among the people to become credible and
to understand how his knowledge can be applied. As a country
we must continue to work directly with the poor and middle
classes abroad, particularly in those endeavors where change can
take place most rapidly. Certainly an upper-echelon, govern-
ment-only assistance effort would inappropriately represent the
desire of the American people to aid their fellow men. In the
Peace Corps, and also in all our dealings with other countries,
there must be forged a hitherto unknown spirit of partnership
not only with local citizens-which is the most crucial element-
but also with international organizations and people from other
countries. The Peace Corps cannot speak for others but we can
pledge this spirit for ourselves, just as we can recognize the
universality of human deprivation and help the returning Volun-
teer apply his skills to the problems of his homeland.
The world is long on plans today, but short on implementa-
tion because somehow the grand designs break down before
someone carries them to the level of the people. This is where
the Peace Corps must be found in the 1970s-near enough to the
impoverished and disenfranchised to understand their problems,
yet in touch with the larger forces which course through every
society. We promise no panacea and the times have robbed us
of the euphoric thrill found in leadership of a youth movement.
But in the seventies the Peace Corps can be more lean, more inno-
vative, more capable-a contributor to substantial change in a
decade which sorely needs it.
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library
PEACE CORPS
WASHINGTON
OFFICE OF
November 10, 1969
THE DIRECTOR
Mr. Robert Keim
President
The Advertising Council
825 Third Avenue
New York, New York 10022
Dear Bob:
I've recently given a great deal of study to the advertising needs of the Peace
Corps. I'm now convinced that the new Peace Corps and its New Directions
can best be served by bringing in a new advertising team.
I very deeply appreciate all that Young & Rubicam has done for the Peace Corps
over these past eight years. And further, they have through this year in a number
of presentations made clear progress toward matching my ideas of what's needed.
My associates working on advertising find, however, that in order to present the
message of the new directions of the Peace Corps, new ideas and concepts must
be formulated and publicized.
It is my plan, therefore, to accept the proffered help of another agency, Keye/
Donna/Perlstein, who have shown an immediate understanding of our new mes-
sage and demonstrated in sample ads the capability to present it as we want it
presented. I sincerely hope that you and The Advertising Council will find this
change acceptable and that we will continue to have the extremely valuable status
of a major campaign of the Council.
I'll wait to hear from you on this before writing to Ed Bond. I want Ed and Young
& Rubicam to know how truly appreciative I am for the many very great advertising
campaigns they have conceived for Peace Corps through this first decade of its
life.
In the near future we will present Young & Rubicam with a formal certificate
of appreciation from Peace Corps and the Government of the United States. And
I also intend at the first opportunity to personally inform President Nixon of the
very honorable volunteer service Young & Rubicam has rendered to this vital
program of the American people.
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library
I want you to know that we all realize that much of the credit for the
outstandingly effective Peace Corps advertising programs of past years
belongs to the Council. Your people, and particularly Gordon Kinney, have
given the needs of our campaigns that extra effort and attention required to
make a good campaign a great one. I am most appreciative.
It is my hope that the Peace Corps will continue to be a major campaign
of The Advertising Council during the Nixon administration as it has been
over the past eight years. Together, I know, we can support the programs
of the Peace Corps and further its efforts to achieve peace for mankind.
With best personal regards,
Joseph H. Blatchford
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library
PEACE CORPS
WASHINGTON
October 17, 1969
OFFICE OF
THE DIRECTOR
MEMORANDUM TO: Mr. Charles B. Wilkinson
Special Consultant to the President
FROM:
Joseph H. Blatchford
SUBJECT:
The University and Students: The Mood on Campus
this Fall
Academic 1969-70 on American campuses is likely to be just as
turbulent as the previous year, but perhaps less overtly violent
and probably less damaging. Student unrest will catch few
administrators by surprise this year. Moreover, students are likely
to shift their sights from University administrators to new targets.
The issues which confronted administrators--grade. reform, admissions
policies, relations with surrounding communities--will likely share
the spotlight with those which focus attention on faculties, on
local governments, and on the Federal Establishment.
Instead of agitating for more generous parietal regulations, students
will increasingly concern themselves with the nature of the university
curriculum: What topics are suitable History Ph.D. dissertations?
How relevant are the Political Science courses offered to current
political issues? Such questions will be asked not of the administra-
tion, but of the faculty, and probably in a less strident tone of
voice than in the recent past.
