A Towering Task: The Story of the Peace Corps 

PBS Western Reserve (WNEO 45.1 / WEAO 49.1):

Sunday, Sept. 17, at 4 PM

Fusion (WNEO 45.2 / WEAO 49.2):

Saturday, Sept. 23, at 9 PM
Saturday, Sept. 30, at 2 PM

Founded during the Cold War, the Peace Corps stands as an icon of American idealism. From the beginning its mission of world peace and friendship proved to be a towering task. Imbued with the unbounded energy and vision of its charismatic leader, Sargent Shriver, and thousands of vigorous volunteers, the story of the Peace Corps is a uniquely American tale. From the political machinations to establish not only a brand-new government agency but also a new concept in international relations, to the growing pains of an agency striving to define its mission, A TOWERING TASK takes viewers on a journey of what it means to be a global citizen.

Host country nationals, Peace Corps volunteers and staff, and scholars and journalists take a closer look at peace building, economic development and political independence through the Peace Corps’ more than six decades of trials and transformations. Before being evacuated because of the pandemic, Peace Corps volunteers were serving in over 60 countries, and more than 200,000 have returned since 1961, but America is reevaluating how to engage with the rest of the world. Now as the Peace Corps rebuilds with increased nationalistic tendencies in America and around the globe, and Peace Corps volunteers at the forefront of some of the most pressing themes facing the global community, A TOWERING TASK asks: What role should the Peace Corps play in the 21st century?