Ashley Judd offers her voice to help recruit Peace Corps Volunteers

WASHINGTON, D.C., Oct. 29, 2007 - The Peace Corps is unveiling a new public service announcement (PSA) today featuring the voice of movie star Ashley Judd. Currently available for free downloads online at www.peacecorps.gov/psa/radio.

Judd's support to the Peace Corps began in 1999 when she visited Peace Corps Volunteers in the Republic of Suriname in South America. During her visit, sponsored by Marie Claire magazine, Judd spent a week living as a Peace Corps Volunteer and experiencing the grassroots service first-hand. Her interest in "spotlighting the Volunteer" then, comes full circle as she helps to attract the next generation of Volunteers by becoming the newest voice in the Peace Corps campaign, "Life is Calling. How Far Will You Go?"

Recorded in Tennessee on Aug. 30, Ashley Judd's PSA is the seventh spot in the Peace Corps’ electronic media PSAs. Judd joins such notables as Forest Whitaker, Matthew McConaughey, Ricardo Chavira and Eduardo Verastegui, in lending her voice to promote world peace and friendship through Peace Corps service.

Peace Corps PSAs are developed to recruit new Volunteers to help train the people of other countries in a sustainable skill while promoting a cross-cultural understanding. Launched in 2003, the Peace Corps' award-winning campaign – honored by a Gold EFFIE, Silver ADDY, and other industry recognitions – has garnered over $44 million in donated space. Generous placement and broadcasting of these announcements continues to help recruit the Volunteers of tomorrow. All English and Spanish language radio spots are available for free download at www.peacecorps.gov/psa/radio.

Nominated for two Golden Globes and an Emmy, Ashley Judd is best known for her leading roles in late 1990s and early 2000s thrillers, including Kiss the Girls, Double Jeopardy and High Crimes. Judd is currently the magazine advertising face of American Beauty, an Estee Lauder cosmetic brand.

The Peace Corps is celebrating a 46-year legacy of service at home and abroad. Currently there are 8,000 Volunteers abroad, a 37-year high for Volunteers in the field. Since 1961, more than 190,000 Volunteers have helped promote a better understanding between Americans and the people of the 139 countries where Volunteers have served. Peace Corps Volunteers must be U.S. citizens and at least 18 years of age. Peace Corps service is a 27-month commitment.

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