| Of course it is impossible to acknowledge all those individuals who have influenced the writing of this book. Some might wish not to be mentioned or acknowledged. After all, this book is neither an apologia nor a defense of the Peace Corps or VISTA. It is critical but from one who is deeply fond of both organizations. Although this work proposed to be a policy analysis, it is even more a labor of love that began when a young, idealistic volunteer joined the Peace Corps following its creator's tragic assassination. |
| To remember all those whose influence has shaped my thoughts and research is truly a humbling experience. Three groups of individuals must be readily acknowledged: volunteers, family, and professional colleagues. First, there were the Peace Corps volunteers who, together, experienced training at the Experiment-in-International-Living and finally served in Brazil. As volunteers during the early 1960s, we stayed up countless late evenings in an undying effort to understand our new and exciting environment: Don Batchelder, our leader; Willy and Sue Schuerer; Ann and Tom Ventre; Art and Marge Morin; Dave and Joan Drenth; and, of course, Betty Shackleford. We and others were Brazil-17. |
| And there were the other volunteers, the ones without the glamour of service in exotic lands. The VISTA volunteers and the University Year for ACTION (UYA) students faced frustration and hardship far closer to home. My sister, Melody, and David Dotson gave me insights into VISTA volunteerism that most of my fellow Peace Corps volunteers would never appreciate. I learned much as a fledgling director of VISTA's UYA program in inner-city Los Angeles. "My" volunteers were a pretty cool bunch: Steve Bennett, Kenna Gose, Jane Hamilton, Mike Pleassance, Jane McDonald, Alison Gilbert, and Teddie Randall. |
| My family's contribution is strongest but less tangible. My parents blessed me by choosing me to be the oldest of their |
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