I got an email today from a Placement Eligibility Specialist in the Peace Corps. It was regarding a DUI (Driving Under the Influence) I was arrested for when I was in high school. Just when I thought I would be done with my personal statements and any more paperwork it seems like it is neverending. I copied and pasted the attachment I got with the email so that other people that may be in the same situation as me can be prepared for this when it comes.
Below is the attachment that I got with the email:
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January 30, 2006
Xxxxx Xxxx
Dear Mr. Xxxx,
The Peace Corps Placement Office is happy to have your application for Peace Corps Volunteer service. It is soon to be under preliminary review for Placement consideration.
The Placement Unit has learned that you have reported previous drug use, or have a legal history involving alcohol related charges, or have other questionable behavior related to alcohol or drugs reflected on your application. The Peace Corps does not condone illegal drug use or alcohol abuse. Illegal drug usage and alcohol abuse not only compromise the safety and security of individuals in familiar and unfamiliar environments, but they also jeopardize the reputation of individuals and their affiliated mission.
If you are selected for service in the Peace Corps, you must know that a Volunteer or Trainee found to be involved with drugs in a manner not authorized for medical purposes, in any way in any country, will be administratively separated immediately. The Peace Corps enforces this strict policy not only because the cultivation, manufacture, traffic, and use of drugs, including marijuana, is illegal in most countries; but also because drug involvement by Volunteers and Trainees in any country could seriously jeopardize the entire Peace Corps program, as well as the safety and health of a Volunteer or Trainee. Individuals administratively separated for this reason will not be considered for a transfer to another program regardless of the quality of their service.
Expatriate lifestyles throughout the world, and particularly in some cultures, include significant exposure to alcohol. For evaluation purposes, the Placement Unit therefore requires you to (1) complete all questions on the attached Alcohol/Drug Questionnaire and (2) write a personal statement which both describes your behavior with drugs and alcohol and answers the following questions:
1. What risks have you taken by using drugs and/or alcohol in the US?
2. How would using drugs and alcohol in a foreign culture create risks different from those in the US?
3. Why is drug and alcohol behavior pertinent to the role of a Peace Corps Volunteer?
We would like you to complete this personal statement and enclosed Alcohol/Drug Questionnaire as soon as possible. We look forward to receiving your response and in answering any questions that you may have about the Peace Corps or its unique challenges and rewards. You may call me at 1-800-XXX-XXXX, opt. X, ext. XXXX if you have any questions regarding this request or the status of your Peace Corps application.
Yours truly,
Xxxx Xxxxx
Placement Eligibility Specialist
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NOMINEE ALCOHOL/DRUG QUESTIONNAIRE
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Name of Nominee Social Security Number Date
Please attach additional pages if necessary to provide an appropriate response to each question.
1. What is alcohol abuse?
2. In the last three years, what is the longest period of time you have demonstrated without getting drunk from alcohol consumption? Please give the dates.
3. Has a relative, friend or healthcare representative been concerned about your drinking or suggested you cut down?
4. What is illegal drug use?
5. In the last three years, what is the longest period of time you have demonstrated without using illegal drugs? Please give the dates.
6. Has a relative, friend or healthcare representative been concerned about your drug use or suggested you cut down?
7. Have you or someone else been injured or embarrassed as the result of your alcohol or drug use? If yes, please explain.
8. Have you taken prescription drugs not prescribed for you or abused prescription drugs? If yes, list drugs and dates.