Student attention may also shift from the governing of the university
to the governing of society. As an instance, the war in Vietnam has
already re-emerged as a burning issue. Meanwhile, state and local
governments have plunged into the maelstrom of campus politics by
passing legislation, in response to 1968's campus disorders, that
is often extremely restrictive of students. As usual, the opening
skirmish in this battle is taking place in California.
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library
-2-
There is, of course, no magic formula which can soothe this unrest,
nor any accurate measure for its many causes. However, certain
factors frequently appear in the background of campus turmoil:
1. Inflation
Not only middle-class homeowners are being affected by
inflation. The universities in particular have fallen victim to
spiraling costs, and must transfer part of the burden to their
students. Graduate students, including family men and women, who
are trying to earn a living while finishing their theses, and under-
graduates who work to finance their education, will be hardest hit,
and thus particularly restive.
2. Black Students
Black students on predominantly white college campuses in
the North have often found themselves in extremely awkward and
ambivalent circumstances, and under great pressure in recent years.
Torn by the contrast between their own comfortable academic surround-
ings and the spartan conditions binding most other blacks, they often
live with conflicting loyalties to their own communities and to the
white middle-class society of which universities are an integral part.
Unsure of their own role in America, black students have tended to
act out their frustrations and uncertainties through largely symbolic
gestures within the universities themselves: They have demanded
official recognition of their own distinctiveness--through separate
dormitories and dining facilities, revised admissions procedures, and
Black Studies programs. But most of the relevant symbolic gestures
have been made; the pressure remains, and the next steps are far
from clear.
Two other observations are worth making:
First, anti-student legislation often denies government aid to
students who participate in illegal and/or disruptive activities.
Many victims of such rulings are likely to be black students.
Second, racial issues have become serious problems in urban
high schools. Demands similar to those on college campuses are being
made, but high school administrators are far less receptive, sympathetic,
or sensitive to them.
3. Vietnam and the Draft
It is no secret that the Vietnam War and, to a lesser extent,
the military draft continue to be major issues with students. Student
"disillusionment" is rooted in the War and its domestic consequences,
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library
-3-
and nothing that this Administration does short of rapid, defined
withdrawal from Vietnam is likely to promote anything in the way of
a rapprochement between students and Government.
4. Beyond Vietnam
The War aside--figuratively or in fact--there are, of course,
other issues at hand that students regard as basic to deciding this
nation's future. Racism, poverty, social division and the need for
educational reforms are just a few. Students, and the under-30
generation generally, look not for isolated Federal forays against
any one or two of these problem areas. They look for a Federal and
Administration commitment that approaches the nation's ill as an
interrelated whole. Which largely explains why nothing can really
be done in the eyes of the young until the War ceases to dominate
people's attention and undermine the manpower and financial resources
that might otherwise be available for domestic concerns.
Students are not rebelling against authority but simply
against what they perceive to be authority used in an arbitrary
fashion or without clear direction. There is, among the young, a
sense of drift a sense that no one with authority quite realizes
that all the young really want is something they can believe in.
Solving this malaise certainly cannot be an overnight task.
It will require a patient, low-key approach that is nevertheless
oriented toward action on a number of major issues. Students will
look for commitment and some evidence of results, or at least real
movement.
5.
Involvement
Students and the young--actions of their extremer elements
notwithstanding-- are still prepared to work within a "system" or the
"Establishment" so long as they believe they will have legitimate
access to the decision-making process (not necessarily implying that
they make all of the decisions). It is consequently infuriating to
many sober-minded young people when they are told directly that no
one in power is listening to them or that they should be patient and
quiet and trust that their elders will know what to do. From the
Government's standpoint, it is also potentially counterproductive to
appear to be putting off youth's expressions of concern and discontent,
rather than channelling and utilizing youth's energies and ideas in
positive ways.
What the foregoing implies is two things: one, that students
and the responsible young people of this country must know that their
Government is responsive to issues which they believe require the
immediate application of national resources and commitment; two, that
these same people desire and are prepared for the opportunity to act
on these issues themselves.
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library
-4-
The national Government, therefore, must listen and respond
positively to young people; and it must provide structure, opportunity
and encouragement for the young to act with affect on our key national
problems.
6. Voluntarism
Voluntarism on a national scale, enlisting the many from all
sectors of American society, has been suggested recently as one option
in the addressing of our domestic shortcomings. I think we are becoming
increasingly aware of the limitations of certain projected forms of
national voluntarism. At the same time, we are beginning to point
toward what may be the key to useful voluntary work in the country:
the encouragement of local initiative to deal with local problems with
local resources.
