The United States' Semiquincentennial: A Historic Milestone

On July 4, 2026, the United States commemorates the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. This historic milestone is an opportunity to pause and reflect on our past, honor the contributions of all Americans, and commit to a future defined by purpose and action for the next generations.

For 65 Years, the Peace Corps has represented the United States abroad.

Since 1961, close to 250,000 Peace Corps Volunteers have served in 144 countries, sharing America with the world and making meaningful and enduring contributions across all work sectors, improving lives, strengthening communities, and building lasting friendships. The partnerships and connections forged during Peace Corps service stand as a powerful symbol of America’s commitment to progress, opportunity, and putting purpose, passion, and skills to work for America and the world. The Peace Corps' work showcases American innovation, achievement, and leadership every single day. And the Peace Corps' dedication to unity and service reflects the spirit of the Semiquincentennial.

2026 marks the Peace Corps' 65th anniversary year and America’s 250th birthday. In partnership with America250, the Peace Corps aims to make 2026 a landmark year for volunteerism, and we're asking for your help.

Use this toolkit and our One Peace Corps portal to share Peace Corps service opportunities with your networks.

Table of Contents

• Still the Toughest Job You’ll Ever Love
• A Snapshot of the Peace Corps Today
• Graphics
• Animated Stickers
• Photos
• Social Media Story Cards
• LinkedIn Banners & Connectors
• Tags, Hashtags, and Links
• Giving Fourth: Transforming Independence Day into a Day of Charitable Giving
• Key Dates

Still the Toughest Job You’ll Ever Love

The iconic Peace Corps slogan “The Toughest Job You’ll Ever Love” originated shortly after the agency’s founding and later became the tagline of a nationwide public service announcement advertising campaign. For decades, it drove interest and helped recruit Americans to serve. That message still resonates today.

Share our latest advertisement and other videos to help recruit the next generation of Volunteers.

A Snapshot of the Peace Corps Today

• Volunteers: 3,100+
• Returned Volunteers: Close to 250,000
• Partner Countries: 60+
• Ways to Serve: 3 (Peace Corps Volunteer, Peace Corps Response, and Virtual Service Pilot)
• Work Sectors: 6 (Agriculture, Community Economic Development, Education, Environment, Health, Youth in Development)

Download current information and recruitment materials from our One Peace Corps portal.

Graphics

The following America250 and 65th anniversary graphics can be used on social media or in presentations.

Visit our 65th Anniversary Graphics folder to download these and other anniversary graphics.

Animated Stickers

We have a collection of Peace Corps animated stickers you can use on social media stories to raise awareness to the Peace Corps' contributions to the United States' legacy of service. In the sticker library on social media platforms (e.g., Facebook or Instagram), search "Peace Corps" and you'll find great sticker options.

Access our current sticker collection in the 65th Anniversary Sticker folder.

Photos

We've curated a Peace Corps 65th anniversary photo gallery for stakeholders to use as they share the opportunity of Peace Corps service.

Visit our media library to download even more incredible Peace Corps photos that showcase how the Peace Corps shares America with the world.

Social Media Story Cards

Use our story cards to tell your own Peace Corps-America250 story on social media and spark a conversation with other Volunteers or inspire new applicants. Fill in the blanks using text, emojis, stickers, or whatever brings your story to life!

Visit our Story Card folder to download the files or screenshot the images when you see them posted on our official @PeaceCorps social media accounts.

LinkedIn Banners & Connectors

Show your Peace Corps pride by updating your LinkedIn banner image. You never know—emphasizing your Peace Corps service just might connect you with new opportunities and service-minded individuals. You have an impressive resume and underscoring your Peace Corps service helps others draw the connection between your current role and the skills you honed through Peace Corps service.

Take things a step further and sign up to be a Peace Corps LinkedIn Connector, a Returned Volunteer who helps prospective applicants learn more about the Peace Corps.

Download the images from our Banners folder and apply them to your LinkedIn profile today!

Tags, Hashtags, and Links

We want to see the creative ways you're raising awareness and sharing America250 and Peace Corps content, so please include the following:

• Tags: Tag @PeaceCorps or your country of service's social media account (e.g., @PeaceCorpsZambia)
• Hashtags: Use #America250 #PeaceCorps #PeaceCorps65 #ToughestJob or #Giving4th
• Links: Encourage followers to visit peacecorps.gov, peacecorps.gov/65, peacecorps.gov/apply, peacecorps.gov/openings, or peacecorps.gov/givingfourth.

Giving Fourth: Transforming Independence Day into a Day of Charitable Giving

2026 is the inaugural year of Giving Fourth, an America250 movement aiming to transform Independence Day into the largest single day of charitable giving in U.S. history. Join the movement and consider making a tax-deductible donation to the Global Fund to support current Volunteers as they work alongside communities on Peace Corps Partnership Program projects. In honor of the semiquincentennial of the United States, we have a goal to secure 250 Global Fund donations in July 2026.

Learn more at peacecorps.gov/givingfourth.

Key Dates

• Peace Corps Anniversary: March 1, 2026
• Peace Corps Week: March 1-7, 2026
• 250th Anniversary of the United States: July 4, 2026
• Giving Fourth: July 4, 2026
• 65th Anniversary of the Signing of the Peace Corps Act: September 22, 2026