By Dwayne Hunn
World College West would become headquarters for a Model East-West Peace Corps if a proposal for use of part of the Buck Trust Major Project funds is approved.
The idea, according to originator Dwayne Hunn, is to build something similar to the United States’ successful Peace Corps program that would include volunteer youths from both the United States and the Soviet Union.
After training at World College West, young men and women from both countries would work together, in villages, slums, schools, recreation centers and other places throughout the world.
The program would begin with 25 young Russians and 25 young Americans learning side-by-side with the hope it would be emulated by other countries throughout the world until eventually there would be an “invasion” of Peace Corps volunteers from all nations.
In his proposal, Hunn says the project would have a number and variety of beneficial results, including: --Building personal communication links that foster international understanding.
--Reducing international tension by building bonds of friendship through healthy and peaceful side-by-side work
--Promoting economic development in lesser developed countries.
--Aiding Mann County and the Bay Area, because volunteers would work on self-help projects in the area as part of the training program.
--Developing a comprehensive program that would be applied locally, nationally and internationally
--Sponsoring conferences, seminars and discussion groups in Marin to help further understanding between nations.
The training, which would be conducted at World College West, would include:
--An introductory one-week training class to teach problem-solving, fear-facing, communication, teamwork and trust.
--Intensive course work in Russian and English, the language of the planned host country, skill training for the work requested by the host country and culture of the host country. .
--Field training in a Bay Area program that would help those in need in the area.
--A physical training program that would emphasize team sports.
The Soviet and American youths would live together throughout the program.