In our discussions of national voluntarism of any sort, we must
consider the reception we can anticipate from the young. I think it
is fair to predict that young people will respond to any movement
that shows the student and other young persons where they can be
effective and where they can help produce visible social change and
affect community attitudes that often inhibit progress.
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library
October 1, 1969
Dear Pat:
Thank you for your kind note.
I believe I understand the difficult circumstances
you alluded to in your letter. I do wish to take
this opportunity to extend my best wishes for a
bright future.
Sincerely,
Charles B. Wilkinson
Special Consultant
to the President
Mr. Padraic M. Kennedy
Office of Economic Opportunity
Executive Office of the President
Washington, D. C. 20506
CBW/si
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library
EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT
OFFICE OF ECONOMIC
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20506
OPPORTUNITY
September 24, 1969
Honorable Charles B. Wilkinson
The White House
Washington, D. C.
Dear Bud:
As you can imagine, submitting my resignation as Director of
VISTA to Don Rumsfeld was difficult. I would really have loved
working for Don and the excellent team he has assembled. But
apparently it just couldn't be worked out.
I want you to know, however, that I very much appreciated the
encouragement and support you always gave VISTA. It's a great
program and I hope you will continue to take a personal interest
in VISTA and the Volunteers.
If I can be of any assistance to you in the future in your work with
youth, please do not hesitate to let me know.
Sincerely,
Padraic Patternez M. Kennedy
Acting Director, VISTA
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library
EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF
THE
OFFICE OF ECONOMIC
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20000
IMPORTUNITY
In reply please refer to:
RD-620
July 16, 1969
Mr. Bert M. Avery
University of Oklahoma
Norman, Oklahoma 38468
Dear Mr. Avery:
This is to acknowledge receipt of your grant application for
a Research or Pilot Project under Section 232, Title II of
the Economic Opportunity Act.
Your application is being referred to our staff specialists
for review and you may expect to hear from us when that review
is completed. Please refer to the number above in any corres-
pondence about the application. Copies of the application are
being sent to the appropriate State Technical Assistance Agency
and OEO Regional Office for their information.
We appreciate your interest and ideas in new ways to help the
anti-poverty effort.
Gerson M. Green
u
Director
Research and Demonstration
Community Action Program
CC: Regional Office
Regional Desk
State TA Office
R&D Analyst - Rudy Frank/Bill Hepburn 202/382-5041
R&D File
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library
A Proposal for
SCIENTIFIC ENRICHMENT
University of Oklahoma
A Proposal for
SCIENTIFIC ENRICHMENT
A Program designed to ameliorate conditions
that lead to disenchantment, under achievement, and
disunity.
University of Oklahoma
Norman, Oklahoma
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library
FOREWORD
Our purpose is to create a total social and educational package
that will educate and motivate by addressing the needs of those youth
in our society who have been ignored. These are youth who not only
have been victims of bigotry and discrimination, but who also have
been victims of a society that has too long allowed and even perpe-
tuated programs of education that are insufficient in number, inferior
in quality, and irrelevant in content.
We will place these youth in a five year summer program that will
prepare them to enter and continue in college with financial and
tutorial assistance. By doing the above, we shall have provided
some of the options that are necessary for a full and productive life.
Further, we will attack this task on an unprecedented scale to help
move this state and our nation towards racial harmony by having
helped to ameliorate conditions that create smoldering crises that
lead to disenchantment and disunion.
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library
SCIENCE ENRICHMENT
I. OUR PROGRAM WILL ACCOMPLISH THE FOLLOWING:
A. Seek out students at an age (7th Grade) where their talents
can be developed.
1. These are capable students with the potential for college
work but:
2. These are poor youth with a Red, Black, Brown, or rural
White experience.
3. They are victims of white exploitation.
4. The level of aspiration of these students must be raised.
B. Supplement education in general with emphasis on Science
and Mathematics in later stages.
1. Five consecutive summers are needed for completion of the
summer program.
2. Subject areas are:
a. Mathematical and scientific abstraction as related
to ideas understood by students.
b. English and cultural history--starting from ethnic
dialects and minority contributions.
C. Prepare and encourage graduates of the Summer Enrichment
Program with an option of any field of study; Emphasis is
placed on Science and Engineering.
