Interview with John Baxter, May 2, 2023

Interview Summary

John Baxter served in Chile, 1965-1967, in community development. His group was the 11th to arrive in country. John sought PC service in part due to the Kennedy challenge and interest in Latin America. Pre-service training was 3 months in Puerto Rico. Only 16 of the 25 originally in the group were accepted. Unique aspects of early PC training included Outward Bound training and psychologist interviews. John’s first site was Santiago. He had soccer field, basketball court and scout projects and worked with a shoe co-op. After 11 months, John was sent to Antofagasta to continue a brick-making project using soil and cement. At COS, construction of a community building made of those bricks was underway. PC was new. Many volunteers felt they weren’t supported by staff, were frustrated and discouraged. John said PC gave him leadership skills, a knowledge of Spanish and lasting volunteer friendships.

Interview Keyword

Peace Corps (U.S.) Chile (Country of service) 1965-1967 (Date of service) Peace Corps Volunteer Job: Community Economic Development Chile Brazil Uruguay Bolivia Peace Corps (U.S.)--1960-1970 Peace Corps (U.S.)—History Regional Conflict Englih Spanish

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