Peace Corps supporters encouraged to vote on-line

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Peace Corps' Teen Website was nominated for the Best Government Website of 2008 today by the 12th Annual Webby Awards. From now until May 1st, online fans around the world can cast their vote for the Peace Corps Teens site in The Webby People's Voice Awards at http://pv.webbyawards.com.

Winners will be announced on May 6, 2008 and honored at a star-studded gala in New York City on June 10th. Hailed as the "Oscars of the Internet" by the New York Times, The Webby Awards is the leading international award honoring excellence on the Internet, including Websites, interactive advertising, online film and video, and mobile Websites. The Webby Awards is presented by the International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences, a 550-person judging academy whose members include Internet co-inventor Vinton Cerf, "Simpson's" creator Matt Groening, Arianna Huffington, and Harvey Weinstein.

David-Michel Davies, executive director of The Webby Awards said, "The Webby Awards honors the outstanding Websites that are setting the standards for the Internet. The Peace Corps' Webby Award nomination is a testament to the skill, ingenuity, and vision of its creators."

The 12th Annual Webby Awards received nearly 10,000 entries from over 60 countries and all 50 states and the Peace Corps is among five contestants in the Best Government Website category.

"I'm so proud of the accomplishments of the Peace Corps communications team. Our creative and hard working staff earned this honor and deserve this distinguished recognition. The Peace Corps congratulates them for reaching out to American teenagers about the rewards of service and volunteerism," said Peace Corps Director Ron Tschetter.

The Peace Corps main website draws over eight million visitors a year. The Peace Corps Teen Website (www.peacecorps.gov/teens) was launched in July 2007 to attract a new audience of American teenagers and to promote local volunteerism and future Peace Corps service. This website allows the Peace Corps to share ideas in novel and fun ways with this unique audience and features Peace Corps Volunteer profiles, blogs, photos, samples of music, recipes, and trivia from around the world. In addition to the Teens website, the Peace Corps maintains a website for teachers (www.peacecorps.gov/wws), a website for kids (www.peacecorps.gov/kids), and a website for 50+ Volunteers (www.peacecorps.gov/50plus).

The Webby Awards is the leading international award honoring excellence on the Internet, including Websites, interactive advertising, online film and video, and mobile web sites. The Webby Awards is presented by The International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences. A complete list of nominees is available.

The Peace Corps is celebrating a 47-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. To learn more about the Peace Corps, please visit our website: www.peacecorps.gov.

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