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library
II. THE ULTIMATE GOAL OF THE PROGRAM IS SOCIAL, ECONOMIC, AND
EDUCATIONAL CHANGES FOR THE PEOPLE IN OUR SOCIETY THAT LIVE
WITHOUT POWER IN A STATE OF HOPELESSNESS.
A. To a great degree, social and economic changes will be
effected by the graduates themselves.
1. Engineers and professional people provide leadership.
2. The lived experience of these youth would be an
invaluable tool in dealing with ethnic communities.
B. Educational changes are accomplished through in-service
training of our teachers who will take new ideas and
methods back to the public schools.
C. Students at the university through experience and exposure
to our students will have a better understanding of the
problems of students with life experiences different than
theirs.
III. THE PROGRAM HAS A POTENTIAL OF ENTERING 100 STUDENTS IN COLLEGE
PER YEAR.
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library
IV. NEED FOR THE SCIENCE ENRICHMENT PROGRAM
A. The lived experience of disadvantaged youth aids in qualifying
them for implementation of social and economic change in
the communities that spawned them.
B. The inadequacies of science education necessitates this
program.
C. Minority youth have too often been counseled out of science
related fields.
D. Five summer sessions allow sufficient time to help overcome
educational barriers and to rechannel student's motivations.
After this is done, more time is needed for concentration
on subject matter.
V. WHY SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING
A. Science and mathematical preparation goes a long way in
preparing students for other career fields.
B. Concentration is also given to English and Social Science.
C. Jobs are readily available in engineering and science
related fields.
D. Less social acuity is needed.
VI. THE UNIVERSITY IS THE ONLY MAJOR INSTITUTION IN OUR SOCIETY
THAT IS A RELATIVELY FREE AGENT IN EFFECTING THIS TYPE OF
EDUCATIONAL CHANGE.
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library
Scientific Enrichment
Business
High
Development
Risk
Program
Program
8 week
Guaranteed
summer
College
session at
Entrance to O.U
Disadvantaged youth of
O.U. 7th - - 11th
with Financial
College Graduates
Oklahoma, Kansas, and
Grade
and Tutorial
Texas
Assistance
Follow up with
Summer Program
two special
During 12th
events &
Grade Summer
teachers
( Threshold)
during regular
terms
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library
Student Selection:
Recommendations
Personal
Autobiographies
Black, Brown, Red,
from
Interviews
of
and Rural White
Freshmen &
with
Testing
Youth
Sophomore
Students,
Students
Students at
Parents, &
O.U.
Teachers
Recommenda-
-
tions of
School &
Community
Personnel
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library
Summer Sess.
-
Recreation,
Athletic
Events,
Socials,
7th--11th
etc.
Grade
Minority
9th-- 11th
Instructors
Grades with
Students
& Teacher
concentration
Counselors
on subject
matter
Education
&
Motivation
7th & 8th
Grades with
concentration
on
Lectures,
motivation
Seminars,
Brain-Storm
sessions,
Field
Trips
Stress
Individual
Inquiry as
opposed to
Information
Transfer
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library
Improving Science Education in Secondary Schools
Recommend-
Screening
In Service
Teacher Corp
ations,
Pre-Summer
Training
NEW
Beginning of
Public Schools
Personal
Session
during
IDEAS
better Science
College
Interviews
Orientation
summe r
&
Education in
sessions
METHODS
Public Schools
Conferences
during
regular
School terms
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library
COST OBJECTIVES FOR FIRST TWO YEARS*
1970
1971
2-Year Total
1. Student Selection
$ 59,000
$ 90,000
$149,000
2. In-service teacher
134,000
150,000
284,000
training and curriculum
development.
3. Training future educators
25,000
35,000
60,000
and counselors.
4.
Summer education and
288,000
359,000
647,000
related administration
costs.
5.
Financial Support in
000,000
408,000
408,000
college.
6. Tutorial Support in
000,000
135,000
135,000
college.
7. Totals
506,000
1,177,000
1,683,000
*excluding indirect cost.
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library
COST OBJECTIVES FOR SCIENTIFIC ENRICHMENT PROGRAM*
1. Student Selection
$ 389,000
2. In-service teacher training
$ 854,820
and curriculum development.
3. Training future educators
$ 250,680
and counselors.
4. Summer education and administrative
$ 5,203,000
costs.
5. Financial support on college
$ 7,752,000
6. Tutorial support in college
$ 1,267,500
7. Ameliorate conditions that create
smoldering crises that lead to
disenchantment and disunion
$15,717,300
*excluding indirect cost
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library